Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Clearwater Region
The Lochsa River runs along US-12 below Lolo Pass, a clear, fast river with westslope cutthroat and big summer whitewater.
Looking for the latest Lochsa River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Lochsa River.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Lochsa River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Water is low and cold.
Cutthroat fishing is mostly done for the year.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Highway 12, bring: Stimulator #10-14, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-16, Pat', s Rubber Legs #8-10, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lochsa River details
| Access | US-12 follows the river, with many pullouts and campgrounds. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 1,500 to 3,500 ft |
| Nearest town | Lowell, Idaho |
| Best season | July through September |
| Fish | Westslope cutthroat and bull trout, whitefish |
| Regulations | Catch-and-release on much of the Lochsa. Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game seasons and rules before you go. An Idaho fishing license is required for anglers 14 and older, plus a steelhead or salmon permit where those fish are targeted. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X tippet |
| Camping | Wilderness Gateway and other campgrounds along US-12 |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Very cold, fast water in spring. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Snow.
Spring
Big runoff and whitewater.
Summer
Dry flies.
Fall
Low water.
How to get there
From Lewiston, take US-12 east past Lowell, or from Missoula take US-12 over Lolo Pass.