Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Panhandle Region
The Priest River flows from Priest Lake to the Pend Oreille River, with rainbows, cutthroat and smallmouth bass in its lower reaches.
Looking for the latest Priest 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 Priest River.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Priest River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are low in fall.
Nymphs and small streamers in the deeper runs.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Priest River, bring: Woolly Bugger #6-8, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Stimulator #10-14, Clouser Minnow #4-6, 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.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Priest River details
| Access | Roads and access sites between Priest Lake and the town of Priest River. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,100 to 2,400 ft |
| Nearest town | Priest River, Idaho |
| Best season | Summer and fall |
| Fish | Rainbow and cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass |
| Regulations | 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, 3X to 5X |
| Camping | Priest Lake campgrounds |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Popular float in summer. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Quiet.
Spring
Runoff.
Summer
Caddis and smallmouth.
Fall
Low water.
How to get there
From Sandpoint, take US-2 west to Priest River.