The Pend Oreille River is Idaho and Washington's premier waterway flowing from Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho to the Columbia River in Washington. This 139-mile river offers diverse fishing opportunities through various sections with different characteristics. The river is home to abundant populations of smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with trout species including brown, rainbow, and cutthroat. Characterized by its relatively slow-moving water in many sections, the river provides excellent habitat for both coldwater and warmwater species, making it a versatile fishing destination year-round. From its origin at Lake Pend Oreille through its winding course between forested shorelines and rural landscapes, the Pend Oreille River delivers consistent fishing action for anglers of all experience levels.
Learn what type of fish are at Pend Oreille River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Esox lucius
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ameiurus melas
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Salvelinus confluentus
Lota lota
Ictalurus punctatus
Coregonus clupeaformis
Prosopium williamsoni
Ptychocheilus oregonensis
Lepomis gibbosus
Pomoxis annularis
Perca flavescens
Learn how to get on Pend Oreille River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
"To fish in Idaho any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license. Anglers younger than 14 do not need a license, but there is a small difference between resident and nonresident youth. -A resident child under 14 has their own separate fishing limit. -A nonresident child under 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license and their fish are in included in the license holders fishing limit. However, a nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit. Special fishing permits are need for some activities for both residents and nonresidents: -Fishing for salmon and steelhead -Fishing with two poles."
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Navigable streams are recognized as public transportation corridors, thus members of the public have the right to use the corridor, provided they enter and exit the corridor at a public right of way and remain within the corridor. Many navigable streams flow through private property, thus it is important that anglers know their rights and responsibilities when fishing in navigable waters that flow through private property.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Pend Oreille River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Pend Oreille River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Pend Oreille River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Pend Oreille River.
Pend Oreille River · Below Albeni Falls Dam · National Weather Service
12,750 cfs now
Forecast updated today at 10:38 AM PST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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