Pend Oreille and Sanpoil Rivers, Washington

A beautiful little-known freestone stream, the Sanpoil offers some of the finest small-stream trout fishing in Eastern Washington. The best fly-fishing is after spring run-off typically occurring in late June or early July. Good rainbow, brown, and brook trout fishing along with very little fishing pressure make the Sanpoil a desirable destination for all fly-fisherman. 

Due to its location outside of the Colville Indian Reservation, the upper stretch of the river gets most of the attention. (In order to fish the lower stretch within the Reservation, a special license is required.) However, it is the lower stretch of the river that offers the best fishing with little to no pressure. It is here that brown trout averaging 16-20 inches- with a few true hogs weighing upwards of 5-7 pounds- can be caught in a small river no more than 40-50 feet wide. 

The rainbows that inhabit the lower stretch of the Sanpoil are spring-spawners that take residence in this little gem of a river and remain here for most of the year. The rainbows range from 14-18 inches with an occasional 20+ incher. One may encounter the occasional brook trout which will average 10-14 inches. The banks of the Sanpoil are brushy thus offering great habitat for caddis which the fish feed on heavily. The other main insect hatches are PMDs, yellow sallies, golden stoneflies, and the occasional terrestrial. Most brown trout can be caught on well-placed streamers or the occasional dry fly. Rainbows will target most dry fly action throughout the day.



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