COEUR d'ALENE - Steelhead fishermen are a happy group right now, said Pat Way of Orvis Northwest Outfitters in Coeur d'Alene.

"Numbers of steelhead in the Clearwater and Snake (rivers) are above-average this time of year and far exceed last year's counts," Way said Wednesday. "Sparsely tied, traditional steelhead flies seem to be working the best."

With the steelhead rivers running less than their normal flow rates, Way expects the rain to help the fishing for the next few days.

Effective patterns right now: Low-water green butt skunks, signal lights, black bears, Hiltons and freight trains.

Although the Coeur d'Alene River has slowed, the St. Joe and Clark Fork rivers continue to fish well, Way said.

"Usual fall insects are still in full swing," Way said. "Blue-winged olives, mahogany duns and October caddis remain abundant."

The best time for trout fishing is approximately 11 a.m. until dark.

"Rain in the forecast will bring a much-needed recharge to these rivers and actually should improve the fishing rather than hurting it," Way said.

How about North Idaho's lakes?

Tina Padgitt, in the fishing department at Black Sheep Sporting Goods, said fishermen are having success trolling on Coeur d'Alene for chinook salmon and on Pend Oreille for rainbows. Kokanee fishing also continues.

For the chinook on Coeur d'Alene, go with a herring in a helmet or a mini squid and flasher, Padgitt said.

On Pend Oreille, she said Apex trolling lures by Hot Spot Lures, of Victoria, British Columbia, are working great for the big rainbows.

The lure's action resembles a wounded fish.

"The fall colors are working the best," she said.

Fishermen can also try big trolling flies on Pend Oreille, Padgitt said.

Dewayne Sunell of Cabela's in Post Falls said kokanee are still being pulled into boats on Pend Oreille and Hayden Lake.

"It's actually a good time of year to fish," Sunell said. Many outdoorsmen have moved on to hunting.

He recommended adding some white corn or maggots to a wedding ring on both Hayden and Pend Oreille.

On Hayden, Sunell said, the kokanee are about 30 to 40 feet deep.

The hot spots on Pend Oreille are around Farragut State Park.

Those going further north can get into some two- to seven-pound mackinaw on Priest Lake.

Get down about 100 to 150 feet and use a Flatfish Lure behind a dodger, Sunell said.

"They hang pretty deep," he said.

Fisherman can work Cavanaugh Bay and Bartoo Island for consistent action.

Got fish tips? Email Outdoors section editor David Cole at [email protected].