The Moyie River, Idaho

"The Moyie River, ID" posted by YellowStoneFly aka Idaho Angler at Idaho Fly Fishers blog. "Flowing almost due south out of British Columbia, the Moyie River is a jewel of the northwest. The Moyie River originates in southeast British Columbia. It flows northeast and east, collecting many headwater streams, before turning south and entering Moyie Lake. The river exits Moyie Lake to the south, flowing south and west by the village of Yahk British Columbia and Yahk Provincial Park before entering Idaho at Kingsgate, British Columbia and Eastport, Idaho.

Moyie Spring Rafting

In Idaho, the Moyie River flows nearly due south for about thirty miles, emptying into the Kootenai River near Moyie Springs, Idaho (Home of the "Little" Mall of America) several miles east of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Near its mouth, the Moyie River tumbles over Moyie Falls. Near the falls is Moyie Dam, which was constructed in 1949.

Summertime Swimming Hole

The river has several oddly named pairs of tributaries. South of Moyie the river collects the tributaries of Sunrise Creek and then Sundown Creek. Farther south, it collects Irishman Creek and then Englishman Creek. At Yahk, Hawkins Creek joins the Moyie River. Hawkins Creek has two tributaries that begin in the United States and flow north into Canada: Canuck Creek and America Creek. Another odd name occurring along the river is the town of Good Grief, Idaho, which houses only one tavern to my knowledge." ***

Great Wade Fly Fishing

During the spring, snow melt creates great brook trout fishing by float. Several access points along the river make access easy and a small raft or even pontoon boat will suffice if you are careful. CAUTION: Stay well above Moyie Falls though. Flies such as large, foam stoneflies, stimulators and wooly buggers are the ticket. Brookies are in great numbers but an occassional very large rainbow will surprise you as well as they rise out of the deep holes which abound in every river turn. Summer time produces obviously lower flows but PMDs and large foam hoppers can produce some good action. Throw in an Adams and fish just above the dam for some nice cutties as well.

Favorite Run for Brookies

Wading access can be tough, but the Moyie is well worth the trip. This is a breathtakenly beautiful but remote area of northern Idaho.

Thanks for reading.

Idaho Angler (Idaho Fly Fishers.com)

If you prefer not to join e-Blogger to post your comment, email me at: IdahoAngler@live.com and I will post your comment for you.

*** Our thanks to Wikipedia for some of the information contained herein.

Click here to return to blog homepage.