Idaho
Lochsa River near Lowell
Location Snapshot
Lochsa River near Lowell is a clear, free-flowing north-central Idaho mountain river in the Clearwater drainage. Cutthroat trout define the coldwater fishery across boulder runs, pools, and forested canyon habitat.
Current River Rating
Fair · 55
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Current conditions do not support a reliable fishing window.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 353 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.8 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 13337000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
Loading readings from the past 7 days…
Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Mostly clear
Temperature
47°F
Feels like
43°F
Wind
1 mph NE
Wind gust
1 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 2:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Overcast
Temp 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 9 AM
Overcast
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 1 PM
Overcast
Temp 69°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 5 PM
Overcast
Temp 67°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 9 PM
Overcast
Temp 61°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 1 AM
Clear
Temp 56°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 72°F / Low 46°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 82°F / Low 56°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Rain
High 73°F / Low 54°F
Chance 87%
Precip 0.28 in
Max gust 10 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Rain
High 55°F / Low 43°F
Chance 91%
Precip 0.20 in
Max gust 12 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild rainbow trout are in the Lochsa River near Lowell.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Lochsa River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Idaho, Idaho
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Idaho
Management Category
Wild trout river
Regulation Scope
Lochsa River near Lowell.
Regulation Summary
Lochsa near Lowell: IDFG Clearwater Region Lochsa special-rule sections. Confirm current 2025-2027 Fishing Seasons & Rules.
Target Species
rainbow-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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