A Fly Fisher's Paradise: Exploring the Payette River in McCall
River Ranch is nestled along 2.5 miles of Payette River frontage, providing year-round fly fishing opportunity out your front door.
Nestled in the heart of Idaho's stunning landscape lies the charming town of McCall, a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts. Renowned for its pristine waters and abundant trout populations, the Payette River meanders through this picturesque region, offering anglers a haven for pursuing their passion. Join us as we delve into the allure of fly fishing along the Payette River and discover the secrets to a successful angling adventure in McCall.
The Payette River, with its crystal-clear waters and diverse ecosystems, provides an ideal habitat for various trout species, including rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout. Flowing through McCall, the river offers ample opportunities for both novice and seasoned anglers to test their skills against these elusive fish.
Fishing Techniques:
Gear Up
Before embarking on your fly fishing expedition, it's essential to equip yourself with the right gear. A sturdy fly rod, typically ranging from 8 to 9 feet in length with a weight suitable for trout fishing, is a must. Pair it with a reliable reel and a floating line to navigate the river's currents effectively.
Flies to Use:
Matching the hatch is crucial when fly fishing on the Payette River. Here are some go-to fly patterns that have proven effective in these waters:
Elk Hair Caddis: Mimicking the abundant caddisflies found along the river, this dry fly is irresistible to hungry trout during hatch season.
Parachute Adams: A versatile fly pattern that imitates a variety of mayflies and works well in both riffles and calm pools.
Prince Nymph: An excellent attractor nymph with its flashy appearance, enticing trout to strike in fast-moving currents.
Woolly Bugger: A classic streamer pattern that mimics baitfish or crayfish, perfect for targeting larger trout lurking in deeper pools.
Mastering various fishing techniques can significantly enhance your chances of success on the Payette River. Consider these tactics when casting your line:
Dry Fly Fishing: During hatch season, trout eagerly rise to the surface to feed on emerging insects. Use delicate presentations and precise casts to tempt them with dry flies.
Nymphing: Drifting nymph patterns along the river bottom can yield excellent results, especially in deeper pools and runs where trout seek refuge from the current.
Streamer Fishing: Targeting aggressive trout with streamer patterns requires dynamic retrieves and strategic casting near submerged structures and undercut banks.
As you venture along the Payette River in McCall, prepare to be captivated by the region's natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead, deer grazing along the riverbanks, and perhaps even the elusive river otter making a playful appearance.
Fly fishing the Payette River in McCall is a rewarding experience that promises both tranquility and excitement amidst nature's splendor. Whether you're casting dry flies during a hatch or drifting nymphs along the riverbed, each moment spent on these pristine waters is a testament to the enduring allure of fly fishing.
So, pack your gear, don your waders, and immerse yourself in the serenity of fly fishing along the Payette River—a true angler's paradise awaits in McCall.
Rivers and Streams
Within an hour of McCall, numerous rivers and streams provide excellent fly fishing opportunities.
Key waterways include the North Fork Payette River, South Fork Salmon River, and the Secesh River. These rivers, along with their tributaries, offer miles of accessible fishing spots teeming with trout and other species.
Lakes
The region boasts several lakes suitable for fly fishing, including Payette Lake, Little Payette Lake, and Lake Cascade. These lakes are home to various fish species and offer both shore and boat fishing opportunities.
Payette Lake key facts include:
Surface Area: Approximately 4,987 acres
Length: 6 miles
Width: 2.25 miles
Maximum Depth: Approximately 304 feet
Shoreline: Approximately 22 miles
Fishing Access Spots
Here are 20 notable fishing access points within an hour of McCall:
North Fork Payette River – McCall city access
North Fork Payette River – Upper Payette Lake access
South Fork Salmon River – near Warm Lake
Secesh River – near Secesh Meadows
Lake Cascade – Tamarack Falls
Lake Cascade – Boulder Creek
Little Payette Lake – boat launch area
Goose Creek – near Goose Lake
Fisher Creek – near Fisher Creek Saddle
Big Creek – near Big Creek Lodge
Lick Creek – near Lick Creek Summit
Johnson Creek – near Johnson Creek Airstrip
Deadwood River – near Deadwood Reservoir
Middle Fork Salmon River – near Boundary Creek
Bear Valley Creek – near Bruce Meadows
Marsh Creek – near Dagger Falls
Elk Creek – near Elk Creek Guard Station
Big Salmon Creek – near Salmon Summit
Warm Lake – near Warm Lake Lodge
Pistol Creek – near Pistol Creek Ranch
Mountain Lakes for Fishing
For those willing to hike, several mountain lakes offer serene fishing experiences:
Upper Hazard Lake
Louie Lake
Snowslide Lake
Duck Lake
Twin Lakes
Blackmare Lake
Heart Lake
Loon Lake
Deadman Lake
Upper Payette Lake
Common Fish Species Near McCall, Idaho
Trout Species
Rainbow Trout – Abundant in rivers, streams, and lakes like Payette Lake, Little Payette Lake, and the Payette River.
Cutthroat Trout – Particularly the Westslope Cutthroat, often found in higher elevation streams and mountain lakes.
Brook Trout – Often found in alpine lakes and smaller creeks; easily caught and great for beginners.
Brown Trout – Less common but present in some deeper or larger rivers and lakes.
Lake Trout (Mackinaw) – Found in deeper lakes like Payette Lake; targeted mostly with downriggers or jigging.
Bull Trout (Threatened/Protected) – Present in some waters like the Secesh and South Fork Salmon River; catch-and-release only.
Dolly Varden (Protected) – A native char species occasionally confused with Bull Trout; found in cold, clear mountain streams and rivers—catch-and-release only where encountered.
Salmonids
Kokanee Salmon – Land-locked Sockeye salmon, found in Payette Lake and Lake Cascade.
Chinook Salmon (seasonal) – Occasional runs in the South Fork Salmon River, depending on IDFG regulations.
Other Game Fish
Mountain Whitefish – Common in rivers like the North Fork Payette and Salmon River, especially in winter.
Smallmouth Bass – Primarily in Lake Cascade and lower elevation lakes.
Yellow Perch – Found in Lake Cascade and other warm-water reservoirs; excellent for ice fishing.
Northern Pikeminnow – Native species, sometimes caught incidentally in rivers.
Sucker Fish – Often seen in river systems; not a target species, but still present.
