Lewiston Lake begins right at the base of Trinity Dam.
This long, narrow impoundment stays cold all year long.
Depending on the ever-changing releases from Trinity Dam, Lewiston Lake frequently has a significant current.
This current and the clear, cold water make it fish much more like a spring creek or tailwater stream than a lake.
Our guides compare the fishing on Lewiston Lake to Fall River.
The main difference is that the fish on Lewiston Lake are typically larger and easier to catch!
Our guides start fishing Lewiston Lake in March.
While fish feast on midges year-round, the best mayfly hatches begin in March and go through the summer months.
Callibaetis and PMD hatches can be very thick. Calm days always offer a chance at surface-feeding fish.
We fish plenty of nymph and streamer techniques as well.
We use motorized boats on Lewiston Lake. While most of our fishing is done from the boat, on many days we get out and wade.
Wading is the best way to approach spooky fish.
Andrew Harris and Randy Hamann head up Confluence Outfitters' Lewiston Lake program.
Gear Recommendations for Lewiston Lake
Rods, Reels & Lines:
Five and six-weight nine-foot rods are ideal.
We use floating lines and clear intermediate sinking lines.
Double Taper Lines are best for delicate presentations.
We occasionally use fast-sinking full-sink lines.
Leaders, Tippet & Indicators:
We frequently use 6X and 7X tippet on Lewiston Lake.
Come prepared with 9' 6X leaders for dry fly fishing and 7.5' 5X leaders for nymphing.
We prefer "Corkie" indicators in the 1/2inch and 5/8inch size.
We use small split shot in sizes 6, 4, 1, and B.
Waders & Boots:
We frequently fish Lewiston Lake without doing any wading at all.
If you would like to wade, we recommend chest-high breathable waders.
Spiked wading boots are not necessary.
Season:
While Lewiston Lake is open to fishing year-round, we do most of our Lewiston Lake guide trips in March and April.
Flies:
Nymphs:
• Mercer's Micro Mayfly, all colors, size 16-18
• HBI, 16-18
• Pheasant Tail, curved shank, 16-20
• Brassie, 18-20
• WD-40, olive, 18
Dries:
• Parachute Adams, 14-20
• PMD parachute, 16-20
• Callibaetis Cripple, 14-16
• Comparadun, olive, 16-18
Leeches:
• Bouface, brown, 10
• Monroe leech, olive, 10
Sample Itinerary
Meeting Time & Place:
We typically meet our clients at the lake or at the Mountain Valley Grill in Lewiston at 8:30am.
Vehicle Considerations:
We typically have our clients follow us to the lake in their own vehicle.
Wading difficulty:
It is not necessary to wade. The wading that we do is typically very easy.
Multiple Fisheries in one Day:
Lewiston Lake is very close to Trinity Lake and the Trinity River. Occasionally we will split the day between Lewiston Lake and one of these other fisheries.
Length of the Day:
Most full days conclude around 5:30pm. Half days end around 1pm.