Northwest Fishing Reports

My son and I are planning a run to the Pend Orielle river to do some pike fishing in April. Does anyone know any good campgrounds in the area? We have family in Colville but if I recall correctly, that's kind of a long haul. Thank you in advance.

Colville is quite a haul. I am not sure about any public camping areas open in April, but there is two motels in Newport and one in Priest River that you can stay at.

later in the year, there are public camp spots available, but I just drive up from Spokane so I don't pay that much attention to them. Sorry.

I know of the Pend Oreille River Resort but their website has been down for months, not sure whats up with that
and I'm not sure of the best way to contact them. I believe they are located in Cusick...or Usk.
There are a few others...I'll see if I can google them.

http://www.porta-us.com/lodging.html

you might try browsing here..Good luck

If you go to Usk there is a campground that is pretty cheap w/ launch accessright at the bridge. Not sure when it opens but you could call the Shell station & ask. I was up there fishing from under the bridge yesterday and the camp area is still snowed over. GL

Lots of good info. Thanks all

wow a town called Usk, that is a small town in my home country Wales that i used to ride my bicyle to when i was a kid. Havent heard that name in ages. Sorry to post a no use comment, although im temped to drive there now..lol.

wel what do you know i just googled it. and came up with this

http://www.experiencewa.com/Cities/usk.aspx

Hi, I grew up on the Pend Orielle River in the town of Ione. If you put in the best places are NewPort and just North of that near Cuisick. Now, be very aware that you can't put in after Ione. The Box Canyon Dam has killed many people who go past this mark. Also if you put in past Box Canyon you run strraight into the whirl pool under the bridge at Metaline Falls and the through Z canyon into Boundry dam. Both are killers. You must fish south of Ione. There is a a place in Ruby where my grandfather used to run the ferry there. the old ramp is still intact and there is a camp ground there too. Other that that a great place to go is just north of Ruby to Jared and the sand bars there. I hope this helps. Just make sure you never get anywhere near the dams. Bruce Middleton

:pale: OK important safety tip!!!! Stay south of Ione. Thank you so much.

Hey, Bruce M., long time no see, lets catch up, dave meier dvlljjn@msn.com

Pioneer Park has camping and boat launch but isn't open until the end of May. It's about 3 miles north of Newport on the east side of the river. A private campground or motel might be your only option that early in the season. Bruce is dead on about the boating hazards on the river. Because of several sand and rock bars, the river channel is important to know, especially in low water conditions. Unless you have a jet, than no sweat! If you like to rough it, people beach camp on the islands. Pack it in, pack it out!