Medicine Lodge Creek
spring creek in Idaho
Medicine Lodge Creek is characterized by clear, consistent flows and rich aquatic insect life. Anglers can expect to encounter challenging but rewarding fishing for strong, wild trout in a serene setting.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Medicine Lodge Creek
- 01Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun (#18-22) is crucial for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults during fall BWO hatches.
- 02Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14-18) effectively mimics various active mayfly nymphs, especially during fall BWO periods.
- 03Blood Dot Egg (#10-14) capitalizes on the fall spawning season, effective for opportunistic trout feeding on dislodged eggs.
- 04Olive Sculpin (#4-8) is a great streamer choice for aggressive trout keying on baitfish and sculpins in colder water.
- 05Focus efforts on deeper pools, current seams, undercut banks, and healthy weed beds for prime trout holding locations.
- 06With clear skies and cooler water, trout can be selective; a dead-drift with minimal drag is paramount for subsurface presentations.
- 07Consider a multi-fly nymphing rig with a heavier pattern trailed by a smaller midge for finicky feeders.
What to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Fall BWO hatches are a staple on Idaho spring creeks, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonBaetis Nymph
Baetis nymphs are active year-round on spring creeks, and are particularly effective during fall BWO hatch periods.
PMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders like Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout.
Olive Sculpin
As water temperatures drop in the fall, aggressive trout will key on baitfish and sculpins, making this a 'hot fly' in colder water.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall is egg season below spawning trout, making this a highly effective pattern for opportunistic Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout.
Buy at AmazonPine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold fall water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic trout.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round in spring creeks, effective as a subsurface searching pattern.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
This versatile nymph effectively mimics various mayfly nymphs, which are active subsurface during fall BWO periods.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
BLM Public Access Points
Several designated public access areas found along Medicine Lodge Road.
Camas Creek Road Bridge
A good starting point for exploring the creek near its junction with Camas Creek Road.
Upper Public Water
More remote upstream sections offering secluded fishing opportunities.
Get Medicine Lodge Creek reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Idaho season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
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Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Medicine Lodge Creek.
What flies work best on Medicine Lodge Creek?
Our top scored fly patterns for Medicine Lodge Creek right now are Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun (80% confidence), Baetis Nymph (80% confidence), PMD (Pale Morning Duns) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Medicine Lodge Creek?
Medicine Lodge Creek holds Rainbow Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Medicine Lodge Creek fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Medicine Lodge Creek each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.