Going to Northern Idaho to chase trout with my 5-weight. I've never fished there before, and was hoping some kind soul could point me in the right direction as far as hatches likely to be encountered and the size of said quarry. Website links would be most appreciated! Thanks--

=mja=

How far north ?? the best fishing is south and central. However, the St Joe is pretty good and if you make down far enough the selway is great. Kelly Cr. is pretty good also. Caddis flys are your freind this time of year.

Fishkisser, exactly where are you heading? If you want a decent web site for updates try the Twin river anglers site from a flyshop in Lewiston. http://www.traflyfish.com/default.htm Look under the fishing and river reports and they have a lot of the Idaho rivers listed in there with relatively current reports.
B-run is right on the mark with the St.Joe, and Selway. Also right next to the Selway is the Lochsa with some really easy access right off highway 12. Kelly creek is quite a trip but it can really be worth it.
As far as patterns my favorite for these fish is almost always a yellow or orange stimulator. If that doesn't work then it's time to switch around to other patterns like caddis flys, humpys, royal coachman... As you can tell I usually use the attractor patterns first. If I see some sort of a hatch coming off then I'll try and make the match.

Good luck,

Duke

The aforementioned streams are all excellent suggestions. I'd recommend taking a selection of grasshoppers and black ants along.

Fishkisser, the Joe has been hot lately but don't overlook the Coeur d' Alene system. The North Fork is one of my favorites. Try some elk hair cadis in sizes 12 or 14.