Wife and I are headed to Coeur d'Alene this May for our anniversary.

We're wanting to spend a part or all of a day floating and fishing. The fishing isn't nearly as important as the scenery.

In doing research, it looks like we have three options:

Coeur d'Alene River - This is the most convenient as it's 30 minutes away so we'll save a lot of driving time.

Clark Fork River in Montana - It's a 90 minute drive so a couple hours more driving.

Kootenai River in Montana - It's a two hour drive so basically half a day driving.

Research says the Montana rivers are more scenic than the Coeur d'Alene in Idaho.

We've done the Bitterroot Valley in Montana so we've seen Montana. At least a part of it.

We'll be doing this on a Thursday in the middle of May so don't think crowds will be a factor.

Curious if anyone has done any of these and if the extra drive time is worth it. If it's worth it, we'll do it.

TIA

I've fished all but the Kootenai … both great.

St Joe was my favorite in the area.

Clark is bigger body of water.

Somebody on here lives up there … bet they will chime in.

Early May could be a little iffy on water … double check.

We're looking at property up in Coeur d'Alene. This is where we're hoping to retire, but struggling to find a place that we feel is commensurate in quality/amenities with the price we're having to pay.

Sorry OP, can't help you on your question, but more just wanted to chime in on Coeur d'Alene. Beautiful country up there.

Wife's family lives in Sandpoint. If you don't mind the drive and being gone ALL day the Kootenai River is the one to choose. Scenery is epic. We've always floated during the week. You won't see many people.

We put in just above Troy and take out just above Bonner's Ferry at the Moyie River

Thanks for the info, y'all.

I do need to check on timing since some rivers are more susceptible that time of year.

That might be the decider as don't want to make plans and then they get canceled.