This Kootenai River fishing report is brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Linehan Outfitting and provides current Kootenai River and fishing conditions. It will be updated frequently or as conditions change. Linehan Outfitting Company is the best local source for all information surrounding the Kootenai River. Give a call anytime if you have any questions about the Kootenai River or anything about Montana fly fishing or fly fishing in general.
Discharge from Libby Dam: Flows from Libby Dam will remain at 9,000cfs through the end of August.
In-Flow From Lake Koocanusa: Approximately 7,600 cfs
Kootenai River water temperature below Libby Dam: 56 degrees
Water Clarity: Water clarity is terrific. The river is gin clear this time of year.
Hatches: midge, caddis, pmds, hoppers, ants, terrestrials
Patterns: parachute Adams, purple chubby, red chubby, hopper patterns, terrestrial patterns, parachute pmd, rusty spinner, spent caddis, elk hair caddis, Blooms caddis, caddis pupa, prince nymph, soft hackle pheasant tail, Pat’s rubber legged stonefly, SJ worms, Orvis bead head pt, Orvis bh copper john, red bh copper john, big bunny streamers and deceivers in red, pink and white, and white circus peanut
Discharge from Libby Dam is 9000cfs and the river is in great shape. Water temperatures are terrific and there are no dog days of August here. The Kootenai is fishing well.
Dry fly action is outstanding throughout the entire day. Caddis and pmds continue to pop in specific areas and faster water. Pmd spinner falls have been consistent in the mornings over riffles and down through runs. If you see bugs, you’ll likely see rising fish. Make a good presentation and they’ll eat a size 16 parachute pmd, rusty or cream colored spinner, or an elk hair caddis perfectly well. Hopper action is heating up and we’re now fishing big bugs with a dropper for most of the day.
Nymphing the Kootenai River will produce even during high sunshine and mid-day. Look for fish in faster runs 2-6 feet deep and especially in boulder gardens and deep riffles. The last couple days have been very good. Water temperatures are perfect at 56 degrees at Libby Dam. Trout are feeding aggressively. Remember to get bugs down and keep them down. Keep a keen eye on your indicator and if you notice even the slightest change in speed, lift.
Look for fish in slower currents, buckets, tailouts, and especially around cover and down rocky runs. Slip your bugs above and especially below boulders in the cushions as fish will be concentrated in soft pockets. Also, water temps will likely be a few degrees warmer as you get downstream from the Libby Dam.
Be brave and confident. Get out the bigger rods and throw streamers. This is actually a great time of year to pick up a big fish. Fish streamers slowly with a pulse now and again to make them look like struggling baitfish.
7 Day Weather Outlook: Expect another heat wave to hit the area beginning this weekend. Daytime temps will soar and will be in the high 90s during the late afternoons. You might consider fishing early and late again in the event afternoon action gets tough. On the other hand, hoppers like heat.
