If you are looking for a new and less fished river to trout fish, take a look at the Yaak River in the Kootenai National Forest. The largest brook trout in the state and many rainbow trout are found in the upper Yaak River. Endangered Bull trout may be caught but must be released. Many smaller trout readily take your fly.
This watershed saw heavy logging in the past but has been improving every year. Wading can be challenging. Use a wading staff and boots with some decent traction.
The best trout fishing to Yaak about begins in June can be excellent through September. Streamer fishing can be superb in October. This Lincoln County, Montana river has decent access and plenty of services nearby. A paved road borders the upper river. The nearest town is Troy and Libby Montana.
Drifting the upper river is possible in early June but wading anglers do best when the water drops. Logs and shallow rifles will block boats after the runoff. Larger rainbows are found below Yaak falls. This lower section sees low fishing pressure but has larger hungry trout. Access requires a long steep hike, but anglers can find excellent fishing in the 9 miles of the lower river before its mouth.
If you choose a guide for this river, plan on learning more about fly fishing. Dry fly fishing requires some entomology knowledge and better fly fishing and casting skills.
There are 6 primary campgrounds along the watershed. Kootenai River Outfitters and Linehan Outfitting Co. can provide advice, tackle, guides, and gear.
The last time that I fished this river was a few years ago. I used a Muddler Minnow as a nymph and streamer with excellent results. Pheasant tail and Prince nymphs were money. The Adams dry fly was my go-to fly . Caddis can also be a good choice.
The reason for looking at this different watershed is to encourage anglers to spread out. Too many of our premier waters are being pounded. The Madison River and Bighorn have become ridiculously crowded and the trout are paying the price. On one day along the Madison River, during the Salmon fly hatch, I counted 132 boats/ rafts. That does not include the bank fishermen. This flotilla was between Lyons and McAtee Bridge.
Try something new!
Montana Grant
