This Kootenai River Montana fishing report is being brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Linehan Outfitting. This report will be updated weekly to provide current conditions, weather, hatches, patterns, and flows to our local waters and across the state.
In-flow from Lake Koocanusa: approximately 16,000cfs
Flows from Libby Dam: The following outflow changes are scheduled for Saturday through Tuesday, June 21st – June 24th:
The following outflow changes are scheduled for Saturday, June 21:
-Outflows will decrease from 12.0 kcfs to 11.0 kcfs at 0000 MDT.
The following outflow changes are scheduled for Sunday, June 22:
-Outflows will decrease from 11.0 kcfs to 10.0 kcfs at 0000 MDT.
The following outflow changes are scheduled for Monday, June 23:
-Outflows will decrease from 10.0 kcfs to 9.0 kcfs at 0000 MDT.
The following outflow changes are scheduled for Tuesday, June 24:
-Outflows will decrease from 9.0 kcfs to 8.5 kcfs at 0000 MDT.
Hatches: midge, stoneflies, pmds, caddis
Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 50 degrees
patterns: zebra midge, Uke’s brown perdigon, wire worm, perdigons, smaller streamers in tan, black and red, midge cluster, parachute Adams, pmd sparkle dun, pmd hackle stacker, Pat’s stonefly, flashback pheasant tail nymph, Frenchies, hare’s ears, prince nymphs, x-caddis, goddard caddis, caddis emergers
Presently the Kootenai is clear and in good shape. Flows are consistently dropping daily and by next will land at 7000cfs for the summer.
As flows are dropping keep in mind fish will be moving around to accommodate the transition in their habitat. That said, trout will be in more traditional summer runs and riffles especially if bugs are hatching. And pmds and caddis have started to pop.
Nymphing is very productive at the moment. Pat’s rubber legged stoneflies in coffee color and size 16 or 18 mayfly beadheads will get the job done. Five to six feet to the first fly with at least a BB is perfect.
Streamer fishing is best bet if you’re looking for one solid fish. Again, get the fly down. Fish it slowly and thump and pulse like it’s a wounded minnow. If you get a pull, stop it. Let it sink. Then pulse it again. While not as productive as nymphing throughout the day, pulling junk will move a nicer fish or two.
Dry fly action has been spotty in the afternoons. Pmds and caddis are coming off on both upper and lower river during afternoons. Fish are ready to eat and rising affirmatively when bugs are hatching. This time of year they’re generally going to be grabby. Additionally, hatches can be sparse so fish will be moving around in runs. Be patient. Don’t assume you’ve had a refusal if you don’t move a rising fish on first cast. Watch closely. The same fish will rise again the near vicinity.
Lots of news and upheaval for the Boston Red Sox over the last few days. Devers got traded. Some of us think that’s a good thing. Several young guns have been brought up and are contributing especially Roman Anthony. Injuries have been an issue but Bregman and noted to be healing well and ahead of recovery schedule and due back soon. Pitching has been perfectly good with terrific and consistent efforts by Crochet. All in all with the young guns in action and a great run of wins over the last two series with the Yankees and Mariners, this team looks like it could be competitive. Go Sox!
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