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 10,000cfs
Flows from Libby Dam: approximately 7000cfs
Hatches: midge, stoneflies, pmds, caddis
Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 54 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. Discharge from Libby Dam is now approximately 7000cfs and will remain steady through end of August.
Summer conditions are here and trout have moved into runs and riffles especially if bugs are hatching. Pmds and caddis are mainstays for July. Insect activity always depends on water type and stretch. Pmds are still sputtering along but decreasing significantly on both upper and lower river. Caddis are hatching in most riffles and swarming in the evenings.
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 is terrific. 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. Trout are now also generally looking up. Think attractor patterns like chubbies, water walkers, royal wulffs, purple haze with caddis droppers for all day rigs.
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