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 6000cfs
Flows from Libby Dam: approximately 7000cfs
Hatches: midgE, caddis, nocturnal stoneflies, ants, hoppers
Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 55 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, water walkers, chubbies, hoppers, ants.
Presently the Kootenai is clear and in good shape. Discharge from Libby Dam is now approximately 6200cfs and will remain steady through end of September.
Generally speaking it’s all about big bugs and droppers. Terrestrials are in play as the late summer deepens into fall. Hoppers and droppers and ants and beetles and things of that nature.
Dry fly action is terrific. Look for fish in 1-6 feet of water and don’t be afraid to show them the fly a few times. Don’t think that just because you don’t get an eat on the first pass through likley water, there isn’t a trout ready to hammer the big bug on the next cast. Think attractor patterns like chubbies, water walkers, royal wulffs, purple haze with caddis droppers for all day rigs. Hopper patterns with duracells on a two foot dropper has been moving fish consistently for weeks.
Short leash nymphing is also 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. Target riffles, faster runs with depth of 2-4 feet and mid-river monster foam seams.
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. This is the time of year when bigger fish will be bulking up. Stick with it. You’ll get a nice one.
The Boston Red Sox are on a tear! Lately we’ve had great series against the Padres and Astros. Young guns Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Durran, Ceddanne Rafaella, and star Alex Bregman have been crushing the ball and sending men tearing around the bases. Pitching has been terrific led by Garret Crochet with great closing jobs by veteran Aroldis Chapman. This team is fun to watch and very competitive. Hopefully we can keep the momentum. Go Sox!
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