The Kootenai is currently doing its best impression of a pressurized fire hose, but don’t let the high water scare you off—the fishing is heating up faster than my optimism for the Red Sox’s batting average. While the river is running big, the bugs are popping and the trout are finally shaking off their winter slumber. They’re feeling about as lazy as a Sunday afternoon right now, so if you aren’t targeting the deep, soft water, you’re basically just giving your flies a scenic tour of Montana.
Quick Specs
- Flows: 20,000 CFS (Libby Dam)
- Temp: ~40°F
- Status: High but clear; fishing well.
- Reminder: Closed from Libby Dam to Fisher River bridge until June 1.
Tactical Summary
- Nymphing: The most consistent producer. Run rigs 5–6 feet deep in slow water. Use a Coffee Pat’s Stonefly or Perdigons.
- Dry Flies: Look for risers in the soft stuff during the afternoon warmth (50s–60s). Midges and Baetis are the main event.
- Streamers: Fish them slow and deep. “Thump and pulse” a Drunk and Disorderly to find the big meat-eaters.
- Location: Skip the riffles! Fish are hugging cover and 5+ foot depths to avoid the heavy current.
Here is the latest report from Linehan Outfitting as of April 8, 2026:
In-flow from Lake Koocanusa: not available at this time
Flows from Libby Dam: 20,000
Hatches: midge, baetis, March browns, caddis
Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 40 degrees
patterns: zebra midge, Uke’s brown perdigon, wire worm, perdigons, smaller sparkle minnows, midge cluster, Pat’s stonefly, flashback pheasant tail nymph, hare’s ears, prince nymphs, circus peanuts, drunk and disorderlies, parachute Adams, purple haze, baetis sparkle dun, x-caddis, Bloom’s caddis
The Kootenai river is presently running high but water conditions are good and it’s fishing pretty well.
Keep in mind the Kootenai River is closed to fishing from Libby Dam to the Fisher River bridge until June 1.
Expect partly sunny days with temperatures in the and 50s-60s through most of the week.
Water temps are still cold but spring hatches have started since daytime temps are creeping up. Depending on the day and stretch, expect to find rising fish in softer water and off current areas if bugs are around. This time of year rising fish are pretty user friendly. Get a good drift and they’ll likely crush your fly.
As is often the case in the spring, nymphing is strong and will consistently produce fish throughout the day.
Be sure to look for fish in softer water. I mention this every spring. Trout are lethargic this time of year and will not move very far to feed. Additionally, they will be in off current areas, around cover, and especially in soft runs with depths of 5 plus feet of water. Skip riffles. They’re just not there this time of year. Any of the nymph patterns listed above will move fish and rigs with indicators set about five to six feet from the top fly will cover most water. One or two BB split shot should do the trick. Coffee colored Pat’s stonefly with a perdigon is always a good bet.
If you have a hankering, streamer fishing is best bet if you’re looking for one solid fish. Depending on flows, be sure to 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.
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My Boston Red Sox are off to a less than stellar start to the season and are currently struggling to get men around the bases. Pitching is still led by a true ace in Garrett Crochet. Rotation after him is strong with veterans Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, and Brayan Bello filling out the top four spots. The green grass positions are essentially the same highlighted by slugger Roman Anthony, Jarren Durran, Rafaela, Abreu, Gonzelaz, Campbell, Story and hopefully Tristian Casas back from a season ending injury early last year. I like this team again and think we can be competitive. Go Sox!
Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any our hunting or fishing adventures. And please check out our e-commerce site for all Linehan Outfitting branded soft wear and hats and all Orvis gear as well. The new Orvis Helios rods are here and you have to cast one to believe! https://linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com/