If you’ve been waiting for the river to dial it back a notch, good news: the sturgeon spawning party is wrapping up, and Libby Dam is officially turning down the faucet, according to the June 16, 2026 report by Linehan Outfitting.
The Flow Breakdown
- Right Now: We’re riding at a hefty 20,000 cfs. “Presently the Kootenai is clear and fishable,” so while wading is minimal, boat fishing is good to go as things ramp down.
- Thursday, June 18: Dropping to 17.5 kcfs.
- Tuesday, June 23: Dropping again to a much more manageable 15.0 kcfs.
- (Ignore that weird May 26th mention in the official text—unless you have a time machine).
What’s on the Menu?
The water is a chilly 40°F, so the trout are still shaking off winter. They are lazy, hanging out in soft water, off-current spots, and deep runs (5+ feet). They won’t chase your fly across the river, so you have to put it right in their faces.
- Nymphing (The Safest Bet): This is your bread and butter right now. Run a coffee Pat’s Stonefly with a perdigon dropper about 5–6 feet under an indicator. “Any of the nymph patterns listed above will move fish,” so don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites.
- Dry Fly Action: Happening later in the day when Midges, Baetis, March Browns, and Caddis start popping. “This time of year rising fish are pretty user friendly,” so just give ’em a good drift and they’ll likely crush it.
- Streamers: Not a numbers game, but if you want a trophy, throw some “junk” (Circus Peanuts or Drunk & Disorderlies). Retrieve it slow, make it look wounded, and if you get a hit, let it sink before pulsing again.
Weather
Expect a solid week of partly sunny skies with highs in the 60s and 70s.
Need the full scoop or want to book an adventure? Give Linehan Outfitting a shout HERE.
