Hoppers, droppers and ants, oh my. Hoppers, droppers and ants, oh my.
Discharge from Libby Dam has been decreased from 7000cfs to 6000cfs and will remain constant through the end of September. The Kootenai is still in great shape! It’s hopper season and big bugs rule. Good action is being had in faster water with all varieties of hopper patterns. The river is now gin clear so long leaders are the name of the game even when fishing big bugs. Droppers like tiny pheasant tail nymphs, copper johns and Kootenai green meanies are also moving fish. Don’t be afraid to fish dropper nymphs at least 24 inches below the hopper. Keep in mind it takes time for the nymph to penetrate the first couple inches of the water column. Size 18 black flying ants have also been covering the water each day like so many specs of dust. 6x is the starting point but fish are really active and playing the sippy-sippy game when ants are prolific. Yesterday it seemed that every fish in the river was rising and sipping ants providing targets all day. Keep in mind it’s best to always look ahead and concentrate on a single fish instead of flock shooting especially since fish will be moving in slower currents and not necessarily stationary. Choose your target, be very accurate, and you’ll do well. XXX-caddis, pmd patterns and small attractors continue to move fish. Look for spinners in the morning and as always, lime green midge on the upper river. All in all the Kootenai is still in great shape and we’re looking forward to a great fall season.