Dishcharge from Libby Dam is 7000 cfs and will remain there through September offering great wading opportunities on the river this season. Conditions on the Kootenai have settled into the standard summer routine with pmds and caddis headlining hatches. All in all the Kootena is fishing pretty well.
Caddis have been active and popping out of faster water throughout most of the day. Pmds are late, what with bright sun but look for that “hour of power” just before dark when both species start returning to the riffles to lay eggs and die. Just what we love!!! Also, look for pmd spinner falls around 9:00 am as well.
Hoppers and droppers are bringing some nicer fish and nymphing in faster water and through the rapids will produce. Get those nymphs down. Keep in mind the Kootenai is a big river even when flows are in the lower range. You have to penetrate the first two feet of the current in order to really be effective. Tungsten bead heads are best best.
Lime green midge are starting to show up on the upper river and there have been some noses poking through the already gin clear water looking for the tiny stuff. 6X and long casts will help if you feel like testing your skills.