Cool weather and rain continues here in Kootenai country and it’s a wonderful thing! Recent moisture has been a bonus to local streams and rivers. Water forecasts are now much better and run-off has officially started. Expect big water on the Kootenai for the next couple weeks. Dishcarge from Libby Dam will be increasing to 17,000cfs this week and will continue to increase through the first week of June. Dishcharge in excess of 25,000cfs is expected around June 7.
Decent fishing opportunities can be had until discharge exceeds approximately 20,000cfs. Concentrate your efforts in slower water like runs, back eddies, and boulder gardens. It’s pretty much a nymphing game and most important to get the flies down. Keep in mind with big flows you have to penetrate the top two feet of the water column quickly in order to be effective.
Local small streams are actually clear and in good shape. Some drainages are a bit high and water temps are still chilly but if you feel like throwing streamers there are fish to be found. Concentrate efforts in slower runs and deep pools as fish have not yet made move to faster water.
All in all there’s some decent fishing to be had in the area but you just have to poke around.