Flows from Libby Dam:  For the next couple weeks flows from Libby Dam will be fluctuating from approximately 10,000 cfs to 20,000 cfs.

Water temperature at Libby Dam: 42 degrees

Hatches: midge, baetis

patterns:  zebra midge, parachute Adams,  soft SJ worm, bh pheasant tail, bh rubber legged stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, circus peanut, black conehead buggers, perdigons, Uke's Pressure Drop,

Flows are still fluctuating substantially from Libby Dam here on the Kootenai River.  For the most part we're in that pattern through at least the middle of February.  When flows are fluctuating daily like this there's really aren't any viable fishing opportunities to be had.

However, if you're really jonesing to get out, you can always nymph or pull streamers through softer water.  Look for fish in walking speed currents and other areas that are out of the main flows especially when flows are upwards of 18,000 cfs.  Boulder gardens and back eddies will also hold fish under these conditions as well.

In other news, the Kootenai basin has seen excellent snowpack so far this winter.  Snow came early and it come big.  We are currently sitting at approximately 90% snowpack (water equivalency) which is pretty good since there's a lot of winter left.  This means we're already expecting good water conditions for the fishing season.

I also wanted to extend an invitation to all you reading this to join us for a spring trip.  Late March/April can offer great fishing here on the Kootenai and then when runoff begins and the Kootenai gets too big to fish, the Linehan Outfitting crew heads over the Missouri River for May and early June. 

Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any of 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. https//linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com