KOOTENAI RIVER FISHING REPORT 6/15/2023
This Kootenai River Montana fishing report is being brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Linehan Outfitting. This report will be updated weekly to provide current conditions, weather, hatches, patterns, and flows to our local waters and across the state.
Flows from Libby Dam: 10,000 cfs
In-flows from Lake Koocanusa: approximately 16,200 cfs
Water temperature at Libby Dam: 54 degrees
Hatches: midge, baetis, March browns, caddis
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, midge cluster, Griffith's gnat, parachute Adams, BWO hackle stacker, Rosenbauer's rabbit foot bwo emerger, parachute bwo
The Kootenai River is in great shape and we're set up for some of the best conditions we've seen in years. For now the Army Corps of Engineers plans to keep a steady and approximately 10,000cfs at least through August. It's a great flow and we're expecting a terrific season!
Water temps are starting to climb into that perfect middle 50-60 range which means bug activity will be increasing daily. There are still some baetis and March browns hatching daily and caddis should be ramping up day with pmd mayflies around the first of July.
For now, nymphing is super solid. Think perdigons and stick with walking speed urrent and 3-6 feet of water. Keep in mind it's still a bit early in the season and trout haven't necessarily moved into summer runs and riffles. If bugs are active, they may indeed be in some faster water. But for the most part stick with softer runs, tailouts, and cover.
Dry fly action is coming along nicely. If bugs are active, especially caddis right now, you will see rising fish. Dry/droppers are a good way to go this time of year if you don't feel like nymphing. Think #10 purple chubby with a perdigon about three feet below. Look for fish along banks with good current, drop offs, and runs three to four feet deep.
In Boston Red Sox news, things are looking a bit grim at the moment. Ace pitcher Chris Sale returned and appeared to be in prime form for the first time in years. Until he got hurt again. Ugh. Pitching has been inconsistent at best and defense has been having trouble as well. It's still early in the season and we've been here before. Let's hope the bums start turning things around and get closer to .500 before the All Star Break. Word on the street is that we're looking for a couple strong arms before the trade deadline but the deals are sparse and limited. We'll see. Regardless, GO SOX!
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