Flows from Libby Dam: 8500 cfs

In-flows from Lake Koocanusa:  approximately  7400 cfs

Water temperature at Libby Dam: 58 degrees

Hatches: midge,caddis, pmds, hoppers, ants, terrestrials, crane flies

patterns:  zebra midge, parachute Adams, chubbies, water walkers, tarantulas, crane flies,caddis pupa, perdigons, bh pheasant tail, bh rubber legged stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, circus peanut, black conehead buggers, Uke's Pressure Drop, Rosenbauer's rabbit foot pmd emerger, bh pheasant tail, bh prince nymph, bh copper john, x-caddis, elk hair caddis, ants, beetles

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 8500cfs at least through August.  It's a great flow and we're expecting a terrific season!

Water temps are perfect and coming out of Libby Dam at 58 degrees.  Caddis and pmds are still in play and hoppers are also now a big part of every day.

All stretches of the river are in excellent shape.

Dry fly action is solid.  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 or caddis pupa about three feet below.  Look for fish along banks with good current, drop offs, and runs three to four feet deep. Mornings and evenings offer more consistent dry fly action since during the day we're now stuck in that high pressure 90 degree sunshine place for a while.

Nymphing is super solid and action is fast in some areas as trout start to fill in runs and move into more traditional summer habitat.  Set indicators about 4-5 feet from the first fly.  Perdigons, pheasant tails, pmd and caddis stuff are all in play.  Add a single BB if necessary and you will have good success.

In Boston Red Sox news we had a terrific July and are currently 2.5 games out of the wild card.  There's plenty of baseball left so talking about the wild card seems a bit premature but it's August after all.  The trade deadline was yesterday and while we had hoped to pick up another strong arm it looks like that will not happen.  Word is Ace Chris Sale is throwing again after an early season injury and has been quoted as saying he's willing to do anything to help the team which leaves open the possibility that he may see middle relief or even a closer role provided he gets healthy.  The offense and defense have been playing well so let's hope the bums keep winning and pick up a few games in the standings. We'll see.  Regardless, GO SOX!

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