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: 4000 cfs
In-flows from Lake Koocanusa: approximately 4200 cfsWater temperature at Libby Dam: 50 degrees
Hatches: midge, baetis, crane flies
patterns: zebra midge, parachute Adams, purple haze, yellow haze, rusty spinner, x-caddis, 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, Ukes brown perdigon
The Kootenai River is in great shape and all stretches are fishing equally well.
Water temps are beginning to drop a bit with cooler temps and are now hovering around 50 degrees coming out of the Libby Dam. This generally means the bite will start a little later with best action from mid-morning into the evenings. No rush to get out there at first light. Have another cup of coffee and let the day start slowly.
Weather conditions have been stellar with partly sunny skies, calm winds, and mild temps. Cloud cover will always help the baetis hatch.
Dry fly action is still solid. If bugs are active, 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 small perdigon. Look for fish along banks with good current, drop offs, and runs three to four feet deep. Lately it seems mornings are a bit slower most likely due to cooler temps. This time of year it's not uncommon for afternoons and evenings to offer best dry fly action.
The Linehan Outfitting crew has been nymphing again after a long layoff during July, August, September. 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.
Streamer rods are rigged and ready for action daily this time of year. Big fish are on the prowl and looking for a big meal. Depth Charge sinking tips are perfectly good and stick with soft runs three to ten feet deep. The streamer bite has been a day by day thing. Cloud cover will help. Don't expect numbers and if you get a couple or a few you've done well.
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