KOOTENAI RIVER FISHING REPORT 11-5-2024

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: 13500cfs. 

Hatches:  midge, baetis

In-flow from Lake Koocanusa:  approximately 5500cfs

Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 48 degrees

patterns:  zebra midge, parachute Adams, big junk like dungeons, circus peanuts in white, red and black, bh soft hackle pheasant tail, Pat's rubber legged stonefly, bh purple duracell perdigon, Uke's brown bug perdigon, xcaddis, parchute adams, royal wulff, bh prince, purple haze, water walkers, parachute hoppers, chubbies, plan B.

It's now early winter here in Kootenai Country and that means sporadic fishing opportunities.  Flows can fluctuate this time of year making consistency kind of tricky to predict.

What flows are good to fish.  Kind of depends.  During winter months anything under 15,000 cfs is best.  And having consistent flows for at least a couple days will increase opportunity. 

Generally speaking, dry fly action will be minimal throughout the winter.  Sure, you'll see midge hatching up by the dam and maybe a nose here and there, but stick with nymphing when flows are conducive to fishing and you'll see more action.

Big fish are always on the prowl this time of year.  Streamer action is heating up.  It's never fast action this time of year but it's a good way get a thicker fish.

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Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any 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. The new Orvis Helios rods are here and you have to cast one to believe!  https://linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com/