KOOTENAI RIVER MONTANA FISHING REPORT 12-9-2025

In-flow from Lake Koocanusa:  not available at this time

Flows from Libby Dam: approximately17,000cfs and flows will continue to fluctuate daily from 4000cfs-17,000 

Hatches:  midge, baetis

Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 45 degrees

patterns:  zebra midge, Uke's brown perdigon, wire worm, perdigons, smaller streamers in tan, black and red, midge cluster,Pat's stonefly, flashback pheasant tail nymph, hare's ears, prince nymphs, circus peanuts, drunk and disorderlies.

This time of year the Kootenai is cold and often big.  Libby Dam is in power generation mode.  That means flows can and likely will fluctuate.  They could fluctuate a little, say, from 4000cfs to 6000cfs.  Or, they could fluctuate a lot.  Like from 6000cfs to 17,000cfs.  Generally speaking flows will not fluctuate dramatically during a 24 hour period.  The Corps is very good about ramping up slowly and ramping down slowly as well.  What does all this mean for fishing opportunities?  Pay attention to flows.  If it looks like flows will be steady and under 15,000 cfs for a period of 48 hours or more, you could get out and give it a shot.  I wouldn't say the Kootenai fishes that well during the winter.

If you have a hankering, streamer fishing is best bet if you're looking for one solid fish.  Depending on flows, be sure to get the fly down.  Fish it slowly and thump and pulse like it's a wounded minnow.  If you get a pull, stop it.  Let it sink.  Then pulse it again.  While not as productive as nymphing throughout the day, pulling junk will move a nicer fish or two.  This is the time of year when bigger fish will be bulking up.  Stick with it.  You'll get a nice one.

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/