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: For the next couple weeks flows from Libby Dam will be fluctuating from approximately 10,000 cfs to 20,000 cfs.
Water temperature at Libby Dam: 44 degreesHatches: midge, baetis
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,
At the moment and until at least the next week, we're seeing some of the most brutal winter weather we've ever experienced. Snow is piling up which is good thing but we're also stuck with extreme sub-zero temperatures with lows at night expected to be approaching -30. Yup. You read that right. 30 below zero.
Obviously with conditions like this there's no fishing to be had. Under these circumstances, I'd suggest pouring a pint of stout, tying a few flies, or better yet, binging on Seinfeld.
We can expect more normal temperatures to return by Christmas and then generally speaking and depending on flows, there might be some fishing to be had.
Look for fish in deeper runs, buckets, and in cover. They are moving this time of year and will be spending less time in riffles due to less insect activity.
Don't expect much in the way of dry fly fishing this time of year here on the Kootenai River. If you game for being out there stick with indicator nymphing. Look for fish in slower runs, deep pools, and boulder gardens and other cover.
fStreamer fishing is also productive this time of year. Big fish are on the prowl as they bulk up for winter. Be patient, get flies down and ten to twenty foot depth charge sinking tips are best for these flows. Look for bigger fish in deep pools and let your flies swing all the way through the run and pulse the tip of the rod from time to time as well.
We surely hope this Kootenai River fishing report has been helpful. Happy holidays everyone and know we appreciate all of you who have supported us through these many years.
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