KOOTENAI RIVER MONTANA FISHING REPORT 2-28-2026
In-flow from Lake Koocanusa: not available at this time
Flows from Libby Dam: 4,000cfs.
Hatches: midge, baetis
Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 40 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.
Flows have been reduced for the foreseeable future to 4,000 cfs. This means the Kootenai is very fishable, at least for now. This time of year it's hard to know what flows might do since it all depends on moisture. But with no real moisture in the extended forecast it's safe to say flows will remain low for a while.
Mild weather continues and for now we have very little snow on the valley floors. Expect mostly sunny skies and daytime temps in the 40s for the first week of March.
Boat ramps are generally free of snow but may still be icy. At low flows the Kootenai is very wade-able. If you're floating, I'd suggest shorter runs that include posting up and working a pool or run especially with streamers.
Don't expect much in the way of dry fly action. Water temps are sill cold and insect activity is minimal this time of year. That said, nymphing can always bring a few fish and with low flows the entire water column is penetrable right now. Be sure to look for fish in softer water. I mention this every winter in my reports. Trout are lethargic this time of year and will not move very far to feed. Additionally, they will be in off current areas, around cover, and especially in soft runs with depths of 5 plus feet of water. Skip riffles. They're just not there this time of year. Any of the nymph patterns listed above will move fish and rigs with indicators set about five feet from the top fly will cover most water. One BB split shot should do the trick and you may not even need one if you're fishing two perdigons.
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.
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MLB spring training is now in full swing, no pun intended. The Boston Red Sox made some interesting acquisitions during the off season. It was hard to see Bregman go to the cubs but for the most part the 2025 playoff squad remains largely intact for this season. Pitching is still led by a true ace in Garrett Crochet. Rotation after him is strong with veterans Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, and Brayan Bello filling out the top four spots. The green grass positions are essentially the same highlighted by slugger Roman Anthony, Rafaela, Abreu, Gonzelaz, Campbell, Story and hopefully Tristian Casas back from a season ending injury early last year. I like this team again and think we can be competitive. Go Sox!
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/
