KOOTENAI RIVER MONTANA FISHING REPORT 5-28-2023

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: 18,000 cfs

In-flows from Lake Koocanusa:  approximately 28,500 cfs

Water temperature at Libby Dam: 49 degrees

Hatches: midge, baetis, March browns, caddis

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, midge cluster, Griffith's gnat, parachute Adams, BWO hackle stacker, Rosenbauer's rabbit foot bwo emerger, parachute bwo

The Kootenai River is now surprisingly fishable.  Water conditions are good and while flows are still a bit high at 18,000 cfs, the river is in good shape.

What we know at the moment is that discharge from Libby Dam will remain at approximately 18,000 cfs for the foreseeable future.  What does that mean?  Based on information and data it looks like flows should remain stable for at least another week.  After that, flows will likely drop periodically through the month of June until settling to a steady flow between 8000-10,000 cfs around the second week of July which is a terrific!

For now, nymphing is super solid.  Think perdigons and stick with walking speed current and 3-6 feet of water.  Keep in mind it's still spring and trout haven't necessarily moved into summer runs and riffles.  If bugs are active, they may indeed be some faster water.  But for the most part stick with softer runs, tailouts, and cover.

Dry fly action has been spotty.  Dry/droppers are a good way to go this time of year if you don't feel like nymphing.  Again, if there's any bug activity you may see rising fish.  This time of year, a good drift with 5x will get the job done. 

In Boston Red Sox news,  the Sox are going to be surprisingly competitive and are actually looking pretty good.  For now ace pitcher Chris Sale has truly returned.  It's been a couple years since he was in top form.  The offense and defense has been solid so far this season with help from Kike Hernandez, Verdugo, Devers.  It's still wicked early in the season but sure is good to have baseball especially with the new rules to make the game move along more quickly.  GO SOX!

Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any of 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. https//linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com