Flows from Libby Dam: 8500 cfs

In-flows from Lake Koocanusa:  approximately  6300 cfs

Water temperature at Libby Dam: 53 degrees

Hatches: midge,caddis, pmds, hoppers, ants, terrestrials, crane flies

patterns:  zebra midge, parachute Adams, purple haze, yellow haze, rusty spinner, x-caddis, chubbies, water walkers, tarantulas, crane flies,caddis pupa, perdigons, bh pheasant tail, bh rubber legged stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, circus peanut, black conehead buggers, Uke's Pressure Drop, Rosenbauer's rabbit foot pmd emerger, bh pheasant tail, bh prince nymph, bh copper john, x-caddis, elk hair caddis, ants, beetles

The Kootenai River is in great shape and we're set up for some of the best conditions we've seen in years.  For now the Army Corps of Engineers plans to keep a steady and approximately 8500cfs at least through August.

Water temps are perfect and coming out of Libby Dam at 52 degrees.  Caddis and pmds are still in play and hoppers and terrestrials are staples as well.

All stretches of the river are in excellent shape.

Unfortunately we do have substantial smoke in the area at the moment.  There are no local fires to speak of but we're getting it from all directions including WA, ID, Canada, and Glacier.  Some days are worse than others and some days it clears out nicely if there's a breeze.  Daytime temps have dropped back into the mid-80s so that's good and it looks like we will be getting good rain Monday and Tuesday of this coming week.

Dry fly action is solid.  If bugs are active, especially caddis and pmds, and we are still getting pulses of each throughout the day depending on location, you will see rising fish.  Dry/droppers are a good way to go this time of year if you don't feel like nymphing. Think #10 purple chubby with a perdigon or caddis pupa about three feet below.  Look for fish along banks with good current, drop offs, and runs three to four feet deep. Mornings and evenings offer more consistent dry fly action. 

Nymphing is solid in some areas consisting of traditional summer habitat.  Set indicators about 4-5 feet from the first fly.  Perdigons, pheasant tails, pmd and caddis stuff are all in play.  Add a single BB if necessary and you will have good success.

In Boston Red Sox news it best to keep in mind there's plenty of baseball left and we're still hopeful for a wildcard spot.  The trade deadline was yesterday and while we had hoped to pick up another strong arm it looks like that will not happen.  Ace Chris Sale is throwing again after an early season injury and has had a couple terrific outings of late. The offense and defense have been playing well so let's hope the bums keep winning and pick up a few games in the standings. We'll see.  Regardless, GO SOX!

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