Flows from Libby Dam: 8500 cfs

In-flows from Lake Koocanusa:  approximately  5400 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 just got word from our extraordinary biologist Greg Hoffman at the Libby Dam that flows will remain at 8500cfs through the end of the month.  What does that mean?  It means the Kootenai River will have terrific water conditions through September!

Water temps are perfect and coming out of Libby Dam at 56 degrees. 

All stretches of the river are in excellent shape.

We only had smoke for about six days back in August and now the skies are clear, the mornings are crisp, we've had some showers lately, and looking ahead the weather looks terrific!

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.  Lately it seems mornings are a bit slower most likely due to cooler temps.  This time of year it's not uncommon for afternoons and evenings to offer best dry fly action especially if you're fishing hoppers in deeper water.

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 breaks my heart to say I think it's over for this season.  Until a week ago we were still in the wildcard chase but after a bunch of losses lately and a winning Seattle Mariners team, that fantasy is done.  Still a bunch of games left and I'll never quit watching until the last inning.  But there will be no October baseball for the 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