KOOTENAI RIVER MONTANA FISHING REPORT 9/14/2024
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: 8000cfs.
Hatches: midge, pmds, caddis,ants, hoppers
In-flow from Lake Koocanusa: approximately 8000cfs
Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 56 degrees
patterns: zebra midge, parachute Adams, big junk like dungeons, circus peanuts in white, red and black, bh soft hackle pheasant tail, Pat's rubber legged stonefly, bh purple duracell perdigon, Uke's brown bug perdigon, xcaddis, parchute adams, parachute pmd, missing link pmd, royal wulff, bh prince, pmd frenchie, caddis pupas, purple haze, bronze haze, Bloom's caddis, water walkers, parachute hoppers, ants, chubbies, plan B.
The Kootenai River is in great shape and fishing pretty well. Discharge from Libby Dam is currently 8000cfs and will likley hold through September. Anything in this flow range is the sweet spot. There's good current along most banks, riffles are expanded with more water, drop offs and buckets are just the right size, and it's good for floating and it also offers perfectly good wading opportunities as well.
As I write it's cloudy and cool. Last night we had even more rain with steady downpours throughout the night. The seven day forecast looks terrific with partly sunny skies, daytime temps in the 60s and continued chance of showers throughout the week. Definitely seems like a the season change has happened.
Dry fly action is generally still good. That said, it's kind of day by day situation. If there are bugs, even a few bugs, or a few ants, fish will look up during the day. Hoppers and droppers are still very much in play. Purple haze or an X-caddis will do the trick for the most part if you want fish double dries. Look for rising fish, give them a good drift, and they should eat. Expect lots of smaller fish during the day. There are gobs of pickels in the river this year and they're like little kids. They have to eat all day. Nicer fish are around and occupying deeper water. Look for drop-off, buckets, depressions, and cover with good walking speed current and 2-6 feet of depth.
While not entirely necessary just yet, some of the crew has been short leash nymphing through faster runs and riffles with good success and finding nicer fish as well.
Right now, big fish are on the prowl and looking for a big meal. Depth Charge sinking tips are perfectly good and stick with soft runs three to ten feet deep. The streamer bite has been a day by day thing. Cloud cover will help. Don't expect numbers and if you get a couple or a few you've done well
It looks like the Boston Red Sox will not be making the playoffs this year. I'm pleased to say that at least we were competitive and gave it a good shot. If not for injuries to key players early in the season things might have turned out differently.
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/
