Flows from Libby Dam: 8500 cfs

In-flows from Lake Koocanusa:  approximately  4100 cfs

Water temperature at Libby Dam: 56 degrees

Hatches: midge,caddis, pmds, baetis, 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, Ukes brown perdigon

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're still cooking with gas up here, running boats, and the Kootenai River will continue to fish well into October.

Dry fly action is still solid.  If bugs are active, and we're still seeing caddis and pmds and spinner falls, 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 hard bodied ant 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.

Streamer rods are rigged and ready for action daily this time of year.  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.

In Boston Red Sox news it breaks my heart to say there will be no October baseball for the Sox.  As I write the Sox are finishing the season with a series against Toronto and then the trade action will start.  They let go GM Chaim Bloom so as soon as they fill that important position, things will start moving forward.  Right now rumor has it that Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani might be interested in joining the Sox.  Now that would sure be interesting.  And there are rumors that longtime manager Alex Cora may be a candidate for the front office GM position as well.  But Cora has shot that down already and makes no bones about wanting to remain the skipper.  For now, we'll finish the series with Toronto and watch other teams in October during the series.

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