KOOTENAI RIVER MONTANA FISHING REPORT MARCH 25, 2026

Kootenai River Montana spring trip

In-flow from Lake Koocanusa:  not available at this time

Flows from Libby Dam: 20,000

Hatches:  midge, baetis

Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 40 degrees

patterns:  zebra midge, Uke's brown perdigon, wire worm, perdigons, smaller sparkle minnows, midge cluster, Pat's stonefly, flashback pheasant tail nymph, hare's ears, prince nymphs, circus peanuts, drunk and disorderlies, parachute Adams, purple haze, baetis sparkle dun

The Kootenai river is presently off color and flows have been increased. Due to recent heavy rain flows have risen again. On one hand this is great. On another, it’s unexpected. Usually flows are low this time of year and the river is fishing well. This has been a very different winter/spring. We have lots of water in the basin but not in the form of snow. It’s mostly been rain.

Unfortunately the Kootenai river conditions will be sketchy for at least the foreseeable future. How long exactly? Right now I’d say until at least April 1. It’s not competely unfishable. But it’s big, pushy, and water temps are still cool. Keep in mind the Kootenai River is closed to fishing from Libby Dam to the Fisher River bridge until June 1.

Expect mostly fair weather with dayytime temperatures in the 40s and 50s through most of the week.

Don't expect much in the way of dry fly action just yet. Water temps are sill cold and insect activity is minimal especially considering increase in flows. It’s pretty much a nymphing game if you want to give it a shot. And with flows are 20,000 cfs be sure to add another shot and get the flies down.

Be sure to look for fish in softer water.  I mention this every winter in my reports.  Trout are lethargic this time of year and will not move very far to feed. Additionally, they will be in off current areas, around cover, and especially in soft runs with depths of 5 plus feet of water.  Skip riffles.  They're just not there this time of year.  Any of the nymph patterns listed above will move fish and rigs with indicators set about five to six feet from the top fly will cover most water. One or two BB split shot should do the trick. Coffee colored Pat’s stonefly with a perdigon is always a good bet.

If you have a hankering, streamer fishing is best bet if you're looking for one solid fish.  Depending on flows, be sure to get the fly down.  Fish it slowly and thump and pulse like it's a wounded minnow.  If you get a pull, stop it.  Let it sink.  Then pulse it again.  While not as productive as nymphing throughout the day, pulling junk will move a nicer fish or two.  This is the time of year when bigger fish will be bulking up.  Stick with it.  You'll get a nice one.

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MLB spring training is now in full swing, no pun intended. The Boston Red Sox made some interesting acquisitions during the off season. It was hard to see Bregman go to the cubs but for the most part the 2025 playoff squad remains largely intact for this season. Pitching is still led by a true ace in Garrett Crochet. Rotation after him is strong with veterans Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, and Brayan Bello filling out the top four spots. The green grass positions are essentially the same highlighted by slugger Roman Anthony, Jarren Durran, Rafaela, Abreu, Gonzelaz, Campbell, Story and hopefully Tristian Casas back from a season ending injury early last year. I like this team again and think we can be competitive. Go Sox!

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/