KOOTENAI RIVER MONTANA FISHING REPORT OCTOBER 25, 2026
Kootenai River Montana Rainbow
In-flow from Lake Koocanusa: not available at this time
Flows from Libby Dam: 4000 cfs but flows will be reduced beginning September 1
Hatches: midge, baetis, caddis, terrestrials
Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 50 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, x-caddis, Bloom’s caddis, purple chubby, red chubby, water walkers, hoppers, plan B, ants
The Kootenai is presently in good shape and generally still fishing well. Flows from Libby Dam have been reduced to 4000cfs and will remain steady until through end of month and even into November.
Low flows now offer good wading opportunities up and down the river.
It’s very much fall now. Mornings are chilly and often foggy but we’re still enjoying nice weather. This is the time of year when weather will change but as I write it’s mostly sunny and 50 degrees. Precipitation is certainly increasingly likely as we roll into November but that means hatches of baetis will show up throughout days as well.
We’re still fishing a single dry fly for the most part. Big bugs are still in play and will continue through end of month. Size 12 Chubbies, stimulators, and water walkers are all finding fish consistently and if they’re not big bugs drop down to #16 purple or parachute Adams and you’ll be good. And perdigon droppers are always productive especially Uke’s brown bug.
There’s really no need to nymph unless your really want to get down into a bucket.
If you have a hankering, streamer fishing is best bet if you're looking for one solid fish. This is the time of year we get the meat sticks out for a couple hours a day. Keep swinging. You'll get a nice one.
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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/
