As a result, fishing pressure on the Kootenai River is generally moderate and is certainly nothing like what is found on the Missouri River or the Madison River. From the class V+ area of Kootenai Falls to easy day floats along the lazy river. Our last road trip for the year found us fly fishing the Kootenai, Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers. Smaller flies are also more effective in catching the larger rainbows than then large, bushy flies commonly used on other Montana rivers. With its peak flows being during the summer, fly fishing tactics are somewhat different than found on other Montana rivers. Just below the falls, the river flows through a gorge that has extensive whitewater sections. Running between mountains, through canyons and over falls, the Kootenai also has some of the most varied and beautiful scenery of any river in western Montana. Below Libby Dam, the river flows for 50 miles to the Idaho border. A portage of the falls is required, as it is over thirty-feet high. Don’t try this without a whitewater kayak. The rivers characteristics also make wade fishing difficult. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. This rapid is long and, depending on river flows, can provide a rough ride for inexperienced floaters or parties in canoes. The true monster fish, for those with the patience to chase them, are typically found within a mile or two downstream from Libby Dam. The rivers characteristics also make wade fishing difficult. These areas provide a mix of current, allowing the fish to find relief from the strong currents of the Kootenai. The Sea Eagle 350x Inflatable Fishing Kayak is ideal for solo anglers who need a boat that can run rapids and is easy for flat water paddling. When water levels are high, there will also be some good opportunities in the deep pools and submerged vegetation where fish will gather. For anglers who aren’t interested in chasing after the trophy-sized trout that are found in the Kootenai River just below the dam, the Kootenai River has excellent populations of rainbow trout that average in the 12-15 inch range. We are a close-knit, family-run business and pride ourselves on showing our guests unforgettable experiences on and off the river. Just below China Rapids, the Kootenai River flows over Kootenai Falls, a thirty-foot waterfall that requires a portage of all boats except for advanced paddlers in whitewater kayaks. In 1973, the Libby Dam was built, forming Lake Koocanusa and which extends back into Canada. The Kootenai River trout fishery begins below Libby Dam and stretches approximately 40 miles to the Idaho border. Successful fishing requires very long, light leaders (12 – 15 foot leaders are the norm on the Kootenai River) along with excellent presentation. The Kootenai River, due to its sheer size, is a river that’s best float fished, particularly during the summer. This Kootenai River fishing report is brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Linehan Outfitting and provides current Kootenai River and fishing conditions. If you are looking for a new and exciting fishing experience, the Kootenai River in western Montana could be a breath of fresh air. Lake Koocanusa contains trout as well as kokanee salmon. Copyright 2021 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. Due to these changes in the current speed, seams in the river form, with pockets of slower water surrounded by fast moving currents. Northwest Montana has long, cold, cloudy winters, and a March fishing trip in this part of the state is unlikely to be a warm one. The area past the falls and before the Idaho border is the lowest elevation in all of Montana, and this can present some unique opportunities and surprisingly warm weather. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Linehan Outfitting Company, 482 Upper Ford Road, Troy, MT, 59935, fishmontana.com. During lower flows (during the winter, late fall and early spring), extensive gravel bars are also exposed, while during the higher flows of early summer the shoreline vegetation is often flooded to a depth of several feet. The Kootenai River is Montana’s largest tailwater fishery with over half its drainage located in British Columbia and is also a major tributary of the Columbia River. Nothing makes us happier than sharing the joy of fly fishing with beginners or experts on one of Montana’s least-fished rivers. The rainbow trout frequently move into these flooded waters in search of terrestrial insects, such as grasshoppers and ants. It is one of the uppermost major tributaries of the Columbia River, which is the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean. The best rainbow trout fishing on the Kootenai River is found above Kootenai Falls, although the lower river of the Kootenai is making a comeback due to recent changes in fishing regulations. Don’t pull up to the Kootenai River expecting to take home several large rainbow trout every day when chasing these trophy fish. There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Kootenai River fishing reports. Scenic Kootenai Falls and Lake Koocanusa Reservoir are two of the many attractions along this mountain river. A highway (Hwy 37) runs along much of this portion of the river, and there are plenty of access points available, many of which are boat ramps (shown on map above). River levels are controlled by the Libby Dam upstream in Montana, so boaters should be alert that river levels can rise or lower quickly. Spring presents good chances for streamer fishing and nymphing. Just remember that to catch these monster trout requires patience. However, despite the relatively low fishing pressure, the rainbow trout in the Kootenai River are finicky eaters. Related Article – Kootenai River Photographs. This 17-mile stretch can be daunting to some anglers, as the river is very wide here and the flows can be quite fast at times. Last Day Fly Fishing the Kootenai River 20 April, 2020 Categories: Kootenai Angler. It will be updated frequently or as conditions change. Fall on this section of the Kootenai River continues to offer excellent dry fly fishing. The Kootenai River - at 4k. Additionally, the China Rapids, just upstream from Kootenai Falls, provides excellent fishing in the deep holes found among the rocks and boulders. Jim's Big Sky Fishing    At one time this wild river, swollen with early summer snow melt and rain, ran free and ripped through northern Montana from its origin north of the Canadian border at Kootenay National Park. The scenery is nice and the current is fast, especially during high water. If you are looking more for a casual fishing trip and favor quantity over quality, the Kootenai can also provide that with approximately 1,500-2,500 catchable rainbows per mile. A second area, if somewhat more difficult to spot and very difficult to reach without a boat, are the various “seams” in the rivers current. While fishing the Kootenai can provide a unique and exciting experience for anglers, the river is not without its challenges. It is unlike many of the more popular blue ribbon rivers in Montana, but it provides some of the best opportunities for trout fishing in the entire region. Fly Fishing We’ve been providing guided fly fishing Montana trips on the beautiful Kootenai River since 1982. The Kootenai River is so big, so broad, so deep and fast flowing that deciding where to start is no simple task. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. But until recently, it lacked nutrients to produce many trout and grow them larger. A campground at the Yaak River confluence also provides a good access site, along with a boat ramp, and makes for a handy take out point for floaters coming down from further upstream. Fisher River Flow: 177 cfs Yaak River Flow: 313 cfs Thompson River: 281 cfs Fishing Report: The River has stabilized at 7k, and most of the glacial silt has settled out. Rainbow trout up to 33 pounds have been taken on the river. However, for those who choose to brave the elements, the best fishing for large rainbow trout (other than the trophies found just below Libby Dam) can be had during this time. Season(s): Mid-March through end of November For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. Bridge to Kootenai Falls on the Kootenai River. The Kootenai River is an interesting river for fly fishing. A third area to look for are any noticeable deep pools. Montana's record small mouth bass was caught on a Kootenai National Forest lake. During July the Kootenai River usually runs very high, flooding much of the shoreline vegetation, often to a depth of several feet. There are several feeder rivers which flow into this portion, and they provide great opportunities as fish seek relief from fast currents. Combine that with the sheer width of the the river, and it can be difficult to fish without a boat in most portions of the river. Access to this section of the Kootenai River is excellent. Also, we realize some of our fishing clients are reluctant to travel or fly with fishing gear. If you need a fix work a nymph deep. Additionally, Highway 37 closely follows the Kootenai River for much of its length to Libby, providing easy car access. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. A fifth area to look for, particularly when flows are high in July, is submerged structure on the shoreline. The Kootenai River’s canyon section flows between Montana’s Libby Dam and Bonners Ferry. Its our last day here at Dave Blackburn’s Kootenai Angler. While there are some challenges and restrictions of the river, dedicated anglers may have the opportunity to catch the big one that can hang above the fireplace in the Kootenai. We try to be wherever the fishing is best at the moment, and luckily for us, we have a lot of water to choose from, a key factor in making a fishing trip a success. Start times varying as the season progresses. The end of May through June normally sees high run off so our private water, lakes and tributaries are our focus then. We live to fish, we fish to live and we love sharing what we do. The town of Libby also has several access sites. Fly-fishing is far more than our profession, it’s our way of life. Fishing pressure on this section of the Kootenai River is also less than found further upstream. The countryside, as is typical of northwest Montana, is mountainous with thickly covered forested slopes. Inflatable fishing rafts are portable, relatively inexpensive and excellent boats for fly fishing in Montana. Instead, massive streamers—up to five inches long—are the flies of choice when chasing these trophy trout. Kootenai Angler is a fully licensed and insured fishing outfitter. Feel lucky and privileged if you catch one of these trophy-sized rainbows in a day, as many locals fish all summer long near the dam without catching any of the Kootenai River trophies. The Kootenai River begins in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. Kootenai came down to summer flows on the 20th of July and has been treating everybody very nice. Joe D. beat them up all over the river for a week. Water from Libby Dam can change the flow in a heart beat. The popular Wolly Bugger, in sizes ranging from 4 – 2/0, is an excellent fly to use at this time. It may not be the typical blue sky experience of Montana fishing, but this river may have even more to offer anglers who are up for the challenge. One area is around the many feeder rivers and streams of the Kootenai River. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for rainbow, westlope cutthroat, bull trout, mountain whitefish fishing in Kootenai River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. One section known as China Rapids presents some excellent fishing opportunities in the deep pools found around the many rocks and riffles here. Fishing usually begins in the Kootenai in March or early April. View detailed fishing guide books & river maps for Montana. Successful fishing can begin on the Kootenai River as early as March for those willing to tolerate the elements. The true monster rainbow trout of the Kootenai River, or those fish reserved for space next to the fireplace, are typically located just downstream from Libby Dam. A float trip can begin at a boat ramp located about a mile below Libby Dam. Rafters and Kayakers can explore 100's of miles of rivers and streams. Fishing is done except for the die hards. All anglers who plan to fly fish the Kootenai River, whether from shore or by boat, are advised to check the current river flows before heading out, especially in early summer when flows are high. It will be updated frequently or as conditions change. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Kootenai River in Montana! The best access on this section is around Kootenai Falls, which has a natural area that provides easy shore access, and even a bridge that crosses the river. The Lower Kootenai, like further upstream, runs big, broad and fast. In May and June, several hatches will begin along the length of the river, and dry fishing will begin to heat up. As any angler can tell from looking at these numbers, the Kootenai River, besides being big and broad, holds some very large fish indeed. This is also the best time for wade fishing, as the water levels will usually still be relatively low. This Kootenai River fishing report is brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Linehan Outfitting and provides current Kootenai River and fishing conditions. Kootenai River in Northwest Montana as it braids around an island. Great fishing usually continues well into the end of October. Kootenai River Isolated in the northwest corner of Montana the Kootenai River lies off the beaten path of the more traveled, popular “big name” rivers of Montana. Very tough, portable and easy to setup. Below the gorge, the Kootenai River continues on towards Idaho, with only a few riffles and small waves to deal with, and should not pose any problems for a floater of any skill level. These two factors, along with no water diversions for irrigation, combine to allow the Kootenai River to avoid the “dog days of August” that often plague some other fine Montana trout streams. For the angler who wants to increase the chances of catching a larger rainbow trout and who is skilled at nymph fishing, popular and effective patterns include the Hare’s Ear Beadhead nymph and the Prince nymph, in sizes 16-20. Fly fishing the Kootenai River can be difficult. Below the falls, the Kootenai River runs through two miles of moderate whitewater, the severity of which depends on the river levels. The Kootenai River is a daunting river for fly fishing. We fish the Kootenai and small streams from drift boats and rafts to give us access to those places that would other wise be inaccessible on foot. Most of the larger fish in the river will be caught by hopping them along the bottom. A fourth area to concentrate on is around the various braids and channels on the Kootenai River, particularly on the tail water section downstream from the islands. The trick, of course, is catching them on this massive and somewhat intimidating river. The Kootenai River, due to its sheer size, is a river that’s best float fished, particularly during the summer. Small flies on light tackle continues to be the rule when dry fly fishing during this time, with popular imitations being the trusted Parachute Adams, along with the Sparkle Dun and Blue Quill (sizes ranging from18-24). One bonus of the Kootenai River is that, since its flows are regulated by Libby Dam, the prime fishing portion of the Kootenai River generally runs clear even during spring run-off, although the feeder rivers can occasionally add some murk to the rivers clarity. Hatches in early summer mean that caddis flies are a must for this time of year. This section of the Kootenai River runs for thirty-three miles. As the river moves past the town of Libby, another 33-mile stretch can present some good fishing. As summer approaches, the water level will rise dramatically along the tailwater portions of the river. Unlock this map and get directions to over 30,000 fishing hot spots and real-time stream flow conditions with a membership! A fine boat ramp is found just downstream from Libby Dam, and several other boat ramps are also found between the dam and the town of Libby. Because the flow of the river can vary dramatically, it is very important to pay attention to water level reports, especially if you plan to wade in. In fact, some of the biggest fish ever pulled out of a Montana river have come from the waters of the Kootenai, and there are tons of opportunities to catch prize-calibur rainbow trout here. Ideal fishing raft for 1-2 anglers. Access to the Kootenai River also exists just upstream from China Rapids, and which serves primarily as a take out point for floaters who want to avoid the trip down the China Rapids and over Kootenai Falls. The Kootenai River continues to provide solid mayfly hatches through the fall. When the water levels rise, large portions of vegetation can be flooded, and there will also be plenty of deep pools filled with trout if you are able to spot them. A stealthy approach to these trout, though, will be required, as they can be quite skittish in the shallow water along the shoreline. Crayfish imitations, especially those that are designed to dive deep, also can work very well. Prime floating conditions occur with river flows between 8000-12,000cfs. Due to the constant fluctuation in river levels and the effect it has on rapids, it is highly recommended to scout the rapid before running it. Linehan Outfitting Company is the best local source for all information surrounding the Kootenai River. About Kootenai Angler Kootenai Angler has been in business for 35 years offering guided fly fishing trips and cabin rentals on the Kootenai River in North West Montana. Two miles below the rapid, the Kootenai River goes over Kootenai Falls and then enters a gorge. This is easier said than done, though, especially for someone who has never fished the Kootenai before. Below the rapid, the Kootenai River flows quickly but smoothly for twenty-two miles until it reaches the class III China Rapids. Being a big, fertile river with fairly strict fishing regulations (all trout between 13-18 inches must be released, 13-24 inches right below the dam), it is not surprising that fish counts are also very high. Montana Fishing Report 11-30-2020 November 30, 2020 This Kootenai River fishing report is brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Linehan Outfitting and provides current Kootenai River and fishing conditions. The first dry fly fishing of the year begins in May, with the best dry fly fishing occurring during the summer. The water will still remain relatively cool even in the middle of August, and this time of year can present some real opportunities for catching some of the very large trout in the Kootenai. Our Kootenai River fly fishing guides and trips are some of the best around. This area is similar to the upper portion of the river, but there are more rapids and less access points. More info about inflatable fishing kayaks. While most of the Kootenai River is open year round with quality fly fishing beginning as early as April - May. Or enjoy your time on one of the many pristine lakes in the area, it's all here. The Kootenai River jumped to prominence in 1997 when the state record rainbow trout was caught near Libby Dam, a monstrosity of a fish that was thirty-eight inches in length and weighed thirty-three pounds. Guests have private access to miles of … The Kootenai is almost always ready to go by July. A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Kootenai River. Especially for someone who has never fished the Kootenai River in northwest Montana as it is over high! 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