These large fish feed not only on flies and other fish, but the chopped up remains of the various fish that get caught in the turbines of Libby Dam. Montana's record small mouth bass was caught on a Kootenai National Forest lake. The river level is subject to sudden flow increases that affect both the fly fishing and the safety of the wade fisherman. For the very best Montana #smallstream fly fishing, Lee’s private water does not disappoint. Fishing usually begins in the Kootenai in March or early April. If there is ever a good time to wade fish the Kootenai River, this high water period is it. Kootenai Angler is a fully licensed and insured fishing outfitter. Fishing regulations valid March 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021. In 1973, the Libby Dam was built, forming Lake Koocanusa and which extends back into Canada. Also, we realize some of our fishing clients are reluctant to travel or fly with fishing gear. A third area to look for are any noticeable deep pools. Very tough, portable and easy to setup. A typical day guided fly fishing is at least 8 hours covering 6 to 10 miles of river or stream. Inflatable fishing rafts are portable, relatively inexpensive and excellent boats for fly fishing in Montana. Just park your car along the road and hop into the river. 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. The end of May through June normally sees high run off so our private water, lakes and tributaries are our focus then. Wildlife: The river canyon provides a year round home to white tail deer with frequent visits by mule deer, elk, and moose. This is the spawning period for the river’s large rainbow population, and the clear cool water will present plenty of chances. Nothing makes us happier than sharing the joy of fly fishing with beginners or experts on one of Montana’s least-fished rivers. If you are looking for a new and exciting fishing experience, the Kootenai River in western Montana could be a breath of fresh air. Just be careful where you hop. But until recently, it lacked nutrients to produce many trout and grow them larger. In addition to using the flies and tactics described earlier, fishing in the holes found behind the rocks can be very productive for catching nice rainbow trout. While wade fishing can still be deadly in these high currents, wade anglers can generally stick right along the shoreline in the slower water, wading up or down the river, casting to the trout that will be found in the flooded vegetation. Guided fly fishing well off the beaten path, in Montana and Idaho’s Kootenai River Country. 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. It can also be helpful to pay attention to seams in the middle of the river that provide pockets of slower moving water. If you need a fix work a nymph deep. This section, though, also has some riffles and rocks which provide some nice habitat for the trout. Guests have private access to miles of … Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to make your visit to Northwest Montana more enjoyable. Don’t try this without a whitewater kayak. Unlike many other rivers in Montana, the holes on the Kootenai River are usually not all that obvious at a casual glance. Successful fishing requires very long, light leaders (12 – 15 foot leaders are the norm on the Kootenai River) along with excellent presentation. Don’t pull up to the Kootenai River expecting to take home several large rainbow trout every day when chasing these trophy fish. Our Kootenai River fly fishing guides and trips are some of the best around. The Kootenai River trout fishery begins below Libby Dam and stretches approximately 40 miles to the Idaho border. These areas provide a mix of current, allowing the fish to find relief from the strong currents of the Kootenai. Estimates put trout populations on the Kootenai River between 2000 – 3000 per mile. Hatches in early summer mean that caddis flies are a must for this time of year. The Kootenai River continues to provide solid mayfly hatches through the fall. This is usually the most popular time for fishing, and rainbows will be available in abundance. Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Montana. Because the waters of the river are regulated by the dam, the flows and water levels can be erratic. 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. As a result, it is easier to locate shore and submerged structure that provide holding waters for trout. The rainbow trout frequently move into these flooded waters in search of terrestrial insects, such as grasshoppers and ants. Additionally, Highway 37 closely follows the Kootenai River for much of its length to Libby, providing easy car access. For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. Unlock this map and get directions to over 30,000 fishing hot spots and real-time stream flow conditions with a membership! 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. 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 float trip can begin at a boat ramp located about a mile below Libby Dam. While fishing the Kootenai can provide a unique and exciting experience for anglers, the river is not without its challenges. For any angler who will be fishing the Kootenai River for the first time, concentrating their efforts around these braids and channels (although a boat will generally be needed to float down to them), will be time well spent. The scenery is nice and the current is fast, especially during high water. Kayaker Going over Kootenai Falls on the Kootenai River in Montana. Or enjoy your time on one of the many pristine lakes in the area, it's all here. 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. Rafters and Kayakers can explore 100's of miles of rivers and streams. After emerging from the gorge, the Kootenai River continues on, with only small riffles and waves, to the Idaho border, which also is the lowest point of elevation in Montana. A Kootenai River fishing trip is a spectacular and unique experience. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Other than these changes in the character of the river, fishing between Libby and Kootenai Falls is not much different than found further upstream. 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. Copyright 2021 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. Learn more about these dedicated fishing rafts. This section of the Kootenai River runs for thirty-three miles. During July the Kootenai River usually runs very high, flooding much of the shoreline vegetation, often to a depth of several feet. It’s secluded and scenic with a series of riffles, pools and meanders. 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. Kootenai River Outfitters is licensed by the Montana Board of Outfitters and operates under permits from the Three Rivers Ranger District of the USDA / National Forest Service. 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). During July and lasting through August, in addition to using the dry flies described above, terrestrial patterns are successfully used, particularly if the summer is a hot and dry one. The Kootenai River, due to its sheer size, is a river that’s best float fished, particularly during the summer. River levels are controlled by the Libby Dam upstream in Montana, so boaters should be alert that river levels can rise or lower quickly. 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. Both fish were caught below Libby Dam. Rainbow trout up to 33 pounds have been taken on the river. The Kootenai River is an interesting river for fly fishing. Gingerly plopping a dry fly into one of these slow water stretches is an excellent way to catch a large rainbow. Kootenai River Flow: 7,000 Cubic Feet per second, 10-12 foot visibility, 57 degrees. Additionally, for the angler who lacks the boat, an easier major river to access than the Kootenai River is not easily found. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Kootenai River in Montana! We invite you to come have fun on the water with us in … Looking for more places to fish? As the river moves past the town of Libby, another 33-mile stretch can present some good fishing. 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. In May and June, several hatches will begin along the length of the river, and dry fishing will begin to heat up. This area is similar to the upper portion of the river, but there are more rapids and less access points. Below Libby Dam, the river flows for 50 miles to the Idaho border. Due to these changes in the current speed, seams in the river form, with pockets of slower water surrounded by fast moving currents. Additionally, its sheer size makes finding prime fishing areas a challenge, especially for anglers lacking a boat. The Kootenai River is a large and somewhat intimidating river. Welcome to Dave Blackburn's Kootenai Angler Established in 1982, Dave Blackburn’s Kootenai Angler has been the leading outfitter on the Kootenai River for more than 35 years. Since the water is fed from Libby Dam, the water also tends to remain cool. A portage of the falls is required, as it is over thirty-feet high. 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. Flies that are floated down the river right along the seams edge should successfully draw up the rainbows. The sheer size of the river also intimidates many anglers who lack a boat. This section of the Kootenai River travels for seventeen miles. The Libby Dam and beyond that, down stream is where you will see that particular river. When water levels are high, there will also be some good opportunities in the deep pools and submerged vegetation where fish will gather. The Kootenai River flows through Libby and Troy and offers Blue Ribbon trout fishing. 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. From the class V+ area of Kootenai Falls to easy day floats along the lazy river. Copyright 2002 - 2020 Big Sky Fishing.Com. While there are some opportunities for wading along the length of the river, fishing from the boat will provide the most success in the Kootenai. Fishing is done except for the die hards. 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. Except for two sections, floating the Kootenai River is not difficult, and offers a pleasant float. Additionally, the China Rapids, just upstream from Kootenai Falls, provides excellent fishing in the deep holes found among the rocks and boulders. Season(s): Mid-March through end of November While fishing the Kootenai can provide a unique and exciting experience for anglers, the river is not without its challenges. Access to this section of the Kootenai River is excellent. Great fishing usually continues well into the end of October. This rapid is long and, depending on river flows, can provide a rough ride for inexperienced floaters or parties in canoes. It will be updated frequently or as conditions change. The best fishing on this section is found above Kootenai Falls. Successful fishing can begin on the Kootenai River as early as March for those willing to tolerate the elements. 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. 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. There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Kootenai River fishing reports. 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). The Kootenai River arises up in Canada somewhere north Cranbrook, British Columbia. If we can be of assistance in any way to make your stay more enjoyable, please don’t to hesitate to let us know. We are a close-knit, family-run business and pride ourselves on showing our guests unforgettable experiences on and off the river. Start times varying as the season progresses. We live to fish, we fish to live and we love sharing what we do. Drifting this section in a boat will usually be the safest and most effective method, especially during the summer. Ideal fishing raft for 1-2 anglers. Instead, massive streamers—up to five inches long—are the flies of choice when chasing these trophy trout. There are a number of areas to concentrate on when fly fishing the Kootenai River. 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. As summer approaches, the water level will rise dramatically along the tailwater portions of the river. Most of the larger fish in the river will be caught by hopping them along the bottom. This detailed guide deciphers the mysterious world of fly lines and explains fly line weight, fly line color, the best fly lines to use and much more. It will be updated frequently or as conditions change. Libby Dam outflow is expected to remain at 7 kcfs through August. 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. This Kootenai River fishing report is brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Linehan Outfitting and provides current Kootenai River and fishing conditions. 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. Water from Libby Dam can change the flow in a heart beat. 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. Kootenai River in Northwest Montana as it braids around an island. The Kootenai River is a daunting river for fly fishing. The popular Wolly Bugger, in sizes ranging from 4 – 2/0, is an excellent fly to use at this time. A stealthy approach to these trout, though, will be required, as they can be quite skittish in the shallow water along the shoreline. 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. One area is around the many feeder rivers and streams of the Kootenai River. As any angler can tell from looking at these numbers, the Kootenai River, besides being big and broad, holds some very large fish indeed. Prime floating conditions occur with river flows between 8000-12,000cfs. Additionally, many of these braids and channels are not nearly as deep as out in the main current. A few to check out are listed below. The Kootenai River’s canyon section flows between Montana’s Libby Dam and Bonners Ferry. "It is one of the west's premier dry fly trout rivers," says Libby fly-fishing guide and river expert, Dave Blackburn who owns and operates Kootenai Angler. The Kootenai River is a daunting river for fly fishing. Additionally, as it runs through a gorge, there is no way out once you commit to it. Water temps have risen to … 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. Fly fishing in Montana is an experience not to be forgotten. 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. 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. 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. The Kootenai River, due to its location in the far northwest corner of Montana, does not receive excessive amounts of fishing pressure. Anyone wading the Kootenai River must also deal with the variable flows of the Kootenai itself—the unannounced and frequent releases from Libby Dam often quickly raise water levels and increase the flow rate. Fly Fishing We’ve been providing guided fly fishing Montana trips on the beautiful Kootenai River since 1982. If you are a regular here on RiverKeeper Flies, you know this is the third fly fishing road trip this year to Idaho and Montana.Here is a link to my post where I captured all the waters we fished during our last 29 day trip – Wrapping Up Our Fly Fishing Road Trip. The Lower Kootenai, like further upstream, runs big, broad and fast. Four miles below the dam, a short class III rapid, called the Jennings Rapid, can either be floated through or easily portaged. However, it is the area below Libby Dam that presents the best fly fishing experience, and that is the portion of the Kootenai on which we will focus this article. The Kootenai River Trail along the Montana section of the river, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) long, follows the river from Libby to Kootenai Falls and the well known Swinging Bridge across the Kootenai. Any angler who values quality over quantity, and doesn’t mind hefting very large streamers on stout tackle hour after unproductive hour, can score huge on the Kootenai River when chasing trophy sized rainbow trout. From novice to advanced our team of experienced guides will work with you to ensure you and your family have the very best experience. The Kootenai River is so big, so broad, so deep and fast flowing that deciding where to start is no simple task. The Kootenai River begins in British Columbia and flows through northwest Montana and Libby. Fly-fishing is far more than our profession, it’s our way of life. kootenai-river-montana-fly-fishing-waters. Install this DIY Fly Fish on your iPhone and then Add to Home Screen, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Kootenai River in Montana, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Glacier National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Gallatin River in Montana, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Teton River in Montana, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Boulder River in Montana, [DIY] Guide to Fly Fishing the Clark Fork River in Montana, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Ruby River in Montana, DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Montana. 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