However, despite the relatively low fishing pressure, the rainbow trout in the Kootenai River are finicky eaters. 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. Successful fishing can begin on the Kootenai River as early as March for those willing to tolerate the elements. Kootenai came down to summer flows on the 20th of July and has been treating everybody very nice. Water from Libby Dam can change the flow in a heart beat. This section, though, also has some riffles and rocks which provide some nice habitat for the trout. Below the falls, the Kootenai River runs through two miles of moderate whitewater, the severity of which depends on the river levels. Hatches in early summer mean that caddis flies are a must for this time of year. 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. From novice to advanced our team of experienced guides will work with you to ensure you and your family have the very best experience. Don’t try this without a whitewater kayak. But until recently, it lacked nutrients to produce many trout and grow them larger. The Kootenai River is considered a blue-ribbon trout fising river. The popular Wolly Bugger, in sizes ranging from 4 – 2/0, is an excellent fly to use at this time. 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. 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. Beyond this point, the river makes its way to the 30-foot waterfalls of Kootenai Falls. This rapid is long and, depending on river flows, can provide a rough ride for inexperienced floaters or parties in canoes. Fishing is done except for the die hards. The best fishing on this section is found above Kootenai Falls. The Libby Dam and beyond that, down stream is where you will see that particular river. 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. The Kootenai River in this section is characterized by fast moving flows, is very wide and has a number of side channels and braids, along with many deep pools. The river is just so large and fast, that often by the time you recognize a hole you have little or hope of rowing over to fish it in time. The Kootenai River begins in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. "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. One area is around the many feeder rivers and streams of the Kootenai River. Below the rapid, the Kootenai River flows quickly but smoothly for twenty-two miles until it reaches the class III China Rapids. If you need a fix work a nymph deep. The Kootenai River is a large and somewhat intimidating river. A floater contemplating running the gorge should expect to encounter at least 3-4 class IV rapids and 2-4 class III rapids. Inflatable fishing rafts are portable, relatively inexpensive and excellent boats for fly fishing in Montana. A float trip can begin at a boat ramp located about a mile below Libby Dam. The Kootenai River is so big, so broad, so deep and fast flowing that deciding where to start is no simple task. The countryside, as is typical of northwest Montana, is mountainous with thickly covered forested slopes. Fly Fishing We’ve been providing guided fly fishing Montana trips on the beautiful Kootenai River since 1982. Don’t pull up to the Kootenai River expecting to take home several large rainbow trout every day when chasing these trophy fish. If you see some 60 degree days you might still raise a fish. 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. Fly fishing the Kootenai River can be difficult. It can also be helpful to pay attention to seams in the middle of the river that provide pockets of slower moving water. This Kootenai River fishing report is brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Linehan Outfitting and provides current Kootenai River and fishing conditions. The Kootenai River begins in British Columbia and flows through northwest Montana and Libby. In 1973, the Libby Dam was built, forming Lake Koocanusa and which extends back into Canada. Its our last day here at Dave Blackburn’s Kootenai Angler. Smaller flies are also more effective in catching the larger rainbows than then large, bushy flies commonly used on other Montana rivers. Unlike many other rivers in Montana, the holes on the Kootenai River are usually not all that obvious at a casual glance. More info about inflatable fishing rafts. It is also one of the largest rivers in the area, beginning in British Columbia and flowing for 485 miles through western Montana and northern Idaho before turning north again and returning to Canada. Lots of patience. Libby Dam outflow is expected to remain at 7 kcfs through August. There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Kootenai River fishing reports. Estimates put trout populations on the Kootenai River between 2000 – 3000 per mile. A few to check out are listed below. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Kootenai River in Montana! Access is more difficult on this section of the Kootenai River, as it flows primarily through private property. Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Montana. 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. Hopper imitations (sizes 4-8) are very effective when fished in the flooded shoreline vegetation found on the Kootenai River in July. It’s secluded and scenic with a series of riffles, pools and meanders. Rafters and Kayakers can explore 100's of miles of rivers and streams. Below Libby Dam, even at low flows, the Kootenai River is wide and has a very quick current. The Bureau of Reclamation has extensive camping and park facilities below Libby Dam, allowing for easy shoreline access. There are several feeder rivers which flow into this portion, and they provide great opportunities as fish seek relief from fast currents. A portage of the falls is required, as it is over thirty-feet high. Guided fly fishing well off the beaten path, in Montana and Idaho’s Kootenai River Country. A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Kootenai River. Due to the whitewater, don’t expect to do much fishing while floating through the gorge. The rivers characteristics also make wade fishing difficult. 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. 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. We live to fish, we fish to live and we love sharing what we do. 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. Streamer and nymph patterns, weighted on a sink tip line, are used for this early spring fishing, bouncing them right along the bottom. 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. Skattebo Reach Trail, on the lower river, is about 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) long, running from Brilliant to Glade. The true monster fish, for those with the patience to chase them, are typically found within a mile or two downstream from Libby Dam. Flies that are floated down the river right along the seams edge should successfully draw up the rainbows. As the river moves past the town of Libby, another 33-mile stretch can present some good fishing. 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. Dave had a long list of things we had to do while here and we’ve done many. 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). Bridge to Kootenai Falls on the Kootenai River. 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. Kayaker Going over Kootenai Falls on the Kootenai River in Montana. 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. 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. 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. Naturally you go to Libby Mt., 100 miles North and West of Bigfork and then follow the river over to Bonner's Ferry Idaho. The rivers characteristics also make wade fishing difficult. Ideal fishing raft for 1-2 anglers. Fly Fishing the Kootenai River in Northwest Montana. Looking for more places to fish? 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. One section known as China Rapids presents some excellent fishing opportunities in the deep pools found around the many rocks and riffles here. The Kootenai River trout fishery begins below Libby Dam and stretches approximately 40 miles to the Idaho border. A convenient take out point is located just above the falls. Unlock this map and get directions to over 30,000 fishing hot spots and real-time stream flow conditions with a membership! For the first twenty-five miles below the dam, only small riffles and waves exist. 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. Additionally, for the angler who lacks the boat, an easier major river to access than the Kootenai River is not easily found. Four miles below the dam, a short class III rapid, called the Jennings Rapid, can either be floated through or easily portaged. Or enjoy your time on one of the many pristine lakes in the area, it's all here. As a result, it is easier to locate shore and submerged structure that provide holding waters for trout. This is easier said than done, though, especially for someone who has never fished the Kootenai before. 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. Just be careful where you hop. Linehan Outfitting Company is the best local source for all information surrounding the Kootenai River. 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. 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. The end of May through June normally sees high run off so our private water, lakes and tributaries are our focus then. 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. The Kootenai River, due to its location in the far northwest corner of Montana, does not receive excessive amounts of fishing pressure. The first dry fly fishing of the year begins in May, with the best dry fly fishing occurring during the summer. Due to the low elevation the river flows through, this part of Montana can be surprisingly warm during the summer months—so be prepared for some potentially warm days during any heat waves that happen to hit Montana. 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. The scenery is nice and the current is fast, especially during high water. Copyright 2021 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. When water levels are high, there will also be some good opportunities in the deep pools and submerged vegetation where fish will gather. A fifth area to look for, particularly when flows are high in July, is submerged structure on the shoreline. Gingerly plopping a dry fly into one of these slow water stretches is an excellent way to catch a large rainbow. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. 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. To fish in Montana, most anglers need two licenses: a Conservation License and a Fishing License. Instead, massive streamers—up to five inches long—are the flies of choice when chasing these trophy trout. Fly-fishing is far more than our profession, it’s our way of life. 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. Start times varying as the season progresses. Like all rivers, the Kootenai River generally runs fastest in the middle of the river, with slower flowing sections found closer to shore. 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. 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. Great fishing usually continues well into the end of October. Crayfish imitations, especially those that are designed to dive deep, also can work very well. The Kootenay (spelled Kootenai in the U.S. and historically called the Flatbow) is a major river in southeastern British Columbia and flows through Montana and Idaho. Providing a truly uncrowded setting the Kootenai River maintains a high quality trout fishery. Our goal is to ensure that your experience is exceptional. Also, we realize some of our fishing clients are reluctant to travel or fly with fishing gear. The trick, of course, is catching them on this massive and somewhat intimidating river. The river level is subject to sudden flow increases that affect both the fly fishing and the safety of the wade fisherman. 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. 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. Kootenai River in Northwest Montana as it braids around an island. This is also the best time for wade fishing, as the water levels will usually still be relatively low. Successful fishing requires very long, light leaders (12 – 15 foot leaders are the norm on the Kootenai River) along with excellent presentation. Popular and successful flies include the Wolly Bugger and a Kokanee Salmon imitation, all heavily weighted and fished down deep on a sink tip or full sinking line. Just remember that to catch these monster trout requires patience. Lake Koocanusa contains trout as well as kokanee salmon. Kootenai River Flow: 7,000 Cubic Feet per second, 10-12 foot visibility, 57 degrees. Drifting this section in a boat will usually be the safest and most effective method, especially during the summer. 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.

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