The Kootenai River, originating in British Columbia, flows into Montana near Rexburg. From there it flows through the towns of Libby and Troy. The river then flows into Idaho, back to British Columbia and ultimately spills into the Columbia River 485 miles from its source. In 1972 the river was dammed 17 miles upstream from Libby. The dam created a 90 mile long reservoir, Lake Koocanusa. Just below the dam the river winds to the northwest between the Cabinet and Purcell mountains. 29 miles downstream from the dam the Kootenai River flows over a series of bedrock faults forming Kootenai Falls.
The country through which the river flows is primarily steep, narrow canyons that are heavily forested. As the river is regulated by a dam, flows vary greatly. With the changing flows, the river varies greatly from white water rapids, to gentle and broad. The river is fishable from shore,
Best Fly: Mature caddis & PMD's
Water Conditions: Excellent
Weather Conditions: Warm
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished:
Hoppers are around, but in fewer numbers. I started out with them this morning but moved into a large caddis as there were more of them on the water than hoppers. PMD’s picked up later in the morning and both caddis and pmds stayed constistant until I headed home mid afternoon.
Best Fly: caddis
Water Conditions: gin clear
Weather Conditions: nice summer day
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished: not sure
Water is super clear right now. Fish thin leaders because of this. Caddis are all over this river. Alive and dead, they are everywhere and the fish are stuffing themselves. Hords of caddis are out in the evening and night but we have been catching fish on them durring the day as well. Be sure to stay small and you will do well.
Best Fly: Hoppers
Water Conditions: Invisible
Weather Conditions: Nice
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished:
The water is really awesome right now, both for fishing and scenery. Hopppers are doing the trick. They are a filling meal for fish, and there are lots to be had. Work your way through a few sizes/styles and find what works for you (and the fish).
Best Fly: Med. sized hopper
Water Conditions: gin clear
Weather Conditions: sunny
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished:
Good fishing, water is clear! Lots of hoppers. Nymphs are very productive in the riffles. If you are floating, be slow and calm in your movements, the clear water gives the fish a good view of what is going on around them and we spooked off a few fish early because of that.
Best Fly: Elk Hair Caddis
Water Conditions: 7000 cfs and holding
Weather Conditions: Perfect, not too much sun
Floated or Waded: floated
Section of Water Fished:
Really consistant fishing the past week. I have taken a few different friends and family out for the past 6 days and every day has been good. Fish have moved into their typical water, fast ripples and pools. Lots of caddis and mayfly’s on the water. Mid sized elk hair caddis and royal wolfs have been doing the trick for us.