The following was posted by Linehan Outfitters:
This Kootenai River Montana fishing report is being brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Linehan Outfitting. This report will be updated weekly to provide current conditions, weather, hatches, patterns, and flows to our local waters and across the state.
In-flow from Lake Koocanusa: approximately 5200cfs
Flows from Libby Dam: 4000
Hatches: midge, baetis, March browns, little stoneflies
Water temperature at stilling basin below Libby Dam: approximately 39 degrees
patterns: zebra midge, Uke’s brown perdigon, wire worm, perdigons, smaller streamers in tan, black and red, midge cluster, parachute Adams, March brown sparkle dun, olive sparkle dun, olive hackle stacker, Pat’s stonefly, flashback pheasant tail nymph,
Great news! Spring fishing is here. The Kootenai is presently in terrific shape and will offer good fishing opportunities for most of April.
Water temps are still chilly so there’s no need to hit the water early. Most of the action is from noon to about 5:00 pm.
Nymphing is very productive at the moment. Pat’s rubber legged stoneflies in coffee color and size 16 or 18 mayfly beadheads will get the job done. There’s no need to fish super deep since flows are currently at 4000cfs. Four to five feet to indicator with a one BB has been the rig of choice for the crew the last few days.
Streamer fishing is best bet if you’re looking for one solid fish. Again, get the fly down. Fish it slowly and thump and pulse like it’s a wounded minnow. If you get a pull, stop it. Let it sink. Then pulse it again. While not as productive as nymphing throughout the day, pulling junk will move a nicer fish or two.
This time of year fish will be found in slower currents, deep holes, drop-offs, and soft runs. Skip fast water for the most part. Concentrate efforts on walking speed or slower unless you see bugs coming out of faster current. If you see bugs in a specific place, dpexpect fish there as well.
Dry fly action has been pretty good in the afternoons. Olives, March browns and caddis are coming off on both upper and lower river during afternoons. Fish are ready to eat and rising affirmatively when bugs are hatching. This time of year they’re generally going to be grabby but the water is slick and low so getting a good drift is still necessary. Additionally, hatches can be sparse so fish will be moving around in runs. Be patient. Don’t assume you’ve had a refusal if you don’t move a rising fish on first cast. Watch closely. The same fish will rise again the near vicinity.
The Boston Red Sox have been uneven to say the least. It’s still early and we’ve shown moments of greatness especially with pitching, but at the moment we’re having trouble getting men around the bases. Trevor Story is healthy for the first time since July of last year and hitting the ball well and with Bregman next to him at third they make a tight left side infield. The pitching rotation with Garrett Crochet at the helm has looked perfectly good to this point. It’s early and this team is exciting. Go Sox!
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/
