The river provides excellent drift fishing opportunities with enough boat ramps up and down the river to make for trips ranging from three hours to all day. It enters northwestern Montana and the northernmost Finally, the Neese boys came out and flung rods for the first time and got ‘em good. Fall on this section of the Kootenai River continues to offer excellent dry fly fishing. Jump to navigation. The river level is subject to sudden flow increases that affect both the fly fishing and the safety of the wade fisherman. We invite you to come have fun on the water with us in … Monday thru Friday More Details. This is easier said than done, though, especially for someone who has never fished the Kootenai before. Bridge to Kootenai Falls on the Kootenai River. Two miles below the rapid, the Kootenai River goes over Kootenai Falls and then enters a gorge. Kootenai River Flow: 7,000 Cubic Feet per second, 10-12 foot visibility, 57 degrees. Dave Blackburn has been fishing and guiding the Kootenai River in Montana for over 25 years. Our house and rental unit is just a 100 feet from the Kootenia River and Boat ramp. Thanks to Rico L. for bringing the youngsters out to shred. This section of the Kootenai River runs for thirty-three miles. At Wild Montana Anglers we offer fly fishing trips on the beautiful and pristine Flathead River. After years of pressure from anglers, biologists and local concerned citizens, the days of wild water fluctuations have come to an end. Additionally, the China Rapids, just upstream from Kootenai Falls, provides excellent fishing in the deep holes found among the rocks and boulders. The river, named for the nearby Kootenai people (Kitunahan), still experiences fluctuations in water flow, but often allows for a leisurely rafting, canoeing or kayaking float trip for 20 miles below Jennings Rapid. The Kootenai sports abundant public access for wade fishing, and its large size makes it a perfect candidate for float fishing out of a drift boat or raft. A third area to look for are any noticeable deep pools. A fifth area to look for, particularly when flows are high in July, is submerged structure on the shoreline. Below Libby Dam, even at low flows, the Kootenai River is wide and has a very quick current. Great fishing usually continues well into the end of October. A Giant from the Kootenai River 18 April, 2020 Categories: giant trout. Also, because the Kootenay's primary sources are glaciers, fishing conditions are quite different from most rivers in Montana and Idaho, which are fed by snowmelt. (406) 295-4693, Libby Ranger District 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 Kootenai River trout fishery begins below Libby Dam and stretches approximately 40 miles to the Idaho border. Categories: Fishing Kootenai River Fishing Report News Bonner's Ferry River Float Fly Fishing Kootenai Montana Fly Fishing Kootenai River Idaho 2018 Kootenai Fishing … If you want to know how to fish and where to fish on this great western trout river listen in and Dave will share his hard earned secrets. The drainage contains a wide variety of insect life, resulting in prolific hatches throughout the season. This Kootenai River fishing report is brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Outfitter Linehan Outfitting and provides current Kootenai River and fishing conditions. Immediately below Libby dam, a phenomenal trout fishery begins. Libby, MT 59923-3022 The Kootenai River, Montana is accessible the year round, but the best fishing is from mid-June into November. Due to these changes in the current speed, seams in the river form, with pockets of slower water surrounded by fast moving currents. The trick, of course, is catching them on this massive and somewhat intimidating river. Four miles below the dam, a short class III rapid, called the Jennings Rapid, can either be floated through or easily portaged. Located in the Crown of the Continent, and down river from Glacier National Park, The FlatheadRiver offers exciting fishing opportunities for Montana’s native trout and breath taking panoramas. A floater contemplating running the gorge should expect to encounter at least 3-4 class IV rapids and 2-4 class III rapids. There was a steady drizzle making it hard to get up from bed. The fishing in Libby Montana is what fishermen dream of. The Kootenai River emerging from Libby Dam is Montana’s newest tailwater fishery. Elevated levels of selenium have already been detected in Kootenai River fish. But until recently, it lacked nutrients to produce many trout and grow them larger. Other than these changes in the character of the river, fishing between Libby and Kootenai Falls is not much different than found further upstream. This Kootenai River fishing report is brought to you by Linehan Outfitting Company and provides current Kootenai River and fishing conditions. The odds of catching these fish on a dainty dry fly, however, are very slim. 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. Fire Dispatch: (406) 283-7740, Office Hours: Below Kootenai Falls, the fishing in the Kootenai River is still good, but fish populations drop off somewhat. If you see some 60 degree days you might still raise a fish. Fly fishing in Montana is an experience not to be forgotten. Stay in one of our five comfortably rustic cabins and let us serve you delicious home cooked fare in the River Bend Restaurant. Our last road trip for the year found us fly fishing the Kootenai, Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers. Kootenai River Montana – Tucked away in the the northwestern part of the state, this is a huge drainage with low traffic and incredible views. The rainbow trout frequently move into these flooded waters in search of terrestrial insects, such as grasshoppers and ants. Kootenai River in Northwest Montana as it braids around an island. 7 Day Troy Montana Forecast. Troy, MT. Water temps have risen to … The Kootenai River is a bit off the beaten path, which make this the perfect getaway for those that enjoy a bit more solitude. Since the water is fed from Libby Dam, the water also tends to remain cool. Troy Montana is located 10 miles from the Idaho State line and 37 miles from the Canadian Line. Enjoy fly fishing on the Kootenai River in Montana with our experienced fishing guides near Libby, Montana. Fishing As the second largest tributary to the Columbia River, the Kootenai River has a reputation for intimidating even the most skilled anglers. 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. Crayfish imitations, especially those that are designed to dive deep, also can work very well. It will be updated frequently or as conditions change. A portage of the falls is required, as it is over thirty-feet high. Kootenai River is the second largest tributary to the Columbia River in terms of runoff volume, third in terms of drainage area. The Kootenai River is an interesting river for fly fishing. The Kootenai River begins in British Columbia and flows through northwest Montana and Libby. Much of this river is privately owned, and except for the upper branches close to where it forms, does not offer the best fishing opportunities. 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. The town of Libby also has several access sites. Trout fishing on the Kootenai River in Montana with a #8 Jaw Bug about 4' under a small bobber with maggots. Below Libby Dam, the river flows for 50 miles to the Idaho border. They come in all varieties. 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. Inflatable fishing rafts are portable, relatively inexpensive and excellent boats for fly fishing in Montana. 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. Immediately below the Libby Dam, located 18 miles north of Libby, Montana, the The river then flows through a rapids called the “China Rapids”, so named because a group of Chinese gold miners attempted to float through these rapids instead of portaging, and capsized their raft which sent all their gold and all but one man to the bottom of the 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 is almost always ready to go by July. Smaller flies are also more effective in catching the larger rainbows than then large, bushy flies commonly used on other Montana rivers. When chasing the larger trout of the Kootenai River it is worth remembering that a large trout feeds heavily on other fish, unlike the smaller trout that get most of their diet from aquatic insects. Hopper imitations (sizes 4-8) are very effective when fished in the flooded shoreline vegetation found on the Kootenai River in July. Kootenai River Flow: 7,000 Cubic Feet per second, 10-12 foot visibility, 57 degrees. 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. 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. Kootenai River, 1997 Mountain Whitefish 5 lb 2 oz, 21.14" Kootenai River, 1987 : Boating and fishing on Lake Koocanusa Reservoir [Fish Stocking Page] [ Lincoln County Stream Information Page] [Species Info] Montana lakes and streams are home to rainbow, brook, brown and cutthroat trout. Ideal fishing raft for 1-2 anglers. Be sure to check with Montana Fish and Game for information about licenses and regulations before tossing a line into the water. 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). Additionally, many of these braids and channels are not nearly as deep as out in the main current. Below the rapid, the Kootenai River flows quickly but smoothly for twenty-two miles until it reaches the class III China Rapids. Below Yaak Falls the Yaak River flows into a canyon that extends down to the confluence with the Kootenai River, making for either a long upstream hike from Highway 2 or a steep climb down into the canyon from upriver. Don’t pull up to the Kootenai River expecting to take home several large rainbow trout every day when chasing these trophy fish. Finally, the Neese boys came out and flung rods for the first time and got ‘em good. Instead, massive streamers—up to five inches long—are the flies of choice when chasing these trophy trout. For the very best Montana #smallstream fly fishing, Lee’s private water does not disappoint. I managed however because I had a blog to write. Activities. A convenient take out point is located just above the falls. Hidden away in the far northwest corner of Montana, the Kootenai National Forest supports some of Montana's finest fishing opportunities. Access is more difficult on this section of the Kootenai River, as it flows primarily through private property. Dave Blackburn's Kootenai Angler, Libby, Montana. The Kootenai River runs for about 485 miles from its origin in the Kootenay Ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Related Article – Kootenai River Photographs. 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