Kootenai River

The Kootenai is classified as Montana's second biggest river, next to the Missouri.  This under-rated trout stream begins its flows in Canada, winds it way down through the Northwestern part of Montana and Idaho and then back into Canada where it eventually drains into the Columbia.  The section of water that runs through Montana is controlled by the Libby dam.  At times this rivers see flows in excess of 20,000 cfs., but normally runs at around 4000 cfs, the normal summer flow of the Yakima river.

The river itself is easily accessible.   The entire length of the river in Montana is paralleled by highway, but to really fish the river properly it should be done from a boat.  With flows in the above mentioned capacity you may find it tough to wade the river.

The Kootenia is primarily a rainbow river, with a few scattered cutthroats, whitefish, & bulltrout.  The river is usually fished year round.  January through March you will find anglers on the river casting small B.W.O.'s.  With the warmer days of spring come a Stonefly hatch, Caddis hatch and also a few scattered Mayflies.  Elk Hair Caddis is a good imitation in brown, black, olive, & light tan.  A yellow Stimulator is a good imitation for the stoneflies.  In the summer months expect to see P.M.D.'s, Craneflies, and another hatch of Stoneflies.  Smaller patterns on this river seem to be the norm.  That means long leaders & accurate casting.

Fall fishing on the Kootenia brings a hatch of October Caddis.  Fishing with streamers this time of year is also effective.   The best fishing seems to be from June through August.

There are some huge trout that are caught at the base of the dam each year.  Here is an example of one caught in the 97 season.   It wasn't however caught on a fly.  This rainbow weighed in at 30 pounds!

To check the current stream flow & water temperature of the Kootenai cast here

If you would like to purchase a detailed map of the Kootenai, click here.

Here are a few recommended patterns, your guide will have plenty more: