Kootenai River Report – April 24-31, 2026
Inflow to Lake Koocanusa: 23,790 CFS
Kootenai River Flow: 19,900 CFS 46 degrees, 8 foot visibility
River Temperature: 41.7 degrees
River Condition: Glacial tinge with 6-8 foot visibility
Hatches: Little Olive Stones, Little Blue Quills, Midges, March Browns, Large Black Ants on the warmer days.
Effective Patterns: Dry: Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, Chubby Chernobyl, X-Caddis, Royal Wulff, Black Ant
Other: All beadhead nymphs, DaBomb, Patts Rubber Legs, Wet Black Ants.
Fishing Conditions: River is running big. Dry-Dropper, Streamer fishing, Euro and Indicator nymphing are most productive in current seams, backwater pockets, and slower sections along banks. Look for more dry action in the warmer afternoons. Guided fishing has been producing 30+ fish on full days.
This report is provided by Dave Blackburn, owner/outfitter River Bend/Kootenai Angler
13068 Highway 37, Libby Montana