Winter takes its toll but I suspect in only a month this fish will start to gain back the weight. River will rise and fall for power generation over the next few months. The elongated fish with fat bellies, flat heads and dappled skin pattern are native to the Kootenai. Steve. The Kootenai River - at 15k. Its been a true blast hanging with Dave and his wife … Libby Dam outflow is expected to remain at 7 kcfs through August. The Kootneai River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Montana. A very special treat, thank you.”, https://goflyfishmontana.com/testimonials/430/, “It is difficult to choose the high point of my stay: shooting the rapids, practicing my long distance release on five pound rainbows at last light, viewing the terrific scenery & wildlife along the river, staying in the grand, riverside cabin or all the good companionship with the guides in the drift boats. Water quality within the Kootenai River basin is generally considered high and the river is considered to be a Blue Ribbon trout fishing river providing exciting sport fishing action. The quicker you get them in the stronger they are when you release them. Kootenai River. Shop for Jeff's fish art mugs - Over 50 different species! Green Drake hatch at the bewitching hour and it was fly fishing with a passion, fast and furious. With schools rolling into high gear along with sports, hunting and salmon seasons, September is a prime month to go trout fishing, especially on the Kootenai River. Our destination is the Kootenai River with expert guide and outfitter Tim Linehan, Linehan Outfitting, Libby, Montana. 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Kootenai River Photo Gallery Libby Dam Fishing Stream Info USGS Kootenai Stream Flow Levels: The Kootenai River … Kootenai Angler has been in business for 35 years offering guided fly fishing trips and cabin rentals on the Kootenai River in North West Montana. Tags: bull trout, Dave Blackburns Kootenai Angler, Hey Jeff, I really enjoyed these posts on your trip to the Flathead, it’s an amazing area. You convinced me to add Kootenai Anglers as a “to do” trip on the travel log. Fees include 8 hours of guided fly fishing… Kootenai River. Being the last day I made sure not to miss a spot with my double streamer rig and came out of the gates hot to trot. He threatened to enter the heavy current of the main river but luckily I kept him in his pool. Related Article : Detailed River, Fishing & Floating Information for the Kootenai River If you would like to use these photos for your own website or other commercial use, please read the Photo Use Guidelines . Fly Fishing for Grouper and More in the Seychelles, The Long Awaited Step into the Seychelles, Half Way to Fly Fishing Paradise - the Seychelles, Fly Fishing for Arapaima in Guyana Ends Strong, Swimming with a Sea Monster - the Arapaima, Fly Fishing in Guyana from Rewa Eco-Lodge, Saved by Bycatch - Peacock Bass and Arowana, Guide Season Ending Party Hits Thermopolis. Spring burbot fishing is on the radar of North Idaho anglers. Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches; Trout includes Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Splake, Arctic Grayling, trout hybrids (e.g. Open June 1 through February 28. Last Day Fly Fishing the Kootenai River 20 April, 2020 Categories: Kootenai Angler. The Kootenai River provides room to fish with most days leaving you the river … Cradled between the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness and the Purcell Mountains, it contains a wide array of insect life to support prolific hatches throughout the season. Thanks for the updates! Yellow Permit Beware - Currier is Returning! Complete Version . Thanks Jeff. Kootenai River Fishing Report 8-30-2020 August 30, 2020. For the very best Montana #smallstream fly fishing, Lee’s private water does not disappoint. Waypoints Podcast with Jeff Currier and Jim Klug, The Chippewa Invitation Ice Fishing Trip 2020, Full Day Seminar for Backcountry Fly Club in FL, Challenging Times at the NJ Fly Fishing Show, The Edison New Jersey Fly Fishing Show 2020, Rocky Mountain Winter Driving comes to an End, Its Show Time - Denver Fly Fishing Show 2020, Last Fishing Day of 2019 Happens in Dubai, Decompressing on the Flats of Mahe, Seychelles. Top fly fishing and cast fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout. All I can think about is my Icelandic Pale Ale! Scenic Kootenai Falls and Lake Koocanusa Reservoir are two of the many attractions along this mountain river. It’s just the way it is here. Our Kootenai River fall fishing report finds a stunning autumn in full swing. An excellent way to learn the hotspots of the river or if you don’t have your own boat is to hire one of the many local professional fishing … Kootenai River Flow: 7,000 Cubic Feet per second, 10-12 foot visibility, 57 degrees. Weed beds, riffles and long deep runs contain an array of aquatic insect life to support from 1500-2500 catchable trout per mile. The Kootenai and its tributaries are the only waters in Montana to contain a native strain of rainbow trout, called Columbia Redbands. Over the years he’s taken some huge fish including some weighty brown trout. Naturally you go to Libby Mt., 100 miles North and West of Bigfork and then follow the river over to Bonner's Ferry Idaho. But until this morning we had not yet experienced Dave’s homemade buckwheat huckleberry pancakes. Many thanks and we’ll be back.”, https://goflyfishmontana.com/testimonials/427/, You did it again! Steve, Hey Jeff, I really enjoyed these posts on your trip to the Flathead, it’s an amazing area. Christmas Ideas for the Angler that has All! Map of the Kootenai River, its main tributaries and lakes, and major cities. We're Very Lucky to be Headed to Labrador! The Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north. After a few seconds of tug-o-war the bull took off. Beastly Browns, Brutal Bugs, Big Bears & Bad Snakes, Fly Fishing the Lower Pluma River of Bolivia, Fly Fishing the Itirizama River of Bolivia, Things to do before Fly Fishing in Bolivia. Guided fly fishing well off the beaten path, in Montana and Idaho’s Kootenai River Country. Give us your email and we'll notify you when Jeff posts a new blog post. Fishing & Boating Download Regulations. You’ve made our Montana experience something that we will never forget!”, https://goflyfishmontana.com/testimonials/429/, This is a place one dreams about finding. Scouting Mission for Fly Fishing Spain Ends, Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show 2018, Somerset Fly Fishing Show Moves to Edison for 2018, Spruce Creek and a "White Out" at Penn State, Back to Pennsylvania for Fishing and Football, Flyfishing for Chinook Salmon on the Nestucca River, Jenny Lake Comes to Life During Winter Squall. Granny launched a few casts early on and felt some soreness from making her first casts in a year yesterday. A Little Currier Under the Tree this Christmas? Fishing for or targeting sturgeon in the Kootenai River is illegal; Tiger Muskie. Joe D. beat them up all over the river … Besides having great fishing there is always a lot of wildlife on the shorelines. There are riffles and small rapids (Class II). I caught a few more nice ones colored up like the big one earlier. PERSONALIZE THE BACK with a Name, Inscription, and Artwork because WE The Kootenai River flows through Libby and Troy and offers Blue Ribbon trout fishing. Indian Summer Lake Trout Fishing On Jenny Lake, Paul Bruun - Jackson Hole News and Guide Story, Relaxation After the Jackson Hole One Fly, Misty Dhillon Meets Quake Lake in Montana, Fly Fishing in Iceland 2014 comes to and End, Iceland’s Atlantic salmon Fishing at its Best. Information provided in these interviews predates that available from fisheries management agencies, in some cases by many decades. Thanks for the posts! Tiger Trout) Trout limit is 6, all species combined No Time for Starlets, Autographs, Glitz or Glamour ... Where’s the Fly Shop on Hollywood Blvd? Fishing is allowed at all hours during open fishing seasons unless otherwise specified in District Exceptions to Standard Regulations. 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. The East Kootenays in British Columbia is home to some of the best river Bull Trout fishing in the world! These trout are indigenous to the headwaters of the Columbia River. Saddleback Grouper on the Fly - Farquhar! This scene is played out on many rivers in Idaho, and in this case, it’s the North Idaho’s Kootenai River, a gem of a stream that’s gotten a boost in recent years and is producing its best trout fishing in years thanks to a partnership between Idaho Fish and Game and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. Idaho anglers once again have the opportunity to fish for and harvest burbot in the Kootenai River, its tributaries and Bonner Lake. Bob and Lani Valentine, Belvidore, California, Duane and Doris Blume, Bakersfield, California, 406.293.7578 | 800.322.9339 Many anglers find Elk Hair Caddis and yellow Stimulators to be successful flies. Here’s how one angler caught a 5-pounder his first time fishing for freshwater ling cod. From there I headed west to work a few years in the Yellowstone region to simply work as much as most people fish and fish as much as most people work. I’m from Billings so I don’t get up there as often as I’d like. Christmas Gifts for the Angler that has Everything! Isolated in the northwest corner of Montana the Kootenai River lies off the beaten path of the more traveled, popular “big name” rivers of Montana. Dave is easy to find at the Denver Show. Then at around noon we headed out to float a stretch of the Kootenai down by Troy, MT. I’m from Billings so I don’t get up there as often as I’d like. August 25, 2018. I presently have taken over 385 species from over 60 countries! Native Cutthroat and Bull Trout also abound. A Great Fishing Week in MT comes to an End, Just Another Day in the Life of “Monsoon Currier”, Just Another Day in the Life of "Monsoon Currier", FFI Talk Tonight - "Amazing Diversity - Fly Fishing South Africa", Tonight - "Fly Fishing the Himalayas for Golden Mahseer, The Day I Wanted to Become A Fly Fisherman, The Short Days and Long Nights of December, Catch Me Live Online Tonight for Fly Fishers International. We invite you to come have fun on the water with us in what we believe is truly one of the last best places. And yes, it had been a while since I was up there and it reminded me I need to get up there more. Logistics: The section of the Kootenai River popular with trout anglers is located upstream from Bonners … Its our last day here at Dave Blackburn’s Kootenai Angler. A Blue-Ribbon fishery, the Kootenai is possibly Montana’s most underrated fishery and boasts some of the finest Rainbow Trout waters in the State. For game fishermen, though the river provides good cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing … We will take quality fishing, solitude, scenery, and competent knowledgeable guides any day over the "bumper boat" scene that has become the norm on so many other western rivers. KOOTENAY RIVER FLOAT TRIPS March 15 to May 15 and September 15 to October 25. All Rights Reserved. Jeff Currier © 2021. residents with life-long familiarity with Lower Kootenai River and past burbot fisheries. 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. Kootenai River Fishing Report (1) Information 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. I started fly fishing at age 7 in the lakes and ponds of New England cutting my teeth on various sunfish, bass, crappie and stocked trout. 0 Read more. Providing a truly uncrowded setting the Kootenai River maintains a high quality trout fishery. Enjoyed this weeks blog. Kootenai River Gauge. My ultimate goal is to catch as many species of fish on fly possible from freshwater to saltwater, throughout the world. The Kootenai fishery remains one of the western rivers that is virtually unaffected by drought and forest fires due to the deep, large reservoir which insures an endless cool water supply. They are known for their excellent acrobatic fighting ability and their characteristic “football” shape. The Kootenai River arises up in Canada somewhere north Cranbrook, British Columbia. Yaak river … Our last road trip for the year found us fly fishing the Kootenai, Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers. Out of Cameroon by a Thirty Second Miracle! 137 were here. 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All of these tributaries provide an excellent fishing … Fishing; Kootenai River Fishing Report; News ; Kootenai River Report Late August 2018. I kept chucking my streamers. I mentioned it a few times this week, bull trout are protected in Montana and you are not allowed to target them. I bent my rod deep and stayed tight to my fish. The drainage contains a wide variety of insect life, resulting in prolific hatches throughout the season. Work Before Fishing - Did I just Write That? No doubt down here was much warmer. Combined Trout: 1 daily and in posession, 28 inches minimum length. Pike on the Fly - Gangler's Lodge Manitoba, Weather Continues to Hinder Flight to Gangler's, Man-O-War Put Daggers in the Days Fishing, Another Beautiful Day Fly Fishing in Baja, New Species for Me and Honker Rooster for Sammy, Sea Run Brown Trout on the Tungulaekur River in Iceland, Fly Fishing in Iceland Moves Near the Sea, Blogging Drought comes to an End Starting Now, Urban Fly Fishing in Arizona comes to an End. They come in all varieties. Native Cutthroat and Bull Trout also abound. As spring warms up, the Stoneflies hatch, along with the Caddis and Mayflies. Well, tonight seemed like a good night to draw a bull trout. 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. These guys have a much different spot pattern along the back and some pinks our cutts don’t have. Success at Last Fly Fishing in Costa Rica, Another Tough One Tarpon Fishing In Costa Rica, Beaten By the Weather - Tarpon Fishing in Costa Rica, Torrential Rain Hinders Filming "Atlanticus", Back to Blackfoot Reservoir for More Carp, A Full Day of Fun for St. Joe River Valley Fly Fishers. Providing a truly uncrowded setting the Kootenai River maintains a high quality trout fishery. The Kootenai River is so big, so broad, so deep and fast flowing that deciding where to start is no simple task. It is one of the uppermost major tributaries of the Columbia River, which is the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean. The Kootenai River is a daunting river for fly fishing. One of our country’s wildest rivers, the Kootenai River provides critical habitat for several rare and threatened native fish species, as well as wildlife like grizzly bear and woodland caribou. Thanks to @secludedwaters for another great couple of weeks over in Meagher County first half of July. Troy 25° Sunny. The Idaho section of the Kootenai flows through a beautiful canyon with virtually no access, accept by boat. The fishing stayed on fire the entire float with a nice mix of cutts and bows. Best Places to Fish the Kootenai River. Kootenai Country Montana is full of fishing fanatics. Dave had a long list of things we had to do while here and we’ve done many. So Long to Asturias Spain and the World Fly Fishing Championships, Final Day of the World Fly Fishing Masters Championships in Spain, Day 1 - World Masters Fly Fishing Championships - Spain, Official Practice at the World Flyfishing Championships in Spain, The World Fly Fishing Masters Championships, Speaking in Nebraska then Directly to Spain. View Map. Thanks for the attention to details that make it work, https://goflyfishmontana.com/testimonials/431/. Torn - Henry's Fork or Fly Fish for Carp? What a beautiful river, variety of fish and a great place to relax. Well, check that off this list and they were delicious! Libby’s Kootenai River country was picked as their choice for best place to "Lose the Crowds" in Montana offering "some of the state's finest rainbow trout fishing." It’s a must maneuver that keeps the fish on regardless of the barbless hook. I went to Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, where I graduated with a Naturalist Degree while I discovered new fishing opportunities for pike, muskellunge, walleyes and various salmonids found in Lake Superior and its tributaries. The Kootenai River begins in British Columbia and flows through northwest Montana and Libby. NW Montana, Luxury Wilderness Vacation Lodge & Cabins. After the big brekky it was the usual chill out for a couple hours till it warmed up. It just doesn’t get any more beautiful out there, and the fishing is […] Do you like it? You can tell that you’ve worked hard to provide a first rate experience. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Kootenai River in Montana! Fishing regulations valid March 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021. There is plenty of camping along the river from Pass Creek Campground located in Robson and Kootenay River Kampground in Castlegar. Water quality within the Kootenai River basin is generally considered high and the river is considered to be a Blue Ribbon trout fishing river providing exciting sport fishing action. The drainage contains a wide variety of insect life, resulting in prolific hatches throughout the season. 5 Day Fly Fishing School at South Fork Lodge, Lemurs, Chameleons, Cool Frogs & Wet Luggage, Springtime, Crossbills, Cliff Boxes and Work in Boise, Happy New Year - 2010 will be Hard to Beat, Floating Xmas Week? I found this peculiar but perhaps the water where we’ve been fishing upstream is too cold. On a Day when I wasn't Supposed to be Fishing! 0. Its been a true blast hanging with Dave and his wife Tammy. As I always say, it pays to fish straight 0X SA flouro! I’ve painted a few for folks over the years and always enjoy them. Glad you are still tuning in! River Specific Fishing Regulations Exceptions to Standard Regulations: Kootenai River. Track him down and make it happen! Cub's, Coffee, Frosted Flowers and 'JackDennisless', Surgeon General Reports Cure for 'Cabin Fever', High on Fish, Super Glue and Harriman Ranch, Global Fly Fishing - A Blog by Jeff Currier. He didn’t make any kind of run at first. From novice to advanced our team of experienced guides will work with you to ensure you and your family have the very best experience. 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