Kootenai River

August 21, 2026

By Barbless, compiled each morning from the gauges, forecasts and sources on this page.

Kootenai River

Current conditions for Kootenai River · Map, access and gauges

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Flow

8,720 cfs

Trend

Steady

Observed

58d ago

Hatch Status

Caddis have been hatching in the evenings

Conditions

The Kootenai is running strong and cool for late August, with flows holding steady near 8,400 cfs at Porthill. Hoppers and smaller nymphs are producing, but the real story is the building dry fly action, mayfly activity and evening caddis hatches are drawing fish. You'll find rainbows, cutthroat, bull trout, and the occasional brown, most running 12–16 inches. Water temperature at 61 degrees is prime for summer fishing.

Gauges

Techniques

  • Straight up nymphing with a bobber and two flies is working

Recommended flies

Hi-Viz Spent CaddisChernobyl Super PurpleTilt Wing DrakeEmma's StoneMorrish HopperImperial IPTPeach FuzzFrenchie Jig