Very low · 4,800 cfs
56°F · Prime temp
Steady
8d ago
Blue-wing olives in the mix.
Conditions
Clear water and stable flows are making for solid angling on the Kootenai right now. October caddis, mahogany duns, and blue-wing olives are on the water, so nymphing with patterns like Project Imperial or Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail works well in the morning before switching to dries at midday. Streamer fishing stays productive all day over drop-offs and structure, especially with patterns like She-Demon Bugger or BAM BAM Minnow. The river holds rainbows, cutthroat, bull trout, and occasional browns running 12-16 inches. As of October 10, flows were holding at 4,800 CFS and water temperature was 56°F, so consider heavier line and bigger attractors near the edges as conditions settle.
Gauges
Techniques
- Nymphing produces best early in the morning until about midday when dry-fly fishing picks up.
- Small sculpin patterns and flashy buggers working well.
- Streamer fishing productive all day long over drop-offs and near obvious structure along the riverbank.