Flow
Very low · 3,390 cfs
Water Temp
54°F · Prime temp
Trend
Steady
Observed
2d ago
Hatch Status
October caddis are finally hatching regularly throughout the day making for some good dry fly-fishing opportunity.
Conditions
As of October 16, flows were running at 3,390 CFS with water temps at 54 degrees, well below recent highs as dam pulses settle. Nymphing remains your primary tactic throughout the day, with dry-fly chances during the warmest hours as October caddis and small mahogany mayflies hatch regularly. The river holds big rainbows, cutthroat, bull trout, and occasional browns, typically 12-16 inches. Consider heavier line and bigger attractors near the edges as flows stabilize.
Gauges
Techniques
- Nymphing remains king on the Kootenai all day long with some dry-fly action sprinkled throughout the day, most likely during the heat of the day.
- Fishing small streamers is also working well when cast towards the bank and stripped away or fishing them through the tailouts and obvious holes and buckets.
Recommended flies
Project ImperialJigged CDC Pheasant Tail TungstenPeach FuzzEgans Frenchie JigPurple HazeE-Z CaddisTungsten Thin MintStubby ChubbyHi-Vis Rusty SpinnerBam Bam MinnowShe Demon Bugger