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KRO 2007 Fly Fishing and River Reports :
12/7/07
Last report of the year folks. Winter is here, though so far not nearly enough of it. Long ways to go though. I'll keep things posted and up dated as things warrant. In the mean time come and see us at the ISE Shows!
See you in the spring!
11/1/07
Some good fishing still taking place though the hours are pretty much limited to the warmer part of the day. Flows still at 4500 cfs but now that we're headed into winter that could change for power generation. Weather has been great this last week with sun and highs in the 50's. We really need to start getting some rain and snow though as we are running way low so far. Yes it's early but we need precip! Midges, nymphs and streamers are the game now with long fine leaders and tippet if you're going to throw anything on top. If you need a last fix before the winter weather hits then this next week would be a good bet. We'll keep you updated if anything changes but for now it's hunting season. Have a great winter folks!
10/18/07
Well, things are getting a bit iffy now as colder weather is setting in. River is at 4500 or so and some days OK, other days are duds. Water temps are dropping.....mid to upper 40's. A lot of rain forecast for a while with snow levels starting to drop. Some tiny olives on cloludy rainy days. A few October Caddis left. Not many. Hoppers are done. If we get some warming things will turn back on but for now it's almost time for the 4 legged critters in the woods. There's still good fishing to be had but the season is winding down. Streamers and nymphs deep and size #20-22 olives. Bigger bug attractors on top.....maybe. Stupid visibility! Long drag free drifts. Warmer days and afternoons are keys right now. Don't worry about sleeping in too late! We'll let you know if anything changes.
10/2/07
Fall is here with a vengance. Rain, we need it, and more rain. Highs in the low 50's with blowing wind. Cold days right now on the water and fishing will slow till things settle out. There's still some good fishing to be had though before winter sets in. River is on it's way down to the 4000 cfs range. Some October Caddis, midges and streamers are doing the job. As soon as the weather settle out a bit look for good activity in the afternoons. Fish are looking to chow for the winter doldrums so big bugs on top will still produce some great fish. Long leaders and drag free drifts are key as the water is low and very clear. We'll keep you informed but for now don't give up quite yet. Fall can be awesome! No people and fish looking to eat.
9/14/07
River will be dropping to 6,000 cfs till the end of the month and then reportedly down to 4,800 for Oct and Nov. These are great wading levels and the fish are looking up. Fall feeding has begun. Mornings are cool and afternoons are sunny and warm. Perfect fishing weather. Big bugs are still the ticket with some caddis and tiny flying ants too. There's still plenty of fishing to be had before the end of the season so get out and fish!
9/4/07
Todays report.....
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Fails to Take Action!
(They might even surpass the Corp of Engineers on the Incompetence Meter!)
OK time for action. Back in May I asked that folks write to FWP to comment on proposed changes to regulations on the Kootenai amongst other streams and waters. Specifically:
1. Reducing the high number of incidental "by-catch" Bull Trout. (Read, throwing bait with large treble hooks.)
2. Reducing the high take limit on the Rainbows. (IE...4 a day...argh!)
Well today the tentative proposed changes have been posted and the Kootenai isn't even mentioned!
This means once again that we got a total pass. Per the norm we just don't rate on the radar screen. These people should be ashamed of themselves. They pretend to be the one of the most proactive fish and wildlife agencies in the country while sitting on their laurels and doing NOTHING when they have the chance to really make a difference.
Please folks, if you care even a little bit about this river and it's health take the time to voice your opinion and write them about the tentative changes and their lack of attention to the Kootenai. We need to be heard.
Your letters count. Don't put it off and think that some one else will do it! It will be at least 4 more years before we even have the chance to comment again.
Comments may be E-mailed still to: fwpfsh@mt.gov
Thank you!
9/1/07
River is down to 9,000 cfs. Not sure if we're going to level off at this for a while or drop some more. Either way the fish are going to need a couple of days any way to get used to the new flows. A little cooler weather has set in so it looks like fall might be just around the corner. Still have hoppers going strong. We'll keep you posted.
8/30/07
Another week and all is well. We're again on our way down to 12,000 cfs as of this morning. Where it settles out at is still not known but this is a typical fall regime. Still a BIG bug on top game and should stay that way for a while. Forecasts are for days in the lower to mid 90's for this week so summer is still here for a while. Fall is not too far off though. This is a great time to fish and the river is fishing quite well. Hoppers are still rockin' and rollin and your best bet. But any big rubber legged fly dead drifted a long ways will do the trick. No real hatches to speak of but that should change soon. We'll keep you posted.
8/24/07
Looks like we're starting to drop flows for the fall season. Down to 15,000 cf this morning. We'll let you know where it settles at for the fall. As for now though the fish will need a couple of days to re-adjust to new flows but all in all the river has been fishing well. Still a big bug thing on top. Hoppers or anything big buggy with rubber legs dead drifted a long ways. We've had a week or so of cooler weather with some cloudy days but no real hatches to speak of. Some sporadic PMD's. As fall nears look for Olives and #24 Lime Green Midges to become the norm. For a while though it's still BIG BUG TIME!
8/13/07
We're getting into some of the best fishing of the year right now. Hoppers are the name of the game! Big bugs, on top, dead drifted for a long ways are producing some great fish. But stealth is key. River is still at 17,500 and clarity is getting way up there. Sunny warm weather is back with highs in the 90's. Great time to be on the water. We have LOTS of cold water so if your favorite stream or river is suffering from the heat come on up this way and give the Koot a try.
We also want to reassure any one that's been reading or seeing news about the Montana fire season. The closest fires are a long ways away from Northwest Montana and our general area. So far the prevailing winds have kept us pretty much smoke free too. In other words, don't worry. Northwest Montana is the place to be right now. So come on up and fish. We'd be happy to get you out on the water!
8/10/07
Kootenai is fishing great. Period. Big bugs on top. It's hopper time. Long drag free drifts are needed though or you will never see a good fish. Think big, buggy, hopperish, or rubber legged. You'll need something to float in too as flows are still at 17,500 and wading is limited. Hatches are sporadic at best and pretty much done untill we get some cooler cloudy weather. However the hoppers are more than making up for it. Water temps around 60 to 62 degrees. Clarity is 10 + feet. You won't get away with bad casts or poor presentation!
7/29/07
Well the Koot may be the best bet in the northern Rockies right now as temps continue to sizzle everywhere. Still in the 90's to low 100's just about every day. Evenings are cool though.
The river is fishing great. Big Bugs worked real slow are producing some great fish. 17,500 cfs continues and water temps are in the low 60's. Perfect conditions for the Hoppers that are everywhere right now. You will nedd a boat or some type of watercraft though as there isn't much wading to be had at this flow. Give us a call and let us get you on the water!
7/23/07
Koot is fishing great! Big bugs on top are producing some fantastic fish! Also PMD's, Caddis and an occasional Drake. Flows still at 17,500 and clarity is getting up into the 8 to ten foot range. Lonnnngggggg Drag free drifts are needed. Still not much wading at these flows so float it! Lots of cold water though and the fish are lovong it.
Tribs are done. Too low, too hot. Please don't fish them! Fish are sitting on the springs gasping for air and a caught fish is a dead fish! The weather is still in the upper 90's to 100's with no end in sight to this heat.
http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/waterclosure.aspx Please don't kill fish....... if your favorite stream or river is too hot, come up and see us. Lots of water to go around!
7/16/07
Hot temps continue with very little relief in sight. Day time temps have been in the 100's with nights down to the 60's. Kootenai is at 17 kcfs and fishing well. Lots of cold water so come up and fish! Hoppers getting started and growing fast in this heat. Big bug time! Dead drift anything big and red in the shade where the fish are out of the sun and you'll do well. Look for fish to move into runs for pre PMD hatches. When the sun gets lower late in the day fish will be back to their normal spots. Nymphs and streamers producing as well. Caddis in the evenings. A few clouds will get PMD's hatching in bursts.
Tribs are done. Way too hot. Please don't stress fish! http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/waterclosure.aspx
7/9/07
HOT!!! REAL HOT!!! Temps into the 100's and 110's this last week and forecast to stay that way for a while.
Tribs are done except for real early mornings and late evenings. Too low, too hot. Please don't stress fish!
Also, MT FWP is starting to close rivers and streams because of it.
http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/waterclosure.aspx
Kootenai however is in great shape. Lots of cold water. 17,200 cfs and still a bit off color from run off. Evenings are best for bugs as daytime sun and temps have fish on the bottom. PMD's and Caddis are staples now with good hatches happening late evenings. Look for spinner falls mornings very early. During the day streamers and nymphs have been the ticket with bigger streamers taking some nicer fish. Lots of river to fish. Look for FWP to start closing streams and rivers across MT soon. But we never get shut down. This is a huge reservoir up here with plenty of cold water. Give us a call and let us get you out.
7/2/07
The Koot is in great shape. We're well into summer now and fishing is good. 15 kcfs will continue for the better part of the season. Water clarity is still a bit off color due to some glacier tinge from up top but all in all things are great. PMD's, Caddis, Olives on cloudy days, nymphs, streamers. All the usuals are pulling fish. Sunny days are here for a while with highs to 100 or more this week. Evenings are best or just after sun up. Work long drag free drifts during the day. Or get down deep.
Tribs are way too low for this time of year. A month ahead of last year. We could use some rain. Look for the tribs to be done here soon, as well as all of MT if the heat and no rain continue. A brief trip to SW MT showed low water and hot temps are the norm for that region. If your favorite river or stream is too hot or closed by FWP remember, the Koot ALWAYS has plenty of great cool trout water. We'll have good fishing conditions on the main river all summer and well into fall. Give us a call and let us get you fishing!
6/21/07
Well, pretty much a repeat of last week. Koot is in great shape at 15k cfs and fishing well. Tribs are all good too. Cloudier days have been better for bugs and we've seen some great top water action then. However we're starting to move into the sunny part of the year so expect the Olives to taper off. PMD's and Caddis are getting started. Some better fish are being taken in the usual manners. Big bugs dead drifted drag free, streamers, and deep water nymphs. Still no rain to speak of really and the tribs will probably be done early this year. That means if you want small water fishing now is the time. If you'd like to get out on the water in a beautiful scenic uncrowded part of MT give us a call, we'll be happy to help!
6/14/07
Koots in great shape! 15k cfs and fishing well. Cloudier days are seeing more bugs and the weather has been cooperating. Sedges, Caddis, PED's, PMD's, Gray and Green Drakes on the tribs. All in all a good start to what looks to be a good year. We could still use a bit of rain for the tribs but they are in great shape now. However they might be done a bit earlier than usual. Time will tell and we'll keep you posted.
Give us a call or send an email and let us get you out on the water. It's time to fish. Come on up and let us show you a great Montana time!
6/7/07
River is scheduled to go down to 15,000 cfs and stay that way for the majority of the season. Currently at 20 kcfs for the next few days. May go even lower come Sept and Oct only time will tell. Water is in great shape as we've so far had a well controlled run off. The last few days have been cloudy with rain in the upper 60's. Olives have been many with fish in spots feeding well. The river is dropping to 15 kcfs so the fish need a few days to get well adjusted. Things are looking great for the year though.
Tribs are in fine shape and fishing well. Stones and Drakes are still going strong. Water is fairly low though. Don't look for a long tributary season this year unless we get a lot more rain. The last few days has helped but no where near enough to extend the season on the tribs. They MIGHT fish well till the end of July.
We'd love to have you come up this year and still have good availability for those last minute travel plans. Give us a call or send an email and let us get you on the water!
6/1/07
Thanks to those that took the time to write FWP, much appreciated! To those that read the notice and didn't... and claim to care about this fishery....shame on you for not taking a couple of minutes to help.
The Koot is still running at 25k cfs but is scheduled to come down to 15,000 cfs on the 7th for the better part of the summer. That will make for great conditions well into the fall so if you haven't decided or planned your trip yet come on up. We still have availability and would love to have you here. Look for PMD's and Caddis to be starting heavy soon. Ants, Streamers, Nymphs are taking fish and will continue. Untill the water drops look for fish in the softer water, grass, and big rock fields out of the heavy current.
Tribs are all in great shape. Salmonflies, Drakes and Golden Stones are taking some very nice fish. This should last for at least another two weeks as we settle into summer. Hot weather is here now. Mid to upper 90's for the weekend. Forecast says down to 60's and 70's next week though. We could use some rain really. Tribs are too low for this early in the season. Without some rain we could be looking at an early season for the small water. Though the Koot is in great shape for the year. Plenty of water so come on up!
5/24/07
Important Notice!
OK folks, sorry to post this a bit late but for the next week, until June 1st, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will be accepting comment on proposed changes to the 2008-2011 fishing regulations. And for the first time in a long time the Kootenai is on the table. A couple of the things that they are specifically talking about are:
1. Reducing the high number of incidental "by-catch" Bull Trout. (Read, throwing bait with large treble hooks.)
2. Reducing the high take limit on the Rainbows. (IE...4 a day...argh!)
This is great news as we hardly ever even get noticed up here. To keep it short we would certainly appreciate it if any one and all could take a few minutes to either send off an email, or better yet a hard copy old fashioned letter seems to carry more weight. Specifically it would be great if you could address at least those 2 topics by supporting the elimination of bait and treble hooks and instituting an artificial lures only Catch and Release program. More info can be found here:
Comments may be mailed to:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attn: Fisheries
1420 East 6th Avenue
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
or E-mail: fwpfsh@mt.gov
Thank you!
BTW, Koot is at 25,000 for the next two weeks for Sturgeon. However fish are being found tight against the shore and in the grass. The tribs are fishing great and the Golden Stones, Drakes, and Salmonflies are starting!
5/21/07
Koot is back up to 20,000 cfs and off color due to some rain and the last bit of the tribs run off. Look for the river to go to 25,000 cfs for a while, (about 2 weeks ?) before we get back to normal flows. Things are improving though. Tribs are a bit high as we had some rain the last couple of days. They are almost wadeable in the top end of the watersheds. Be careful! Big Drakes, Stones, and Salmonflies are due any day now on the tribs especially. The next few weeks are with out a doubt the best time of year for fishing the tribs. Big fish that aren't spooky yet. If you like small water, and who doesn't, get here. Work those big nymphs deep and slow. Put some streamers down DEEP. If you aren't losing a few you aren't deep enough! Some Olives and March Browns still on the cloudy days. We just had a major weather change, bright and sunny in the 80's to cloudy and rain in the 40's and 50's. Life in the northern Rockies. Any way the fish need a couple of days to adjust. Though the cloudy days are better for fish on the surface. Caddis are starting to become a daily evening event and Flying Ants on the sunny days. Look for the fish in the softer water, around the big rocks, and in the grass. Out of the heavy current.
Upper river opens June 1st. And June is looking great. It's tributary time folks. Come on up and fish!
5/9/07
Looking great! Koot is at 13,900 and still a bit off color from some of the last trib run off but in good shape. Clarity about 4 feet still but that's improving daily. Water temp is heading up through the lower 40's. Last 2 days big bright sunny and low to mid 80's which has made us really work for fish. This is the first time this year they have seen this weather. Cloudy days have been Olive central. Weather for the rest of the week says mid 70's and partly cloudy. Water still needs to warm just a few degrees though to really turn on the fish. By this weekend things will be great. Some of the better fish in the last two days have been on streamers. Pound the banks and let them swing slow and deep. Flying Ants a real hit too. BIG ants. Size 10 and 12's have been bringing some better fish up on sunny days. Tribs open May 19th and the upper Koot June 1st.
So far June is shaping up to be great this year. Unlike last years high water. Could be the best in years. Since we have been hesitant to book June because of that we still have great dates available for those of you thinking about June. Give us a call and let us get you out on the water in NW Montana.
5/3/07
The last of the lower elevation run off seems to have peaked now. Some of the local tribs had a bit of a spike in flow. We got some much needed rain today too. But could use more. Koot is still at 19,500 and a bit off color from the tribs pouring in. Things are picking up in the afternoon. Olives, Blue Quills and a few Caddis making an appearance. As long as we don't get a flow increase from the Corp things should really turn on this next week with a bit of warmer weather. A few degrees rise in temp on the water and it's set to fish very well. Yesterday and today saw a Flying Ant "hatch" that brought some very nice fish to the surface. Also a few Drakes fluttering around. Time to fish!
4/30/07
Good news! River is down to 19,500. Still high but a more fishable level then what we've had for the last 10 days or so. The weather has been warming too with daytime temps in the upper 60's to low 70's. The inflow is up into the reservoir but no answer as to if they plan on increasing flows again. For now I don't think so. They have plenty of flood control room to work with.
Fish will need a couple of days to get used to the new flow but they should turn on soon. We need a few degrees water temp warming really. This is still a lot of cold water so don't look for an all day hatch. It will be an afternoon game still at this point. The rest of the time work those nymphs and streamers deep and slow. Black Midges, BWO, Blue Quills, March Browns. Flying ants should be out too. A few degrees warmer on the water and it's set to expode. Be ready.
Tribs will be opening on May 19th and look to be in great shape. If anything we could use some water and snowpack still. But it doesn't look like we're going to get it. This is the first year in a while that the tribs will be very wadeable on opening day. At least if this weather holds for the next couple of weeks. Should be a great start to a great season. Get out and fish!
4/24/07
Water is UP, fish are DOWN. River is at 25,500 for the last week and all this cold water, 38-40 degrees coming out of the reservior has got the fish turned off. A lot of Black Midges on the water but few fish rising.
No word as to when they are planning to shut down the flows to something a bit more manageable. This is a very unusual, and idiotic, water management plan to say the least. The Corp is exceeding inflow into the lake by more than double with the outflow. The lake has dropped almost 10 feet in the last several days. This is in response to last years floods and spill but reality sure looks to be that they are WAY over doing it once again to the detriment of the river. At this point they have nearly 70 feet of storage to play with for flood control in the reservoir. Certainly enough in most any ones minds and in any year that any one can remember. (And certainly enough that they could ramp down these flows!) Only this year they are going the exact opposite of last year. Last year when we knew we had a lot of snow pack and the potential for flood they ran the river at a trickle.
This year when there is a less then normal snow pack they are blowing out every last drop in case of a warm
May and monsoonal rain.
Yes once again your Gov't at work folks! Last year blow out and kill the fish with spill and dissolved gases.
This year they're just running 25,000+ cfs over the spawning beds. Brilliant!
Here's a good chart for those of you that want to monitor it.
4/18/07
Woke this morning to 22k cfs and I am expecting the Corp to go to full power at 25k. This is not normal for this time of year but it is at least fishable. They are trying to keep from spilling and looking like the fools that they were last year. So all in all we'll take a full flow if it means no spill any day. However this type of regime is a bit over the top on the too conservative side. Dumping this much water now might come back to bite them in the ass, time will tell. No word as to how long they plan on keeping this flow in place. I have never seen a scenario like this where they are actually exceeding the inflow and reducing the lake level at this time of year. Normally they are refilling. Here's a good chart for those of you that want to monitor it.
The water is going to need a couple or 3 days to calm down but should be good fishing after that. It's ANT time! This higher water will push fish up into the grass and tight to the bank. Also work the back eddies and calmer water. Flying ants and March Browns should be making an appearance any day now. Also Blue Quills, Olives and a few Caddis popping. Pounding the bank with streamers should produce well too. Black Midges are still on every after noon and nymphing is still an option in the right places.
4/13/07
River is up to 12k cfs and rumor has it that the Corp of Engineers will be ramping up soon to near full flows of 25k cfs! Yikes! I guess they are trying to avoid a repeat of last years debacle. The upper river remains closed to protect spawners. However if the Corp goes to 25k right now or in the next few weeks it could really wreak havoc with our spwaning fish! Your Government at work here folks.
The lower river is doing well right now. Some Olives, Blue Quills, March Browns and lots of Black Midges. Flying Ants should be making a showing any time too. That tends to get some nicer fish looking up. Water is still a bit off color but starting to clear. About 4 feet or so visibility. Still fairly cold flows in the low 40's so it's a mid day thing right now. Streamers and Nymphs worked slow and deep are the ticket. Tribs are looking great for next months opener. We've had a bit more snow up top and would like to see some more. The weather has been pretty good as of late. The Ospreys are back and nesting for the year, always good to see. Highs in the mid to upper 50's with sun. Get out and fish, the time is here!
4/03/07
River has been running around 10k cfs for a few days. Clearing nicely and fishable. It's good to see some water being released early this year. Hopefully the Army Corp of Engineers won't repeat last years debacle. So far it looks promising. There are a few Olives coming off during the day and also some decent midge action. Rising fish are limited to the afternoon hours. It's still a nymphing game really. Streamers worked deep and slow too. The water temp is still very cold. Upper 30's to low 40's so don't expect fish to move very far for a fly. Temps cooled off for a day or two and we've gotten some more snow up top. Which is a good thing for the tribs. We could use some more snow because if the forecasts hold true for 70 degrees later this week we're going to see a lot of whats left disappear quicker than usual. However it's still early, time will tell. So far the end of May and June look to be great for trib action, though the season may get cut short if we loose our snow pack up top.
3/24/07
Early season warmth. Looks like our low elevation run off is going to be done soon which means great news for early season trib fishing. As of now look for the tribs to be in great shape for the 3rd Saturday in May opener. In the mean time there's still a week of great fishing to be had on the upper Kootenai untill it closes for April and May to protect spawners. The top end is fishing well with some very nice fish being had. The top 3 miles is about the only thing fishing well though as the bottom is still off color do to run off. Look for the lower 40 miles or so to be clearing and fishing well soon though. April and May look to be as good or better than any in the last several years. All in all the season is looking to be shaping up well. Time will tell and we'll keep you posted.
3/11/07
We're into an early warm up and a whole bunch of rain right now. Small streams and tribs are up. This means we could see some great early season action as the lower elevation snow pack is getting blown out pretty quick. Temps in the mid 50's this week should keep that going. Look for the Koot to turn on mid days with some midges and olives. Things are looking good for an early start. If this weather holds and we don't get another push of cold and lower elevation snow the tribs should be in great early season shape. We'll keep you posted.
2/9/07
Just a quick update as we're still in winter mode. Though "mud" season is just about here. So far a fairly mild winter. Not too cold except for one or two brief single digit days. Snowpack is running a bit below normal so far. There is a while to go yet though and anything could happen. At least we're just a little below. SW MT is hurting for snow bad. Lets hope the snow gods smile on us all a bit more. However we still have tons of water for the season to come.
The river is down to 6000 cfs and will probably stay that way till they drop it to 4000 cfs till June or so. That means that some of the best fishing will be happening as soon as we get some warm temps. Keep an eye on these reports. Especially if you can get here on short notice. Spring will be here soon and the Koot should be fishing well. Aprill and May can be fantastic times to be on the water here! Think Olives!
For those that don't mind working deep and slow there is some great wading to be had at these flows right now. Albeit slow fishing you never know when one of the bigger fish will be hungry. Work some big nymphs and streamers slow and deep in the deep holes and you could be surprised.
We still have another round of Outdoor shows to do so if you are in Pheonix or Salt Lake City and would like to meet us or just get more information on our area please stop by the shows and say hello.
1/7/07 Come see us at the ISE Shows this year!
Well, it's January and once again a new year brings visions of another great year up here in NW Montana. Right now the snow is flying and the winds are howling. We've had a couple of major weather events but that's life in the mountains. Some flooding in Nov, and 100 + mph winds in Dec. Quite a storm!
Anyway we hope every one had a great Christmas and New Year and we wish you all well in the new season.
To all those that have emailed and called inquiring about the up coming season we hope to meet you soon.
For those that have been here in the past we hope we get to see you again in 2007.
As for fishing right now. Too cold. Only the Eagles and Otters are out now. If we get a warm spell in Feb or March we may get some limited afternoon activity. We'll keep you posted. Snow packs are running right around or a bit below normal but there's still plenty of winter to go. So far fairly mild actually. But you never know what's down the road.
We're off to the shows again this year and would love to meet you. So if you happen to be close to any of them please stop by and say hello.
(Archived 2007 Reports can be found here.)
(Archived 2006 Reports can be found here.)
(Archived 2005 Reports can be found here.)
(Archived 2004 Reports can be found here.)
