Kootenai River Outfitters Montana Fly Fishing Guides

Real time river flows can be found here.

Snow pack Information can be found here.

KRO 2008 Fly Fishing and River Reports :

5/8/08

Two words. Chocolate Milk. Low elevation run off is in full swing. Koot needs a while to settle out. I'll let you know as soon as it does. But right now. Forget it.

Small streams are still looking great for the opener on the 17th. Come let us get you out on the water!

5/5/08

Things are looking real good on the small streams for the season opener May 17th. We've had temps in the 70's for a couple of days and run off is coming down at a good steady pace. No rain for a couple of weeks either. So streams should be in high, but in great shape. Some of the best fishing of the year is right around the corner. If you like the smaller stuff, give us a call and let us get you out on the water.

The Koot is steadily on it's way up. Currently at 9000 cfs plus the trib run off. Looks like they are trying to match inflow so far this spring. I'll know more after a Wed meeting and will report back. There's about 2 feet of visibility right now. Almost too cloudy to fish. Right now bright colored streamers and big nymphs deep are key. Water is still in the low 40's but warming as the day goes by. Some bugs on top but few fish looking up. Go deep.

4/24/08

Well things seem to be running late this year. Flows, run off, and spring time in general have been slow to come. I'd say were a month or so behind where we normally are for this time of year. We're still getting the occasional snow shower however it's melting off quick in the valley. Building snow pack up top though. This weekend looks to be the end of it as temps are forecasted into the mid 60's. About time! Things should really start to pick up then and were looking golden for this year with lots of water. It's going to be a fantastic small stream season. 3rd Sat in May is the general opener.

The Koot is in decent shape right now however it's still an afternoon game. Water temps are still cold but on there way up. Small bugs on top in the afternoon. Midges, small olives, quills. Still looking to see the March Brown hatch. I would think any day. Work BIG bugs slow and deep the rest of the day.

Don't forget, if you like the small stream thing, the end of May and June are looking great. Call us and let us get you out on the water!

4/7/08

Spring is still trying to break through. River is still at 4000cfs and about 39 degrees. Fish are still sluggish and activity is confined to the warmer part of the day. Looks like we're still a good 2 or 3 weeks away from things breaking wide open. However that doesn't mean there aren't fish to be had. A lot of midges, small olives and a smattering of caddis and stoneflies. The weather has been consistent at least. No major warm ups to blow anything out. Lets hope it stays that way. We're in great shape water wise. This is going to be one of the best small stream years in recent memory if we don't get a huge blow out. End of May thru Aug are looking golden for the tribs. Koot, as usual will always have water. Lots of cold water so make plans now to come up and visit!

3/20/08

Spring is almost here. The valley is just about thawed out. A few Ospreys have arrived back and bugs are on the water. Warm part of the day has been seeing midge and tiny mayfly activity. Small olives or quills will work. #20 - 22. Water is low at 4000cfs and cold still so limited activity but they re starting to wake up. Had a good caddis and stone fly appearance the last two days too but short lived. That will change as the days warm and lengthen though. Work some big stone fly nymphs deep and slow and streamers the same way. You might be surprised.

3/6/08

Well just a semi pre season up date as we roll along. So far so good on the weather. Snow packs are running at or above normal all across the drainage so it's shaping up to be a great year all around. As long as things don't come off all at once we are golden for the tribs this year. Last year was short lived for small streams with all the heat and little snow pack but this year looks to be a stellar small stream bonanza! If you like the small waters think May, June, and July. It's still a bit early and a serious weather change could screw it all up so we'll keep our fingers crossed for no 90 degree heat in May.

The Big river so far is doing great with some warmer weather turning on some midge action in the afternoons.
A few snouts starting to show in the heat of the warmer days. Still need a bit more time really but action should start to pick up here soon. Remember that the upper 3 miles below the dam closes April and May to protect spawners. That still leaves about 45 miles of river to fish though folks!

Also, early season is one of the overlooked seasons. Though more hit or miss it can be some of the best fishing of the year. Fish are coming out of their winter slumber and spawning and then they are hungry. If you're looking for some great early season action give us a call and we'll be happy to help!

1/31/08

Winter is here and for the first time in many years we're measuring snow in feet down here in the valley! It's a veritable winter wonderland! Snow packs are at or above normal all around the region. It's too soon to tell but it's shaping up to be some of the best early season tributary fishing we've had in years. As long as this stuff doesn't all blow out at once we're golden for the end of May and June on the ranch water, Yaak, and Bull. Time and weather will tell though. There's still plenty of winter, and spring to go. Those of you into small stream fishing this could be one season not to miss. Especially if you can travel on shorter notice. I'll keep things updated as we go along but keep an eye on snow pack and weather and plan accordingly.

In the mean time we're back for a while and then off to another show in Phoenix. Those of you in the area please come and see us at the ISE Show at Cardinals Stadium. Great venue and we'd love to meet you!

1/10/08

Well we are having a good winter so far with a decent amount of snow and colder temps to keep it from running off too soon. Only time will tell how things shape up for the spring but we're way ahead of the last few years as far as snowpack goes. Things are looking great for this upcoming season. Hopefully we will have a lot more small stream fishing than last year. The Koot is looking good and we've had very good water flows for the past 2 years so barring any epic events this year should see some great fishing with better than average fish. We'll keep you informed as the spring season draws ever near.

Days are getting longer folks and before you know it spring will be here. Start planning your summer time trips now. Also for those that can travel on short notice or live a little closer to us, some of the best fishing of the year is late April into May. Don't over look this prime time! Contact us and let us get you out on the water!

Meanwhile if you're in cabin fever mode, get out and see us at the upcoming ISE Shows!