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Fish and Game invites Idaho anglers to give
Kootenai River a try |
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August 6, 2015 |
Story by Idaho Fish and Game
Many streams and rivers in the Panhandle are
experiencing record low flows and warm water
temperatures this summer. The result is tough
conditions for fish and for anglers.
There are some angling opportunities worth
considering that are not as impacted by the
summertime water conditions. One such
opportunity can be found on the Kootenai River
near Bonners Ferry.
The Kootenai River is regulated by Libby Dam in
Montana, and, as a result, receives reliable
flows of cold water throughout the summer
months. The cold water released from the dam
provides good summer habitat for cold water fish
species such as rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Both are found in the Kootenai River.
According to Greg Hoffman, Fisheries Biologist
for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stationed
at Libby Dam, "Given the summertime water
conditions and necessary dam operations, we are
selectively releasing 50°F water from Libby Dam,
which is the minimum temperature allowed for
release this time of year.
By the time this water reaches Bonners Ferry, it
has typically warmed to 55-58°F, which is great
for both trout and trout anglers. In addition,
releases from the dam are currently around 9,000
cubic feet per second (cfs), which also bodes
well for both fish and anglers. River flows
through the end of August will be between
7,000-9000 cfs and then drop to 6,000 cfs at the
beginning of September, so the favorable water
conditions should be sustained through
late-summer and into early fall."
According to a 2014 survey, there are
approximately 275 trout/mile in the Idaho
portion of the Kootenai River upstream from
Bonners Ferry. Anglers are catching around 0.67
trout/hour according to a creel survey from
2011.
Although these numbers are lower than what is
seen in other large rivers in Idaho, there are
still plenty of fish to be caught by anglers
wishing to pursue them. Trout in the Kootenai
River are biting quite well, thanks to the cool
and consistent flows provided by Libby Dam.
According to Rex Hoisington, owner and operator
of River Rafting by Rex, "Trout fishing in the
Kootenai River has been phenomenal, especially
for this time of the year. It has slowed down a
bit in the heat of summer, but the cold water
from Libby Dam certainly appears to help."
According to reports Mr. Hoisington has heard
from anglers this summer, "Rainbow and cutthroat
trout in the 16-20 inch range are much more
commonly caught in the river than they used to
be, and anglers are happy about that."
Similarly, Tim Linehan, owner and operator of
Linehan Outfitting Company in Montana, indicated
that, "Trout fishing in the Kootenai River (in
Montana, and up to the Idaho border) has been
good this summer. It is not uncommon for
seasoned anglers to each land 12-15 fish on a
trip, and they are quite pleased with that."
If the hot and dry summer conditions have
produced slow fishing in some of your favorite
fishing spots, consider an outing on the
Kootenai River. If you decide to fish the
Kootenai River, here are a few tips that should
help. Most of the trout reside in the portion of
the river upstream from Bonners Ferry. Although
there is limited public access to this stretch
of river, there are great opportunities for
half-, full-, and multi-day float trips. For
half- to full-day float trips, consider
launching at Leonia, Montana (a new primitive
access site funded by IDFG and Montana Fish,
Wildlife, and Parks). Be aware the Idaho border
is a short distance below the put-in. Unless you
have a Montana fishing license, enjoy the
scenery and start fishing after floating under
the Leonia bridge. A good place to take out is
the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho's Twin Rivers Canyon
Resort. This float drifts you through some truly
serene and wild country containing fantastic
trout habitat, and takes anywhere from 6-8 hours
at the current flow conditions.
For multi-day trips, consider the same launch
point, but take out at the public launch located
approximately one mile downstream of the Highway
95 bridge in Bonners Ferry. Along the way, there
are multiple islands managed by the Bureau of
Land Management which are all available for
overnight camping and may have existing,
primitive campgrounds available for use.
As for fishing tactics and tackle that are tried
and true on the Kootenai River, here are a few
tips from successful anglers: "Anglers that are
targeting trout are most successful when fly
fishing as opposed to fishing with spinners,"
according to Mr. Hoisington. "Fly fishing has
been the most successful tactic. Surprisingly,
afternoons and evenings have been more
productive than mornings. Nymphing in fast water
has been particularly productive; whereas,
fishing dry flies in long, slick, glassy runs
has not been as productive. The fish are there,
but early in the day it's just too bright and
sunny," according to Tim Linehan.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new
angler to the Kootenai River, consider spending
time enjoying this North Idaho fishery. Please
remember that the Idaho portion of the Kootenai
River is subject to a special harvest rule of
two trout per day, no rainbow or cutthroat trout
under 16 inches; all other regional rules apply.
For more information or additional questions,
please feel free to contact T.J. Ross (Senior
Fishery Research Biologist) or Andy Dux
(Regional Fishery Manager) at 208-769-1414. |
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