The Kootenai River, Idaho

The Kootenai River, Idaho/Montana

"The Kootenai River has its origins in British Columbia's Kootenay National Park in Canada. From there it flows 485 miles into northwest Montana and through the towns of Libby and Troy. From there it flows into northern Idaho, then back into Canada and Kootenay Lake. Ultimately it joins with the Columbia River. Sixteen miles north of Libby, the river is held back by Libby Dam, creating a 90-mile long reservoir which reaches into Canada."

"The Kootenai River is the second largest tributary to the Columbia River in terms of runoff volume, third in terms of drainage area. The major tributaries of the Kootenai River are the St. Mary, Bull Elk, Fisher, Yaak, Moyie, and Slocan Rivers. The Kootenai Basin is largely mountainous and dominated by three major ranges. The Rocky Mountain Range and its offshoot, the Flathead Range, constitute the eastern boundary; the Purcell Range roughly bisects it from north to south. The Selkirk and Cabinet ranges mark the western boundary. Elevations reach a maximum of about 12,000 feet with most summit elevations between 6,000 and 7,500 feet. Except for a few areas, the entire watershed is heavily forested."

"The Kootenai River supports fisheries populations of westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, Kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout, among other species. White sturgeon also live in river, mostly below Kootenai Falls. Libby Dam, completed in 1972, has impacted fisheries values and water quality, although to what extent is still undetermined. Water quality within the Kootenai River basin is generally considered high and the river is considered to be a Blue Ribbon trout fishing river providing exciting sport fishing action. The drainage contains a wide variety of insect life, resulting in prolific hatches throughout the season. The Kootenai and its tributaries are the only waters in Montana to contain a native strain of rainbow trout, called Columbia Redbands, which are indigenous to the head waters of the Columbia River, and known for their excellent fighting ability."

"The river varies from big and broad to the rushing waters in the China Rapids Canyon and over Kootenai Falls. The waters between the falls and Libby Dam offer a variety of deep water, shallow rapids and mid-stream islands for fishing access. Many people fish from the banks and islands or use drift boats and float tubes. Boat launches can be found along the shores of the Kootenai. Consistent angling usually starts around the middle of June and lasts well into November." *

In Idaho, the Kootenai is a wonderful trout fishery. The last three times I have fished here, I have only seen one drift boat each day. Floats are generally long and will take most of the day. My favorite access points in Idaho are the Yaak River ramp in the campground and the access at Twin Rivers Campground near Moyie Springs, ID. While there, check out the Moyie River which dumps into the Kootenai at Twin Rivers. After snow melt, throw Adams and Elk Wing caddis to trout in feeding lines below rapids. The action is frequently non-stop for hours. The bigger fish however are in the summer once the hoppers arrive. The larger rainbow and cutties are generally hanging everywhere along the banks, near structure and even in the "frog" water. A midge caddis dropper off of your large foam hoppers will also bring fish to the boat. Another suggestion is large foam, ugly stonefly patterns. PS-Don't forget to stop frequently, take in the beauty and fish the multiple rapids and shoals all along the river which are only accessible by drift boat or raft.

The Idaho Kootenai is almost never fished and can provide just as much action as the Montana side. Also, do not forget your Montana fishing license if you put in at the Yaak. The first six miles of river is in Montana. Have a great time and do fish the Kootenai when you can.

The Idaho Angler

* Our thanks to the US Forest Service for providing some of this information.