The Kootenai River is one of the largest rivers in the Northwest, originating in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia before flowing south and west through Montana, then northwest through Idaho, finally returning to Canada where it flows through Kootenay Lake to join the Columbia River. At the Idaho border near Leonia (the lowest elevation point in Montana at 1,820 feet), the river drains approximately 13,000 square miles with an average discharge of 16,100 cfs. The construction of Libby Dam in 1972 created Lake Koocanusa and dramatically altered the river system, changing its natural flow patterns, temperature, and productivity regimes. Below the dam, the Kootenai flows for approximately 50 miles to the Idaho border through a landscape of forested mountains. The river is characterized by its immense size, powerful current, and crystal-clear water that provides exceptional visibility most of the year.
Learn what type of fish are at Kootenai River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Esox lucius
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ameiurus melas
Lepomis macrochirus
Salvelinus confluentus
Lota lota
Salvelinus namaycush
Prosopium williamsoni
Ptychocheilus oregonensis
Lepomis gibbosus
Prosopium coulterii
Oncorhynchus nerka
Learn how to get on Kootenai River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
"To fish in Idaho any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license. Anglers younger than 14 do not need a license, but there is a small difference between resident and nonresident youth. -A resident child under 14 has their own separate fishing limit. -A nonresident child under 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license and their fish are in included in the license holders fishing limit. However, a nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit. Special fishing permits are need for some activities for both residents and nonresidents: -Fishing for salmon and steelhead -Fishing with two poles."
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Navigable streams are recognized as public transportation corridors, thus members of the public have the right to use the corridor, provided they enter and exit the corridor at a public right of way and remain within the corridor. Many navigable streams flow through private property, thus it is important that anglers know their rights and responsibilities when fishing in navigable waters that flow through private property.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Kootenai River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Kootenai River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Kootenai River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Kootenai River.
Kootenai River · Below Libby Dam · National Weather Service
4,240 cfs now, 5,460 cfs from 11:00 AM MST
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:46 PM MST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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