Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Panhandle Region
In Idaho, the Kootenai River is a big tailwater from Libby Dam, with rainbows, bull trout and sturgeon near Bonners Ferry.
Looking for the latest Kootenai River, Idaho river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Kootenai River (Bonners Ferry).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Kootenai River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are set by Libby Dam upstream in Montana.
Streamers and big nymphs along the banks.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Bonners Ferry, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-6, Sculpin #4-6, Pat', s Rubber Legs #6-8, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Kootenai River details
| Access | Boat ramps near Bonners Ferry and the Montana line. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 1,800 ft |
| Nearest town | Bonners Ferry, Idaho |
| Best season | Summer and fall |
| Fish | Rainbow and bull trout, white sturgeon (protected), kokanee |
| Regulations | Sturgeon and bull trout are protected. Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game seasons and rules before you go. An Idaho fishing license is required for anglers 14 and older, plus a steelhead or salmon permit where those fish are targeted. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 2X to 3X tippet |
| Camping | Campgrounds near Bonners Ferry |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Big, cold water. Wear a life jacket. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Quiet.
Spring
Runoff and high releases.
Summer
Caddis and streamers.
Fall
Streamers.
How to get there
From Sandpoint, take US-95 north to Bonners Ferry.