Montana Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Northwest Region
Lake Koocanusa stretches from Libby Dam into Canada, with kokanee, rainbows, cutthroat and bull trout.
Looking for the latest Lake Koocanusa 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 Lake Koocanusa.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Lake Koocanusa that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Lake Koocanusa fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Fall drawdown is under way.
Streamers near the river mouths.
Stocking report
See the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocking information for the latest stocking at Lake Koocanusa and other Montana waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lake Koocanusa, bring: Woolly Bugger #4-8, Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lake Koocanusa lake details
| Access | Ramps and campgrounds along both sides of the lake. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,450 ft |
| Nearest town | Libby, Montana |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Kokanee, rainbows, cutthroat and bull trout |
| Regulations | Bull trout rules apply. Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X to 4X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Limited. |
| Camping | Kootenai National Forest campgrounds |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Remote. Big drawdowns. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Drawdown.
Spring
Spring trout.
Summer
Kokanee.
Fall
Fall trout.
How to get there
From Libby, take Highway 37 north toward Libby Dam and the lake.