Kootenai River — As of Monday the discharge from Libby Dam is 4,000 cfs. Flows are expected to remain low until runoff. During the spring months it’s possible to experience fluctuations in flows. In-flows to Lake Koocanusa were 6,800 cfs on Monday and the water temperature at Libby Dam was 40 degrees. Hatches are midges, blue-winged olives, March browns, early caddis and little stoneflies. Recommended patterns are Zebra Midge, Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, Bugmeister, Olive Sparkle Dun, purple Chubby, BH Prince, soft SJ Worm, BH Pheasant Tail, BH Rubberleg Stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, Circus Peanut and black conehead Buggers — Linehan Outfitting, Troy.
Lake Mary Ronan — It has been approximately two weeks since the ice came off and kokanee fishing should kick in any day. It will be about a month before perch fishing picks up. — Zimmer Bait and Tackle, Pablo.
Lake Koocanusa — Salmon fishing is still slow because of the cold temperatures. Rainbow fishing is fair with the recent storm activity. Anglers had been running plugs in black, black and silver and black and gold. When it warms, try trolling flies. — Koocanusa Resort and Marina, Libby.
Madison River, Upper — Small and flashy is the name of the game if you decide to nymph; Green Machines, $3 Dips, Purple Deaths, Worms, Shop Vacs, black and brown Rubberlegs and Zebra Midges are all good bets. It’s crucial that your bugs are getting down fast. If you’re not ticking bottom every cast, add some weight until you do. Dry fly fishing has been pretty slow with the constant wind. Streamer fishing has been hit-or-miss, but when it’s on, it’s been pretty good. Streamer color has been variable lately, but typically black, olive and white are our favorites. In between the lakes there is some deep snow in spots, but you can get in easily below the dam. The sweet spot seems to be the Three Dollar area with excellent streamer, dry and nymph opportunities. Just watch that weather, wind can be the kiss of death for the dry fly fishing up this way. — Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman.
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