Kootenai River Report 2.9.17
Flows have been at a steady 4,000 cfs over the past few days, opening up miles and miles of wade-able water. Water clarity is excellent. The few times I have hit the river, there has not been another fisherman in sight. I firmly believe I had miles of river to myself. Fishing is fair, but you'll have to work for it. 1-3 fish days is the re-occurring outcome for the most anxious fly fisherman that can't wait for spring any longer.
Have you seen the new North 40 Fly Shop site? Explore it here.
Nymphing a #18 Tufted Chartreuse Zebra Midge and #22 disco Midge is the go-to combination for you nymphers out there.  For the swingers, try a #4 Olive Slump Buster, #6 Montana Mini Intruder, or a #6 Olive Balanced Leech. Olive seems to be the color of choice for these sluggish rainbows. The hatch continues to be tiny midges. Although I haven't been in a big enough hatch to switch over to dries. There hasn't been many BWO sightings. I am thinking it might still be a little too early and cold.
Looking for a decent nymph pattern? Check these out.
Near the mouth of Moyie Springs is my favorite place to fish in Idaho. In Montana, I tend to fish anywhere accessible between Troy and the Libby dam. Pay attention to the river! Large sheets of ice have been floating down the river on days below freezing.
Make sure you have renewed your Idaho fishing license before you get your boots wet! Idaho fishing licenses expire every year on January 1st. If you have an annual Montana license from last year, you are still good. Just be aware that Montana's licenses expire March 1st 2017.