Fly fishing for trout on the Kootenai River - part II

Float fishing for trout in Northwest Montana

In the previous blog post relating to the Kootenai River, I mentioned how impressed I was by the lack of angler pressure we witnessed during our floats.  In fact, we did not see more than three boats floating any section we fished during the four days of fishing, and I am certain that translated into more opportunities for hook ups.  For every fish put in the net, there were two to three times that in missed chances or lost fish.  While we experienced plenty of dry periods during each float session, when the ‘bite was on’ it was serious.

Linehan Outfitting has exceptional fishing resources

Linehan Outfitting's fishing guides facilitated a phenomenal angling experience.  But excellence emanates from the top, and as such, any recounting of a trip with this outfitter must highlight owner Tim Linehan.  I was fortunate to have him guiding me for a day on the section of the Kootenai that extends from the Troy (Roosevelt Park) launch to the pull out at Leonia Access Point at the end of the ‘Caverns’ section of the river.

first westslope cutthroat was a beauty

Guided float fishing with Tim Linehan

Without question, Tim Linehan is the most effusive and encouraging guide I have ever encountered.  His constant banter while on the float reminded me of an enthusiastic little league baseball coach in the dugout  – with continuous refrains of “atta boy” and “swing batta batta”.  Tim’s guidance relied on a chorus of inspiration to “cast to the future” (cast to the front of the boat) and “let it hunt” (you’ve got a good drift going).  A successful hookup was often followed by “that’s what I’m talking about”.  Tim was great motivation regardless of the fishing conditions or outcome.

Tim Linehan (right): excellent guide and outstanding motivational speaker!

We left Troy at 9:30 with a spinner fall in progress (PMDs or western sulphurs) and there were some ants mixed into the flow.  The rises to this conveyor belt of food were impressive and we offered size 14 Adams to the banquet, but the fish were refusing our flies.  By the time we moved to a smaller size 16 Adams, the surface activity slowed considerably and basically chilled out by 11:00 am.

It is not unusual on the Kootenai to experience a fervor of activity followed by extended periods without hookups.  The next hour or more following the spinner fall was uneventful, and it helped to have the ‘atta boy’ encouragement of our guide to mitigate the monotony of casting to nothing.  But once we changed to tan and red water walkers tossed to current flowing at walking speed where there was a change in color, the ‘bite’ was on again.  Our boat ended the day with 30+ fish that included rainbows, cutthroats and cutbows up to 16” in length.

bringing it in with Tim Linehan

Linehan Outfitting's exceptional guides

Tim’s cadre of excellent guides filled out the other three days of fishing, among them Johnny C. and Johnny P.  Their skills on the float were outstanding and knowledge of the water incomparable.  While harboring different styles and approaches, they both worked very hard at finding fish and making a connection with the client, without laboring over our angling weaknesses. 

Part III of this series on fly fishing the Kootenai River will highlight the destination and approaches to fishing this water.

Note:  I am not being compensated for my mention of Linehan Outfitting.  I am simply a satisfied client.