Kootenai River 02-23-2026

It has been a warmer winter this year and spring may be coming sooner than previous years. Small bugs are starting to emerge on warmer days and some fish can be caught with small dries like the Griffith's gnat and light tippet. If you want to catch more fish, nymphs like the zebra midge and smaller classic patterns like the prince, hares ear, and pheasant tail are mainstays this time of year. A Pat's rubber leg is always good to use as well. If you are looking for that bigger fish, a streamer is the way to go. Numbers won't be high but you can expect to catch more quality fish. Today I caught a decent number of fish using a size 6 white Chicago Overcoat.