Kootenay River

The Kootenay River is the uppermost major tributary of the Columbia River, flowing through British Columbia, Montana and Idaho. As all the major streams in the Kootenay Valley empty into this river, it is best fished in April and May before runoff. Hosting one of the best Mothers Day hatches anywhere, the Kootenay River is a great early season fishery. The River Banks Boil with rising cutthroat and Bull trout chase after streamers ripping through deep pockets. Since the water level is so low and clear at that time of year many of these huge trout are caught on small streamers and nymphs. Once you spend a couple days on the Kootenay River, you will be hooked into returning every spring to explore this unique fishery.