Great Start to 2023 Summer! July 16, 2023

The guiding season started in July this year as I expected the river flow to be high like we had in 2022, but was I wrong! A friend who lives on the river stated the water never really came up last winter. Our flows are already under 10,000 CFS and the fishing has been pretty darn good. Currently the flow is at 9,376 at Leona. The flow forecast through the end of the month is a very gradual decline. Perfect! Water temperatures over the weekend bounced between 58 and 60 degrees.

The dry fly patterns bringing good luck are traditional Royal Wulff, Royal Trude, and even small humpy patterns in the morning, then switching to foam patterns around noon and through the afternoon. We had positive results later in the afternoon with small Adams and BWO in the slow moving water right before Twin Rivers Canyon Resort.

Speaking of Twin Rivers Resort. The tribe has closed the resort this summer for camping. The launch is open. So no day use. The boat launch cost this year is $15.

I will post more later this summer, but for now I am happy with the hits we are having. We have already caught (and released) a fish over 16 inches on a dry. The smoke was getting intense for a few days from the two fires near us and we did see fire helicopter activity one day on the water. The wind cleared all the smoke away over the weekend. Hoping it stays away. Remember to bring your rain gear as we have been having summer thunderstorms.

The big news is TLR has opened a fly shop in Bonners Ferry! We are located at 6418 Kootenai Street next to Jack’s Club downtown. The hours are still in flux as we figure out the foot traffic, and days I am guiding the shop will be closed. Call before you come up, my cell is 253-350-2021. We have lots of flies, Simms bags, Patagonia waterproof bags, and apparel. If you are looking for a shuttle on the Kootenai, you can call Rex at 208-946-8323.

Be safe and I will see you on the water!

Leeanna