The Kootenay River is Known as the “Wild” One. Where the Bulltrout Safari began.
The Kootenay River is the uppermost major tributary of the Columbia River and flows through British Columbia, Montana and Idaho and then back into B.C.. As all the major streams in the Kootenay Valley empty into this river, it is best fished in April and May before runoff and then again in the fall. Angling in the summer can be difficult due to the amount of glacial melt often leaving the Kootenay a silty color well into the summer months. The Kootenay is not for your average flip flop wearing trout fly fisher but more so for the one who wants a chance at a real Trophy Bull troutand is willing to tough it out. We run our bull trout safari in our 2 Power Drifter jet sleds, the ultimate fly fishing vessels for this type of river with limited access. Anglers also need to be well equipt with good gear to stand the potentially nasty weather and log days. Extra gloves, hats and base layers are required but that said, on warm days fishing in a T-shirt is a possibility. Some days you can see rising cutthroat and even some rainbows but its the Bull trout that chase after our streamers stripped through deep pockets that bring the most excitement. 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 to explore this unique fishery. Keep in mind that the Kootenay is a true wilderness river and angling can be challenging with changing weather and water conditions. Call us about our Kootenay River Bull Tout Safari!
