Idaho
Kootenai River at Leonia
Location Snapshot
Kootenai River at Leonia is a large northern Idaho river flowing through the forested Kootenai Valley near the Montana border. Rainbow trout and native coldwater species define the principal river fishery across deep runs and broad current seams.
Current River Rating
Fair · 67
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 8:00 AM–11:00 AM
Why
- Water temperature is within the preferred trout range.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 4720 CFS
- Gage Height
- 10.53 ft
- Water Temperature
- 51.3 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 12305000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Partly cloudy
Temperature
42°F
Feels like
36°F
Wind
3 mph NE
Wind gust
3 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 2:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Clear
Temp 41°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 9 AM
Clear
Temp 45°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 1 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 5 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Wed 1 AM
Clear
Temp 52°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 68°F / Low 40°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 5 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 75°F / Low 51°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 10 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Rain
High 70°F / Low 44°F
Chance 59%
Precip 0.13 in
Max gust 5 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 54°F / Low 41°F
Chance 55%
Precip 0.09 in
Max gust 10 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild rainbow trout are in the regulated-flow fishery on the Kootenai River at Leonia.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Kootenai River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Regulated flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Boundary, Idaho
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Boundary
Management Category
Wild trout river
Regulation Scope
Kootenai River at Leonia / Idaho Kootenai.
Regulation Summary
Kootenai at Leonia: IDFG Panhandle Kootenai River special rules. Confirm current 2025-2027 Fishing Seasons & Rules.
Target Species
rainbow-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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