Kokanee fishing great on the reservoir!
July 27, 2006
"The fishing is excellent. Best we’ve seen in years!" said Randie Burch, owner of Koocanusa Resort and Marina on Lake Koocanusa, referring to the kokanee salmon fishing on the reservoir. "They’re catching fish averaging 8-14 inches, with a couple over 16 inches," she said. "The fish are healthy and thick, with lots of fat on them."
With summer in full swing, and temperatures in the 90s, it’s natural to think of heading to the big lake for fishing and to enjoy the great outdoors. Koocanusa Resort and Marina is one of the few commercial businesses located on this 95-mile long reservoir located 23 miles northeast of Libby. The resort offers cabin rentals, an RV campground, restaurant and bait shop. They also rent pontoon and fishing boats. For those who want more action, the resort also rents jet skis. They are in their peak season now, so be sure to call ahead for advance reservations to assure getting a cabin or RV spot for your stay.
Randie noted that the reservoir water level is still very full and looking great. The Corps of Engineers is lowering the lake level at a rate of about 4-6 inches a day. As of Wednesday, the water level was about 6-1/2 feet from full pool.
For those who are interested in fishing for rainbow or brookies, the rivers and smaller streams are the better bet right now. With the warm water temperatures, the lake fish aren't coming to the surface to bite. The Fisher and Kootenai Rivers are nearby, as well as many small streams that flow into the big lake. Afternoons and evenings get the most action. Lake fishing for rainbows will pick up after October. The lake is open to boat fishing access all winter. Bull trout fishing is open now until March 1st for those who have that license.
Editor’s Note: Looking for a great summer job? Randie says they are looking to hire some more help. Right now they are in need of a part-time office person, 3 days/week, $7/hour. The resort is open year-round. They also are taking applications for help for next summer. If you love the outdoors, can cook and are willing to clean cabins, this is a great opportunity to work in a beautiful mountain-forest setting with a resort on Lake Koocanusa. (Note that this lake isn’t like most other lakes that are developed with condos on every corner. Most of the lakeshore is undeveloped as National Forest land, so the views are of miles of lake and forest without any man-made buildings in view. Very pristine. You can even see a forest fire lookout tower on one of the mountain tops across the reservoir. Boat ramp and lake/stream fishing within walking distance. A great job for anyone who wants to be close to nature!) Call Koocanusa Resort at 406-293-7474, or e-mail them at koocanusa@kvis.net, www.koocanusamarina.com.
Related Links:
Lake Koocanusa
Kootenai River
Fishing
Kootenai National Forest
More area lodging
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