Lake Koocanusa
A long, narrow reservoir behind Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, running about 48 miles from the dam to the Canadian border and on into British Columbia. It is known for big rainbow trout, kokanee, and catch-and-release bull trout in a remote mountain setting.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Rainbow Trout
Stocked by FWP and can grow large. Troll spoons and plugs near the surface early, deeper as water warms.
Kokanee
Troll small spoons and dodgers with corn or maggots, following schools down as summer goes on.
Bull Trout
Catch and release only, with a free FWP catch card. Big fish feed on kokanee in open water.
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Near creek mouths and shorelines in spring and early summer.
Burbot
Bottom fishing with bait at night in winter and early spring.
Boat launches
4 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Rexford BenchPublicKootenai National Forest site near Eureka. High- and low-water boat rampsDirections ↗
- Peck GulchPublicKootenai National Forest campground. High- and low-water ramps, trailer parking; steep, narrow access roadDirections ↗
- McGillivrayPublicKootenai National Forest site on the west shore. High- and low-water boat rampDirections ↗
- Koocanusa Resort & MarinaMarinaPrivate resort on Hwy 37 near Libby. Launch, slips, rentals, store with bait and tackleDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bull Trout Open year-round; Lake Koocanusa Bull Trout Catch Card required; record length and zone | See Montana rules book ↗ | 0 (catch & release) |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- 23911 MT Hwy 37, Libby(406) 293-7474Directions ↗
- 13546 Montana Highway 37, Libby(406) 293-7578Directions ↗
Local tips
- The reservoir is drawn down heavily for power and flood control, often lowest in late winter and spring; use low-water ramps when the lake is down.
- Carry a Lake Koocanusa Bull Trout Catch Card if you may catch bull trout, and release every one.
- Afternoon winds funnel down the narrow canyon; plan open-water runs for calm mornings.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Montana lakes
Canyon Ferry Lake Hungry Horse Reservoir Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir) Hebgen Lake Noxon Rapids Reservoir Bighorn Lake Clark Canyon Reservoir Nelson Reservoir All Montana lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.