KOOTENAI RIVER COUNTRY
Brian Grossenbacher Photo
It has never been our ambition to be one of the biggest Montana
fly fishing or hunting companies in the west, JUST ONE OF THE BEST.
M ON TA N A
Fly Fishing • Hunting • Wingshooting
CELEBRATING
25 Years
1992 ~ 2017
IN B USINESS
In 1992 we incorporated Linehan Outfitting
Company with the full realization that this business
is ultimately about customer service. Sure we’re
nuts about fly fishing, upland bird hunting, and
chasing trophy whitetails and elk. But we also know
that flannel sheets are extraordinarily comfortable
and that fresh, locally grown foods inherently taste
better. We also know that impatient, cranky guides
are intolerable and that you should never, ever
have to deal with one on your vacation. After 25
years in business, we’re confident with our day to
day operations, always appreciate suggestions, and
promise to give you 100%.
For those of you who aren’t
familiar with our business, here’s
some information on exactly
what rivers we fish and what you
might expect from each one.
LOC F L Y FISHING:
THE KOOTENAI RIVER
The Kootenai is our home river and is located in Libby, Montana. It’s a big, broad, western
tailwater (which means it’s located below a dam) and we spend most of our time fishing on
the Kootenai. Full of rainbow and cutthroat trout averaging 10”-20” the Kootenai is
considered primarily a dry fly river.
When is the best time to come? We can have some quality pre-runoff opportunities during
April and early May and then the river floods with snowmelt. Around the first of July the doors
of the season swing wide open with great hatches of mayflies and caddis flies and good
fishing lasts through November.
The Kootenai is most efficiently fished from a drift boat. While we’ll always fish from the boats
through the deep pools, we also like to get out and wade through the riffles and runs as
well. The Kootenai is far less traveled than other more famous rivers of the state and usually
we only see a couple other drift boats during the entire day.
SPRING FLING
ADVENTURES
LOC Early Season
Fly Fishing Opportunities
During the spring the LOC crew
spends their time banging around
the state chasing hatches and big
fish. Beginning in March we
become nomadic and hit the road
since our local conditions are
generally inconsistent due to snow
melt. You decide what dates you
want to fish, we provide details and
help arrange lodging, etc. Simple as
that. These trips are a great way
to experience new water with
LOC. Space is limited due to
the popularity of these trips.
March-April
Trips are based out of Missoula,
Montana with fishing on the
Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and
Bitterroot rivers.
Mid-May through Mid-June
Trips are based out of Craig,
Montana with fishing on the
Missouri River.
To see more cool fishing photos visit:
www. FISHMONTANA .com
THE KOOTENAI
RIVER TRIBUTARIES
The Yaak River and other Kootenai River tributaries are
considered small streams. They are incredibly scenic and
full of wild trout averaging 8” - 10”. Fishing the tributaries
is more about fishing and less about catching lots of big
fish. Most often we fish the tributaries with lighter rods
like three and four weights and usually all you need is an
attractor dry fly like a royal wulff or stimulator. Access is
good and tributaries are generally fished by walking and
wading although we do float the Yaak in late June and early
July depending on conditions. There are miles and miles of
tributaries and small stream fishing.
THE CLARK FORK
The Clark Fork River is located in St. Regis, Montana and is very similar to the Kootenai.
By volume the Clark Fork is the largest river in the state and is also best fished from a drift boat.
The Clark Fork offers more consistent early season action (April-early May) due to a fairly prolific
stonefly hatch. The full season begins around the first of July and lasts into November. The Clark
Fork is also considered a dry fly fishery and its rainbows and cutthroats also average 10”- 20”.
LAKES AND PONDS
There are numerous lower elevation and alpine lakes and ponds in the area that also offer
solid angling opportunities. Most of the lakes are fished from float tubes although we do fish
occasionally from drift boats when accessible. There are alpine lakes chock full of smaller cutthroats
that are surrounded by thousand foot cliffs and offer some of most spectacular scenery around, and
there are lakes surrounded by forest that offer opportunities for some larger rainbows as well.
“
The Kootenai River was
something special...and it
took a bit of getting used
to the crystal clear water
and adapting to that much
visibility with fishing - but
we got on quickly and
caught some great fish!
2017 FLY FISHING RATES & PACKAGES
GUIDED DAY TRIPS —
Guided day trips can be arranged any day of the week, any time of the year.
”
Full day — includes streamside picnic, soft drinks and shuttle ......................$495.00
Half day (4 hours) ..............................................................................................$375.00
Clark Fork River & other non-local day trips — full day ........................$525.00
FISHING AND LODGING PACKAGES — Yaak Valley Log Cabins
Includes guide fishing, daily streamside picnics, and log home lodging.
Prices shown are for one or two people.
3 day/4 night package ......................................................................................$2385.00
4 day/5 night package ......................................................................................$3105.00
5 day/6 night package ....................................................................................$3825.00
FISHING AND LODGING PACKAGES — Kootenai River Lodge
Includes guided fishing, daily streamside picnics, and river house lodging.
Prices shown are for one or two people.
3 day/4 night package ......................................................................................$3285.00
4 day/5 night package ....................................................................................$4230.00
5 day/6 night package ......................................................................................$5175.00
FISHING, LODGING, AND MEALS PACKAGE — Kootenai River Lodge
Includes guided fishing, all meals, and river house lodging.
Prices shown are for two people. Four person minimum.
3 day/4 night package ......................................................................................$4285.00
4 day/5 night package ......................................................................................$5480.00
5 day/6 night package ......................................................................................$6675.00
WE
ARE HAPPY TO
CUSTOMIZE PACKAGES
FOR YOUR PARTY.
Rates do not include Montana accommodations tax, licenses, or guide/staff gratuities.
Terms and Conditions: A 30% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Balance is due 60 days prior to arrival—
payable by check, credit card, or money order. If your reservation is cancelled 60 days prior to your visit, your deposit
will be refunded, less a $100 cancellation fee. All deposits and payments for cancellations within 60 days of scheduled
arrival are non-refundable. We strongly recommend that our guests purchase travel insurance.
WILD UPLAND
BIRD HUNTING:
Brian Grossenbacher Photos
During the fall LOC offers upland bird hunting opportunities. We love to run
dogs and chase birds and have three species of native grouse here in our area.
Good populations of ruffed, blue and spruce grouse inhabit the local forest and
generally we average around 3-4 flushes per hour. You’ll hunt behind
seasoned Golden Retriever Gracie and English Setters Maisy and Maggie or
feel free to bring your own dog. Terrain is moderate to rugged and mountainous,
with elevations ranging from 3000 feet to 5000 feet. The forest consists of
dense, coniferous, mixed age class and species of timber. The shooting is fast,
exciting, and after a long day, very satisfying.
Mid-September though Mid-October. Space is limited.
“
We've invested in many hunting trips with
reputable, professional outfitters, and I have to say
the Linehans have raised the bar. I can't say enough
good things about the people and the service.
”
2017 BIRD HUNTING RATES & PACKAGES
UPLAND BIRD HUNTING AND LODGING PACKAGES — Yaak Valley Log Cabins
Includes guided hunting, daily picnic lunches, and log home lodging.
Prices shown are for one or two people.
3day/4night package ~ One on one hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2700.00
Two on one hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1800.00 per person
WE
ARE HAPPY TO CUSTOMIZE PACKAGES FOR YOUR BIRD HUNTING PARTY.
Rates do not include Montana accommodations tax, licenses, or guide/staff
gratuities.
Terms and Conditions: A 30% deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Balance
is due 60 days prior to arrival—payable by check, credit card, or money order. If your
reservation is cancelled 60 days prior to your visit, your deposit will be refunded, less a
$100 cancellation fee. All deposits and payments for cancellations within 60 days of
scheduled arrival are non-refundable. We strongly recommend that our guests purchase
travel insurance.
WE CAN HONESTLY
OFFER A DIFFERENT
EXPERIENCE
“
The cabins were very
comfortable and the setting
was terrific. The Linehans
are very gracious hosts and
continually go out of their
way to ensure a pleasurable
experience for their guests.
“
We had a group of six
and stayed at the River
Lodge. The accommodations
were fantastic, prepared
meals were fabulous, and
the location was gorgeous.
”
Brian Grossenbacher Photo
LOC ACCOMMODATIONS
”
We are pleased to offer two options for lodging:
YAAK VALLEY LOG CABINS
Located on a hillside and bordered by the Kootenai National Forest,
our cabins offer a secluded getaway just minutes from the Yaak River
and just one hour from the Kootenai River. Each cabin offers a quiet
and private retreat. All cabins have one bedroom with a queen bed,
full kitchen, sitting area, bathroom, sleeping loft with two twin beds,
and a gas grill on the porch. They are well equipped, so all you need
to bring are groceries and personal items.
KOOTENAI RIVER LODGE
This 4 bedroom / 2 bath spacious home is located on a very
private 8 acres just 2 miles from Libby, MT. The Kootenai River is
right out the front door! Just like the cabins, the River Lodge is well
equipped, so all you need to bring are groceries and personal items.
Special “full service” packages can be arranged for your party
of 4 or more at our River Lodge with advanced notice.
JOANNE’S CARROT GINGER SOUP
A simple, quick and delicious homemade soup!
Melt 2 T. butter in a large pot over med-low heat.
Add 1 thinly sliced shallot and 1T. grated fresh ginger.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer
until carrots are tender – approximately 30 minutes.
Puree and season with salt and pepper.
Add 2 pounds peeled and sliced carrots, 2 t. ground
coriander, 1 t. ground cumin, ¼ t. cayenne pepper.
Stir together and cook for 5 minutes.
For a garnish, heat some clarified butter or olive oil,
sizzle a spoonful of cumin seeds in it, and spoon this
over the soup.
Add 1 can full fat coconut milk and 6 cups chicken
or vegetable broth.
Enjoy!
BIG GAME HUNTING:
Our big game hunting program is based entirely out of our Yaak location and
here at LOC we take our hunting seriously. We’re all about fair chase, hunting
hard, and hunting the old fashioned way.
LOC’s hunting area is permitted by the Kootenai National Forest and consists
of over 100 square miles here in Yaak, Montana. The area is rugged and
mountainous and most hunting takes place between the river-bottom at
approximately 3,000 feet, to the ridge-tops at about 5,000 feet. This northwest
corner of Montana is boreal forest and is essentially dense, coniferous stands
of timber.
Each morning before daylight your guide will pick you up and drive no more
than 45 minutes to a trailhead. From there, you’ll spend the day on foot
employing all the elements and techniques associated with traditional still
hunting including bugling, calling, rattling, spot and stalk, glassing and
stand hunting.
LOC guides are local, licensed professionals. First, they are great guys and
companions. Second, they are extremely experienced and accomplished
hunters and sportsmen in their own right. Your guide will help pack out your
trophy and meat. LOC works closely with a local butcher and taxidermist and
can help deliver items as necessary should you desire.
Montana deer and elk licenses are by lottery drawing for
non-residents with an application deadline of March 15th.
“
Had the trip of a lifetime with Linehans! The whole
experience was first class from start to finish.
Beautiful country, great guides. We will go again.
”
2017 BIG GAME HUNTING RATES & PACKAGES
ARCHERY ELK — 7 night lodging and 6 days hunting
September - October
Two on one hunt.......................................$3300.00 per person
One on one hunt ......................................$4900.00 per person
Elk combo license .....................................$851.00 (approx. TBD)
RIFLE DEER/ELK COMBO — 7 night lodging and 6 days hunting
October - November
Two on one hunt ......................................$3300.00 per person
One on one hunt ......................................$4900.00 per person
Big game combo license (deer and elk)...$1001.00 (approx. TBD)
Deer only license .....................................$597.00 (approx. TBD)
Dates listed are arrival and departure dates (Sat. - Sat.)
Week 1 ....................October 21 - 28
Week 2 ....................October 28 - November 4
Week 3 ....................November 4 - 11
Week 4 ....................November 11 - 18
Week 5 ....................November 18 - 25
SPRING BEAR HUNTS — 7 night lodging and 6 days hunting
Season Dates April 15 - May 31
Two on one hunt.......................................$3100.00 per person
Bear license ................................................350.00 online or over the counter*
*Must be purchased 24 hours prior to hunt.
WOLF HUNTS — 7 night lodging and 6 days hunting
January - March
Two on one hunt.......................................$3700.00 per person
One on one hunt ......................................$5200.00
Wolf tag.......................................................50.00 online or over the counter*
*Must be purchased 24 hours prior to hunt.
MOOSE, SHEEP
OR
GOAT
Call for price and availability if you have drawn a special permit.
All hunts include lodging in our fully furnished log cabins, guided hunting each day, and lunches. The cabins have full kitchens
and gas grills for your use for breakfast and dinner.
Rates do not include Montana accommodations tax or guide/staff gratuities.
Terms and Conditions: $1000 deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Balance is due 60 days prior to arrival.
Full balance of payment is still required for all cancellations after March 1, 2016. All deposits and payments are non-refundable
and non-transferable with an exception for not drawing a license. We strongly recommend that our guests purchase travel insurance.
YOUR
HOSTS
TIM & JOANNE LINEHAN
Since 1992 we’ve been providing first class fly fishing and hunting adventures
here in Montana. Tim and I are the sole proprietors and proud of what
we’ve accomplished over the years. We’re Orvis Endorsed and that gives
a very specific and clear idea of the quality you can expect. We built this
business the old fashioned way with lots of hard work, long hours, and by
always keeping in mind that nothing is more important than determination
and a positive outlook. Our success is reflected in the large number of
return guests we see every season and resting on our laurels is of
absolutely no interest to us.
So, welcome. Have a look around our website, contact us anytime, and
thanks for the opportunity to earn your business.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
CALL 800.596.0034 OR VISIT WWW.FISHMONTANA.COM
TROUT UNLIMITED
Here at Linehan Outfitting Company we believe in a strong
conservation ethic. After all, good conservation is
good for business.
Trout Unlimited is this country’s leading coldwater conservation
organization. Please check out www.tu.org and join now.
Tim grew up in New Hampshire and
when he’s not on the river pulling hard
on the oars and getting guests into fish
or in the woods hunting, he’s watching
a Red Sox game, listening to a Red Sox
game, or pouring over the Boston Red
Sox website. You can take the boy out
of New England, but you can’t take
New England out of the boy. And from
time to time he forgets that words like
car and farther actually have the letter
“r” in them.
Joanne hails from Florida and is an
accomplished angler in her own right.
Many years ago when we were kids she
thought she would be a guide too. But
she loves to cook way more than she
likes to guide and feeding people simply
makes her happy. It makes our guests
very happy too. She’s a studied chef,
well versed, and inherently believes in
preparing fresh, locally grown food
when it’s available. She’s definitely not
afraid to butcher an elk either. It’s all
about good food for her and she
maintains there’s nothing like good
food to keep people healthy and happy.
Oh yeah, she basically runs the day to
day operations too.