Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 05.31.18
Missouri River
Yep, she’s still big. Bigger than last week. Fishing about the same, though. Fishing pretty well. Just be careful if you are not used to heavy water. Margins for error when floating are small.
Nymphs
Worms are still viable and some are keeping it simple. Lots of other flies are working now though. PMD’s are on the horizon, so your favorite PMD nymphs should be a strong consideration. Caddis are about and the pupa is a good choice. Mayfly nymphs from #12 to #18 are all players. Tailwater sows have been in heavy demand. Be ready to burn through some flies. You might think you are fishing off the edge of where the bank used to be, but you might find some willow branches and those willows are fly eaters. They are also right where the fish are hanging out.
Dry Flies
I’ve heard a few reports of a few heads. I’d always have the dry fly rod ready. You never know.
Streamers
Streamers generally work best when direct sun is off the water. That means early, late and on a cloudy day. There is some opportunity every day and sometimes all day. Articulated flies have still been drawing the most attention from browns. Rainbows have shown preference for the smaller flashy stuff.
Fly of the Week Our fly of the week is the Zirdle. It can be fished as a streamer or a nymph or both on the same cast. A very versatile fly, it generally represents a crayfish or a big stonefly or something juicy and worth a bite. The Zirdle can be a great high water fly and has become a late season staple. Stock up now with this great deal.
Local Streams
Waters are falling and conditions are looking good on most of the smaller streams again. Belt, Highwood, Thain and Otter are all on the menu as well as a few even higher up and smaller. Great dry fly options too!
Stillwaters
Callibaetis have made the dry fly crew happy. Some big hatches are coming off daily. If you don’t like that big river, the lakes are putting out lots of nice fish. Upper Holter is hot if you’ve got a boat. The Nilan system is still easy from shore, but Willow might be better from a tube or a boat. Many of the big fish have moved deeper.
We’ve been selling 8 and 9-weight rods along with pike lines and lots of leaders and flies. If you have not given these aggressive predator fish a shot yet, you are missing out. Pishkin, Francis, Marias, Tibor and Fort Peck are well known. There are lots of other lakes full of pike and even some tiger muskies and they are spread across the state. Go find them. It’s worth the effort.
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