Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 03.14.19
It was intolerably cold and snowy from January 26th until the first week of March. You should take a drive along the river from Pelican Point to the Mountain Palace just to see the ice formations right now. When she starts moving, it’s going to be something.
Now, it’s finally warm enough to consider fishing, but be warned. If you are headed up above Craig to fish, parking and walking access is very limited. If you can find a safe place to park and are able to make your way to the river, you’ll also have to deal with shelf ice. Not only can you fall through the edges, but drifting sheets have taken down wading anglers, costing them their pride and even their lives. So, stay safe out there!
Swing Season Is Back
The Missouri River is an awesome canvas on which to apply a swung fly. March is an excellent time to employ the swing game. Picking the right water is the key to success. During the dead of winter, many fish were laid up in the slow to slack water zones. As the days lengthen in March, fish begin to get more active. Fishing the heads and tails of the slower runs where fish have been wintering is generally productive.
Flies that work especially well are small minnows, sculpins, micro intruders, and leech pattern streamers. Stop into the shop if you are heading out and we can set you up with a handful of winners. You can also come by and we can show you how to tie a juicy swing fly. Our fly tying table will be up through March.
As you swing your fly, a bit of a retrieve is often needed to activate the fly as it swings into the slower water nearer shore. Don’t feel that your cast is done if your swing is complete. Many fish will follow the fly and eat as you retrieve for the next cast.
Next cast? Learn all about the trout swing season here.
Nymphs
Early spring is still fire bead season. For serious hatch matchers, it can be a boring time of year, but many folks love the simplicity of cold water nymphing. Pair a fire bead nymph like the pink FB Ray Charles with a black, red or purple zebra. Small colorful mayfly nymphs can also be effective.
What are fire bead flies and why do they work so well?
Dry Flies
This past week, I found an abundance of midges clustering on the water and along the edges of shelf ice. The rainbows were targeting them both above and below. A #16 Griffiths was all it took to get the surface feeders. March midge fishing can be really good if you can find your way safely to a good run. As soon as the ice clears and parking is available, the fishing opportunities should be excellent.
Stop In
If you have not purchased your 2019 fishing license, it’s time! We’ve been busy stocking flies for the past two weeks. Come in and check out the new patterns. If you are a fly tyer, we’ve also been adding some new requested materials like dragon tails and Chocklett’s body tubing for your predator flies and Firehole hooks for your nymphs and dries. If you need any fly tying inspiration, just talk to Lucas. He ties 50 flies a day and some of them are really good.
See past reports from the Great Falls region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.