Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 03.28.19
Missouri River
Spring weather is sometimes perfect, but sometimes you need to challenge the elements a bit. Highs over the next week will be mostly in the 30s and 40s. Easily fishable, but not warm. The only way to tell it’s spring and not winter is that the days are longer and the sun feels warmer when it’s shining. Will you venture forth? If you want to experience some great fishing, you should definitely consider getting out there. Cool temperatures will keep runoff at bay. Pre-runoff can be an ephemeral and excellent fishing window.
Trout Spey
Swinging flies continues to be productive in the chilly waters of early spring. The fish are eager to eat, and small streamers continue to grab their attention. Fishing high on the river, as in above Craig, will keep you in the rainbow zone. Clouser’s, near nuff sculpin, thin mints, swimming leeches, balanced leeches, balanced squirrels, Medusa’s and Keller’s she demon patterns should get you in the game.
If you venture further downstream though the canyon and beyond, you can focus on aggressive browns and swing larger flies like the bald eagle, Montana intruder, smoke n’ mirrors, and mini dungeon. There are so many options and so many good fish eager to play. Have fun out there!
Streamer Fishing
Streamer fishing is a great option for covering water and finding active fish, but it’s a game that requires you to put the correct pieces together. Like nymphing, you’ve got to find the right fly and the right depth. Unlike nymphing, you’ve also got to find the right retrieve. If you can put it all together, you can win. Sometimes, the fish don’t want to play. There are no losers.
Nymphs
Pink is still the “it” fly for nymphing. Any nymph pattern with pink on it, or that is predominantly pink, can be effective. Midges are the hatch, so tiny nymphs like the tufted zebra are always in play. Tiny #18-#20 mayfly nymphs are also producers and will become key as we move into April.
Dry Flies
Midges are bringing fish to the top when the wind is down, and the hatch is strong. It can be hard to predict the timing or the location. Single adults like the skittering zelon midge can pick off some fish if you want to get technical. If you are ready with a well-greased and dusted Griffith’s gnat when the clusters form though, you can be in for a treat.
Creeks and Smaller Rivers
The Missouri River is not the only game in town. Most waters are opening up and fishing potential exists. There are constant fluctuations between run-off and precipitation. Waters may be good one day and off the next. Watching the river gauges helps, but you’ve got to go to know.
Ice Out
Not yet, but soon we hope. We’ve had a couple nights with temperatures above freezing and some wind. That helps. We’ll let you know. Come in and stock up on balanced leeches and copper johns so you are ready. It’s coming! Upper Holter should be first, followed by Holter, and eventually the lakes along the front.
See past reports from the Great Falls region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.
Upcoming Events
- IF4 at the Do Bar this Friday night the 29th of March.
- Local Flies for Local Waters Fly Tying Class April 3rd from 5-7 p.m. Cost is $25.
- Fly Fishing 101-Learn to Fly Fish-Free Introduction Classes Saturdays @ 10 a.m. April and May.
For More Information on These Events: Please contact Great Falls North 40 Fly Shop.