Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 05.23.19
We’ve had cool and sometimes wet weather with runoff conditions lately. Nothing to get really excited about. Remember though, that the cooler weather reduces flows and heat increases them. Don’t be afraid to go fishing when the weather seems lousy. It might be the best bet. There have been some really good fishing reports from anglers braving the chilly rainy days.
Current Conditions
Missouri River below Holter Dam - Flows have dropped to the 7K range. Wading is very realistic at these flows and the water is generally in great shape. Little Prickly Pear and the Dearborn are putting in some color, but they have come down recently. Bwos and March browns have been hatching prodigiously this week, but fish continue to chow on sow bugs. Tailwater sow, UV sow, soft hackle sow, and gut sack sow. You can get some fish to eat midges, bwo nymphs, and larger mayflies, but the sow has been king. Caddis are on the way though, so consider fishing an olive caddis pupa. You might have a pleasant surprise.
If you dry or die, you can pick off some fish feeding on top, but you’ll have to be in the right place at the right time. Try para bwo and para March brown patterns. Be ready with an olive bodied caddis just in case.
On the streamer side, browns can be aggressive, and rainbows are hungry after the spawn. Give them a try with the black and copper flash n’ grab or Galloup’s Nancy P. in the natural color. You can run a floating line like the Scientific Angler titan taper if you are fishing tight to the bank or over skinny flats with the flash n’ grab. If you are fishing Galloup’s flies, we like the Airflo streamer max short.
Creeks and Smaller Rivers, Belt Creek near Monarch, MT - Cooler weather has been bringing flows down again. Rain is the wild card. Come by and ask for the local’s report if you want to fish a particular location. We’ll keep our eyes and ears on things. Salmon flies are coming. Drifting any of the Pat’s rubber legs or double bead rubber legs is hard to beat.
Ponds and Reservoirs - If runoff has you in a funk, get out on some flat water. Fish are coming off the spawn and beginning to feed. Chironomids (midges) have been effective and callibaetis (mayflies) should be popping off soon. Balanced leeches and a variety of nymphs can also be effective. Using #12 to #16 zebra/chironomids in black, black and red, or red are always a good option.
Smith River near Eden, MT - If you have a permitted trip planned this spring, check out our Guide to floating the Smith River. Then stop in for your flies and supplies. San Juan worms, rubber legs, and hot double bead stones and jj’s are standbys. We’ve got you covered with camping gear, bear fence, and bear approved coolers.
Pike - Pike roam the Missouri, Marias and Sun Rivers along with reservoirs like Pishkin, Francis and Tiber. Spring is a great time to get after them. You can also look for tiger muskie at Willow Creek and Ackley Reservoirs.
If you tie flies, magnum bunny strips are a good base to start with. Stop in this week and we can set you up. We’ve had some success with black and blue combos lately. We have over 20 pike patterns to choose from along with leaders and bite tippets. If you need a new 8 or 9-weight pike rod and fly line, we’ve got you covered there too.
Match the Hatch
On the Missouri River, it’s bwo and March brown mayflies with Mother’s Day caddis on the horizon. Try emergers like Quigley’s film critic and para patterns like Mercer’s May Day. Drift an olive caddis pupa late in the morning and see what happens. Callibaetis nymphs are swimming and should be hatching on the lakes and ponds as soon as temperatures warm a few degrees. Try the Stillwater callibaetis nymph, jigged hares ear, and Mercer’s poxyback.
Need to fill the box before you go? Order flies online here.
Tips and Techniques
On the Missouri, start out nymphing deep. Then, switch to dry droppers with hatch matching nymphs midday and work the risers when they come up in the afternoon. On the creeks, fish big hot beaded rubber legs, and bright yellow streamers. On the lakes, try stripping in a purple prince nymph or purple boatman if chironomids or leeches are not getting it done.
Did you know...
Want to learn how to fly fish? Free Fly Fishing 101 Introduction Classes: Saturdays @ 10 a.m., April and May. For more information, please contact: Great Falls North 40 Fly Shop, (406) 761-7441
Want to win a Winston rod? Stop into North 40 Outfitters on Saturday, June 15. Simply cast a Winston fly rod and fill out the raffle for your chance to win two Winston Rods of your choice.
See past reports from the Great Falls region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.