Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 06.06.19
Some days the fishing and the opportunities have been great and some days we scratch our heads and wonder what’s up with the weather and water conditions. Now that June has arrived, we can predict that we are going to be in for some really great days ahead. Not every day, but as waters come down and warm into summer, things get interesting. Pmds and caddis hatches are on the horizon and we like them.
Current Conditions
Missouri River below Holter Dam - The flows have been reduced. Little Prickly Pear and the Dearborn are putting in some color, but they are coming down again. Opportunities below the Dearborn should be back on the table and everyone is happy about that. There is a lot of river out there to fish. Morning sessions with a nymphing rig are strong. Also, streamer fishing is a good option if you want to cast while you wait for the bugs. Afternoons should be bringing caddis and mayflies to the table soon. We are patiently waiting.
Creeks and Smaller Rivers, Belt Creek near Monarch, MT - The caddis have been popping on most of the smaller waters along with a smattering of mayflies in a variety of flavors. Make sure your summertime fly box contains options from #18 all the way up to #10. Para Adams and the purple haze are hard to beat as reliable standards for the mayflies. On the caddis side, Matthew’s x caddis and the TFP party on top should be on hand.
Ponds and Reservoirs - Chironomids are buzzing, and we are beginning to see some big ones. Make sure you have some bombers and ice cream cones in your box. Callibaetis hatches are also possible on many bodies of water and can bring fish splashing to the top. While dry flies can work, make sure to have some soft hacked options ready to strip near the surface. Sometimes, the softies rule.
Smith River near Eden, MT - Here, it has been a tough year with high dirty water the norm on many floats. The later season floaters may be in for the best action this year. 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. We’ve got you covered with camping gear, bear fence, and bear approved coolers.
Pike - The Tiber and the Marias Rivers have been producing the most pike lately. Now that Pishkin is full, it should be a good option as well. Hopefully, we’ll have some decent water conditions to get after them on the Lower Missouri River soon. We’ve got over 20 predator fly patterns to choose from along with leaders and bite tippets. If you need a new 8 or 9-weight fly rod and pike/musky fly line, get in for it.
Match the Hatch
Caddis and pmds are coming into season. Make sure you’ve got your boxes ready with pupa/nymph, emerger, adult/cripple, and spent/spinner patterns. You’ll need to cover all the stages to crack the code and have the right stage too that fish are feeding on at any given time.
Need to fill the box before you go? Order flies online here.
Tips & Techniques
Fish your sow bug rig first thing in the morning near the bottom. When the action slows, switch to mayfly and caddis pupa patterns and shorten the leader a bit.
Did you know...
There are a number of streams and rivers east of Great Falls that provide exceptional fishing opportunities -some are clear and fishable, most of the time, and they are open all year round.
Want to win a Winston rod? Stop into North 40 Outfitters on Saturday, June 15th for our “Cast a Rod – Win Two” event. 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.