Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 07.18.19
There are so many good options out there right now, it’s hard to pick. Great dry fly fishing on the Missouri, the creeks, and even the lakes. Coldwater species and warm water species options abound. I had a day recently where I caught a goldeye, a pike, a carp, a smallmouth, a brown trout, and a rainbow on the same creek within two hours. My 4-weight got one heck of a workout!
Current Conditions
Missouri River below Holter Dam - The Missouri River is above 6K again and staying in the low 60s. Pmds are still hatching along with a host of other small and larger mayflies, including brown drakes. Great numbers of caddis are out, and they provide prime topwater action at various times during the day. Some evenings the egg layers bring lots of fish to the top.
The current flows and water temperatures are ideal for fishing. Lots of fish are sipping bugs along the banks. It does not get much better than this. Along with all the current bugs, tricos are coming on. Dry fly anglers are pretty happy right now.
Creeks and Smaller Rivers - Almost daily rains in most drainages have been keeping stream flows up and water temperatures down. It’s been ideal for trout and this summer is shaping up to be one to remember.
Ponds and Reservoirs - Damsels and callibaetis mayflies are driving fish mad and making anglers smile. I’ve heard of some epic fish sessions on some of our local lakes recently. If you want to catch fat rainbows over 20 inches, you might want to give it a go.
Smith River near Eden, MT - Rains have kept the flows up and it has been a great floating season. Parties are still out this week. If you have a permitted trip planned, check out our Guide to floating the Smith River. Then stop in for your supplies. We’ve got you covered with camping gear, bear fence, and bear approved coolers.
Warm Water - If you need some variety from the great trout fishing currently happening, the lower Missouri River has what you need. Downstream and north of Great Falls, you can find goldeye, smallmouth bass, drum, carp, channel catfish, walleye, sauger, and pike. They will all take a fly and we stock the flies you’ll need.
Match the Hatch
There are a number of great caddis patterns that produce fish. CDC options are popular on the Mo such as the double duck and the cornfed caddis. When properly dressed, they float well, are visible to the angler, and have parts on the water that seem to call up the fish.
Need to fill the box before you go? Order flies online here.
Tips & Techniques
Caddis and pmd mayflies are the primary players on the Mo right now. Missouri River fish often get locked onto eating dead and crippled bugs that won’t fly away when they rise. Fish a spent caddis followed by a mayfly spinner and you’ve got two options the fish are regularly eating.
Did you know...
We carry both natural CDC fly dressing and the new high n dry floatant. Both products work really well on CDC dry flies and keep them on top where they belong.
See past reports from the Great Falls region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.