Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 08.22.19
Current Conditions
Missouri River below Holter Dam - Late August and into September is a prime time to fish tiny nymphs. There are lots of micro mayflies of the trico, pseudo, and bwo swimming around. Scuds and sowbugs are also strong players this time of year, so pair them up with the little guy.
Daily hatches are sporadic with some larger mayflies of the pmd, ped and callibaetis variety in play. Caddis are also present, so a mayfly spinner pattern behind a caddis is a good searching choice. The best option for finding heads is likely to be from fish feeding on tiny trico spinners when the weather cooperates. Warm stable weather is the best for trico action. Unstable temperatures and wind can throw off the trico game.
Terrestrials have provided some really nice fish on the Mo lately. You won’t likely get big numbers, but you might find those larger browns and rainbows at the end of your line if you are willing to stick with a hopper/ant combo.
Creeks and Smaller Rivers - Cooler nights and days over the next week should keep the smaller waters in trouty shape. Anglers have been loving the hopper bite. East of the divide, the hoppers are still running mostly on the smaller side, with #10-#12 sizes working the best right now. Just be aware that they will continue to grow over the next month. Over west of the divide, hoppers are prolific and running a bit larger.
Ponds and Reservoirs - Callibaetis have been hatching mid-mornings and often again near sunset. The mayfly bite is best when it’s calm. Twitching a hopper, ant, or beetle can provide exciting splashy eats. For the best surface activity, look for westerly breezes to push a few terrestrials out on the water.
Warm Water - We are still in the peak summer window for carp, drum, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass on the Lower Missouri River. Get after them while the weather is warm.
Match the Hatch
If you happen to be in the right spot when a stiff breeze blows through a hopper laden swath of grass or better yet, a pasture is being cut, you can be in for a treat. If you are driving down the road and your car is suddenly covered in clouds of hoppers, seek the nearest trout water immediately.
Need to fill the box before you go? Order flies online here.
Tips & Techniques
While everyone loves fishing a big easy to see hopper, most fish actually see more ants and beetles on the water. To cover the best of both, fish a hopper with an ant or beetle behind it. If the fish keep eating the smaller flies, you can get rid of the hopper and switch to a beetle with an ant behind it.
Did you know...
If you are heading back to Great Falls from the Blackfoot River and need a tasty snack or killer burger, stop at the Montanan in Lincoln. The fried cheese curds with maple glaze and bacon bits are sublime.
See past reports from the Great Falls region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.