Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 04.11.19
Words By: North 40 Outfitters
Posted: April 12, 2019

montana fishing report 12.15.17

Missouri River

Spring is unfolding rather slowly, but conditions can change quickly.  Follow the stream flows, stop in, or give us a call if you want the latest. While we’ve had a few fair days, clouds, rain, and snow showers are more common.  It’s raining and snowing as I write this and most of the area waters are swelling.  Some people are waiting for those perfect sunny spring days.  They are missing out.  Fish are generally happiest on the darker days in the spring.

Nymphs

Nymphing has been really good most days.  Colorful scuds and sows (think rainbow and pink) continue to be mainstays.  Worms are also in the mix and have become steady producers.  Wire, squirmy, and standard chenille versions are already becoming hot sellers.  Lots of midges are out, so #18-22 zebras and flash midges are in play.

Trout Spey

Many rainbows have moved into spawning mode and quite a few have run up the creeks.  But, those that remain are often eager to grab.  As time goes by, more and more will return from the spawn and be eager for some large meals.  I’ve already seen some post-spawn fish in the mix and they ate my fly like they meant it.

Browns are hungry and on the hunt this time of year and they love to crush an easy meal.  Swinging is a great way to target these aggressive fish throughout the month of April. There are lots of flies that can get their attention.  We like the flash n’ grab, Montana intruder, smoke n’ mirrors, bald eagle, cool herc, sculpzilla, and cat toy to name a few.

Streamer Fishing

As with the trout Spey, streamer fishing can be good too -especially with the current weather conditions.  Just don’t expect to pound the banks and have fish come chasing.  The water is still cold, and fish need that fly delivered in a way that makes it easy to eat.  Keep it in their zone, don’t rip it away.

Dry Flies

There are lots of midges hatching along with the first bwos.  Dry fly fishing has been off and on though.  When the water flows are relatively steady, fish seem willing to rise.  When they bounce, it often puts the fish off the rise.  Be ready for action though, because when it happens this time of year, it can be really, really good.  Make sure your bwo box is on hand and that you are ready.

Creeks and Smaller Rivers

It’s a fickle time for the creeks and small rivers.  One day they seem to clear and fish great and the next several, they go out of shape.  It’s all about the weather.  Belt above Otter and the Sun above Simms have been good recently, but the current rain and snow may change that.  All the streams are dirty in their lower reaches.

Ice Out

Anticipation has been running high and it’s finally happening, only slowly and by degrees.  There is fishable open water on Upper Holter (and an open boat landing), Holter, Nilan, and Mission Lake right now.  Most of the lakes along the front are still holding ice.  Willow only has a little opening and is not really fishable yet.  The next week does not look to be ideal for lots of melting along the front either, with snow and sub-freezing lows predicted. The open edges will be expanding slowly, but one thing is for certain, the last week of April should be really good.

Event

    • Fly Fishing 101-Learn to Fly Fish-Free Introduction Classes Saturdays @ 10 a.m. April and May

See past reports from the Great Falls region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.