Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 05.10.18

Missouri River, Montana

Fish like water and that’s a good thing, because throughout Montana, rivers and streams are full of it. Many flowing waters are currently pumping mud and some are spreading beyond their banks. Fear not. Eventually, the flows will drop, the waters will clear and the fishing will be really, really, good.

On the Missouri, it’s time to employ high-water techniques. That basically means you fish where the water is not too fast and not too deep. In deep, colored water fish don’t see well. They will see your flies much better in the three to five-foot deep realm. Sometimes, the fish may even be shallower.

Nymphs

It’s primarily a nymphing game for most folks right now. You can’t go wrong fishing a worm or even a double worm rig. The primary combinations are to run a worm and a scud/sowbug, like a FB Rainbow Czech, a worm and a BWO, like the Green Machine, or a worm and a March Brown, like a Tung Jig PT. Look to the banks or for the shelf-lines where the banks used to be.

Dry Flies

Midges continue to flourish. BWO’s are hatching along with some March browns. Caddis will be coming as soon as the water hits 50 degrees. High-water conditions don’t always make for prime dry-fly opportunity, but there will always be a few fish working the bank edges and soft water pockets.

Streamers

High water pushes fish tight to banks and cover, which are places where you simply don’t have room to drift your nymphs. A well-cast streamer can get in the nooks and crannies where fish are sheltering. Streamer fishing is a hit-and-miss game. Some days and some times during the day, it can be awesome. Of course, you might end up throwing for an hour or two with no love from the fish and begin to question your sanity. But, if you are patient, have faith, and keep making good shots, you “should” eventually be rewarded.

Stillwaters

Lots of folks are fishing the stillwaters, otherwise known as lakes and reservoirs. With flowing waters running high and lake fish running large, why wouldn’t you? While the spawn may be winding down, there are lots of hungry fish working in close enough to reach from shore. If you need tips on how to have a blast with these large fish, give us a call or stop in. We’ve got the flies along with the tips and techniques to set you up for success.

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