Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 09.27.18
Missouri River
Fall is here, and temperatures are chilling. Trout love clean cold water and over the next month, the water should be spot on in their happy zone.
Nymphs
Fish high for Nymphing success. The dam to Craig is the routine. Zebra’s rule, but lots of other small nymphs can get the job done too. Scuds and sows are standard on top or you can run a big zebra and tiny zebra.
Dry droppers are in favor for presenting nymphs in the canyon and down to Cascade. Dropping PT or hares ear jig flies have become the standard searching combo. You should also consider using zebras and tiny beaded mayflies.
Dry Flies
The caddis are still in force. Some days they seem to get more attention than others. You’ll want to start out with a translucent sparkle pupa or an emerger in the morning and then shift to an adult like a party on top or a high vis spent in the afternoon.
Purple parachute patterns in #16 to #18 are hard to beat as general searchers. You’ll find there are lots of little baetis on the water most afternoons ranging from a diminutive size 26 on up to the occasional #18. If you find pods working with these tiny baetis, you might have to go with a #20 or #22 bwo or a para adams. Plus, a well-dressed Griffiths or cluster midge is also a solid choice too. And, if all else fails, fish a #16 or #18 ant with confidence.
Streamers
There have been a few positive streamer reports lately, but still, nothing to shout about. Once the water drops into the mid 50’s, the streamer bite should ramp up. Our streamer bins are stocked and for the later fall, so check them out and get ready.
Stillwaters
Really good reports from the local reservoirs and the Blackfoot Reservation lakes. Fall is prime time for big healthy fish on the lakes. You can’t go wrong stripping leeches. Keep some boatman at hand too.
The Big Picture
October Caddis are showing, and the cooling weather will get the fish feeding heavily throughout the day. It’s a great time to fly fish!
See past reports from the Great Falls region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.