Fishing Report, May 1
The last week the weather has felt more like the end of April. Cooler temps, some rain and snow but still the fishing is good. The cooldown was much needed. It’ll keep the snow around in the high country so we have cold and clean water for the summer.The weather forecast is looking like some rain, snow, highs in the 50’s with lows in the 20-30’s at night. This is all goooood! Let’s keep building some snow pack for the summer.
Fishing Report, Whitefish
The Flathead River is flowing at 13,040 cfs and is on the drop. The forks are also on the drop. River clarity should improve over the next few days with this cool down. Water temps are also falling, peaked at 41 today. Once again this cool down will be great for the river. I would expect the river to be a fishable option in the next few days. I’ll keep you in the loop as I know. Whitefish Lake has been good for lakers. Jigging deep has been effective. White tubes on the bottom are what we’ve been using. Pike fishing north of town has been good too. Think warmer lakes.. That’s where we’ve been fishing.
Fishing Report, Kalispell
Lakes west of Kalispell have been fishing great. Pike are very active! Big flies, floating lines and wire leaders are the ticket. Strip those flies over structure and the pike will come find your fly. If you’ve fished enough good spots and nothing then consider changing fly color schemes or a sinking line. We’ve had some great trips targeting grayling and cutthroat. Indicator rigs with balanced leeches and chironomid pupa are hot. We’ve been running pretty deep to strt. 8 foot bobber to split shot is about right. If they dont seem to want to eat at that length then go shorter, just a little bit at a time until you find the depth they want. They’re not always on the bottom Some days they want to move up in the column to eat it.
Fishing Report, Missouri River
The Missouri River is fishing great right now. It’s flowing at 3880 cfs and is on a bit of an upward trend. The weather is looking pretty rowdy the next few days so let’s hope we get some moisture for the river. Bugs are all over the place. Midges for days and BWO’s for days. Water temps peaking at 46 today. Still great temps for BWO’s with Caddis coming next. March Browns? I havent seen any yet but I’ll keep you posted if I do. Nymphing is solid. Sow bugs and BWO nymphs are getn’m. I’ve been running a shorter rig with a total length of 6-7′ with one bb. It’s been a good rig that I’ve been able to stay in “that water”, catch fish and roll. Streamer game is good but different that most years.
Guided Trips
Montana Fishing Guides is running guided fishing trips in the Flathead Valley, Blackfoot, Clark Fork and Missouri River. Trout, grayling or pike… We have a great trips for you. All the equipment is included, guides are great teachers and fun to fish with… Win, win… 406-233-9001, give a call anytime and I’ll get you set up on a fun trip.
