Fishing Report, April 18

Montana waters offered diverse fishing experiences this past week. The Flathead, despite its fluctuating nature, provided opportunities for those adept at reading the water and presenting nymphs effectively. The local lakes saw increased activity, with both trout, grayling and pike responding well to warming temperatures. The Missouri River maintained its reputation as a reliable fishery, offering both quantity and quality through nymphing and evening dry fly opportunities. Each river has presented its own unique rewards.

Fishing Report, Whitefish

The Flathead River’s flows are currently mirroring the unpredictable nature of its forks, making for a fluctuating fishing experience. When clarity prevails, the river offers excellent opportunities; however, off-color conditions present a greater challenge. With upcoming rain and near-freezing nighttime temperatures, the river’s stability remains uncertain. As a reliable alternative during these periods of blown-out conditions, the local lakes are proving to be a strong option. Anglers are finding active grayling and cutthroat, with midges and balanced leeches being the productive patterns. Additionally, pike activity has increased in recent weeks, fueled by post-spawn behavior and gradually warming lake temperatures. Pike have gone from following flies to chasing them down and eating them. Pike fishing is solid…

Fishing Report, Missouri River

The Missouri River has seen a noticeable bump in flows today, jumping from 3800 to 4650 cfs. As we continue through spring, expect these fluctuations to be a recurring theme, potentially While predicting how much and how often of the flows change are tough, I’ll definitely keep you in the loop as things evolve. Personally, I’m always happy to see a bit more water in the river – More Water = More Happy Fish… Right now, Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are officially part of the equation, and both sowbugs and green machines are getting eaten, both subsurface and on top.

I’ve seen some good streamer days this last week. Fast retrieves with smaller streamers, particularly in olive and brown, have gotten some aggressive strikes from larger trout. While not always the most consistent method, streamer fishing provided opportunities for landing trophy-sized fish for those willing to put in the effort.

Guide Trips

The weekend is almost here – time to think Montana fishing! Our Spring Guide Special is still running strong throughout April, including this weekend, offering fantastic discounted trips on the Flathead, Missouri, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot rivers. Imagine casting a line in Montana’s stunning scenery with our experienced guides. All the gear you need is provided! Ready for an unforgettable spring fishing adventure? Call us today to book your weekend or a trip later anytime this year. The phone is on 24/7 – call anytime to book your weekend or a trip later this month, and I’m always happy to answer any questions you might have!