Fishing Report, August 1
It’s true, it’s been a bit since the last fishing report—July was a total whirlwind of trips and everything else that comes with a busy season at Montana Fishing Guides! The good news is, the fishing has been fantastic across the board. The Flathead River has been fishing great, giving up some beautiful Westslope Cutthroat, and the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers have been holding their own as well. More details on those trips are coming right up.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast for the next few days is calling for some much-needed wet and cool conditions. This is all great news for our local rivers, as a cool down often gets the fish looking up and feeding more aggressively. It seems like whenever we get this kind of weather, the fishing just turns on. So, expect some happy, active fish to go after those dry flies!
Fishing Report, Whitefish
The Flathead River is holding strong at 5060 CFS, with water temperatures peaking around 67 degrees on the warmest days. We’ve got some much-needed rain in the forecast, which will likely give the flows a little bump and drop those water temperatures into the low 60s, maybe even the high 50s.
As for flies, it seems the smaller mayfly patterns are getting the most attention, though caddis are also getting some love. Don’t forget about those hoppers and ants, which are still getting some solid chugs here and there. Remember, if your go-to pattern isn’t working, don’t be afraid to mix it up and find what the fish are keying in on!
Fishing Report, Kalispell
If you’re looking for a change of pace from the Flathead, consider making the 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers. A short drive can yield some great results, as we’re typically finding more and bigger fish on these two rivers.
The Clark Fork is fishing great for larger rainbows and cuttbows. Flows are healthy, and we haven’t seen any hoot owl restrictions yet, so it’s a perfect time to get on the water. Last week I was there for 3 days and didnt see another boat… Truly living the dream!
The Blackfoot River is another fantastic option right now. While the river is running low, water temperatures are staying cool, and we’re not seeing the summer crowds. Dry fly fishing is good, with ants and small Chubbies proving to be very effective. The fish have been a mix of small to mid-size, but we’re consistently getting a handful of larger fish in the mix, making for a very rewarding day.
Guided Trips
We believe every day on the river should be memorable. At Montana Fishing Guides, we specialize in creating that experience for everyone, from absolute beginners to advanced anglers. Our guides are fantastic teachers, focused on providing a supportive environment where you can both learn and enjoy the sport. With our commitment to excellent customer service and crystal-clear communication, we ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip from your first call to your final cast. Come discover the magic of Montana’s legendary waters with us. Give a call anytime to book your next fun day on the water!
