Fishing Report, June 10

Fishing Report, June 10

We’ve put together some fantastic days on the water over the past week, finding great action throughout the Flathead Valley, the smaller systems to our west, and down on the Missouri River. While the main stem of the Flathead isn’t quite fishable yet, it is getting incredibly close. The Blackfoot and Clark Fork are right on the edge of turning around as well, meaning next week is looking highly promising for all of our regional freestone rivers.

As for the week ahead, the forecast is shaping up beautifully. We’re looking at comfortable daytime highs in the 60s mixed with a little cloud cover and light rain—absolute textbook fishing weather. I’ll keep you posted on all these systems as they come into play.

Fishing Report, Whitefish

Flathead River: The June Flush

Status: Clearing and Holding =Steady | Flow: 24,600 CFS | Temp: 47°F

The Flathead is wrestling with classic early-season conditions, currently holding steady at 24,600 CFS. There’s still a bit too much color in the water to get the boats out, so we aren’t quite there yet—but we are incredibly close. Honestly, next week is looking like a highly promising option. All we need is about 3 feet of visibility and it’s a green light.

Because things are changing day-to-day right now, the river could clear up significantly over the next 24 to 48 hours. It’s tough to call the exact tipping point today, but you can count on me to shoot you straight the second it becomes fishable.

The Reality: While it puts a temporary pause on our local freestone floating, this high water is a massive win for the fishery long-term. It’s scouring the riverbed, cleaning out the gravel, and building up the cold-water reserve we’ll rely on in July and August. For now, look at the big river, respect its power, and let it do its job.
The Strategy: Don’t try to force it. Leave the main stem alone until the drop-and-clear cycle begins. Instead, capitalize on the smaller, clear-water systems to the west that are bouncing back quickly, or pivot entirely to the stillwater game.

Fishing Report, Kalispell

Kalispell Stillwater: Prime Time on the Lakes

With the freestones running big and muddy, the valley lakes aren’t just a backup option right now—they are the main event. Water temperatures are sitting right in the sweet spot, and the fish are dialed into a completely fresh menu. Whether you are looking for trout or want to chase something with teeth, the stillwater game is firing on all cylinders.

The Shallow Water Pike Bite: The Northern Pike are officially out of their post-spawn funk and aggressively hunting the shallows. Focus your efforts on the backs of muddy bays, sloughs, and emerging weed beds in 3 to 8 feet of water. Throwing large, flashy baitfish patterns or loud, waking topwater flies on a wire leader is producing violent strikes. It is a phenomenal, hard-hitting option for anyone looking for heavy fights and big fish.
The Balanced Leech Game: With the choppy conditions and overcast skies, suspending a balanced leech under an indicator is an absolute cheat code right now. Because these flies are tied to ride perfectly horizontal, they mimic a natural swimming leech flawlessly with even the slightest wave action. Hang a black, olive, or maroon balanced leech 4 to 8 feet down right along the structural drop-offs and let the lake chop do the work. When the indicator goes down, it’s usually a heavy fish.
Callibaetis Hatch Tracking: We are seeing the first major Callibaetis mayfly hatches of the season take off. On calm mornings, look for trout cruising the glassy surface, picking off emerging duns in the top few inches of water. A low-profile cripple or a subsurface soft-hackle emerger fished on a long, stealthy leader is deadly right now. If an afternoon breeze kicks up, just switch over to a flashback nymph and slow-crawl it along the weed edges.

Guided Trips

Montana Fishing Guides, We don’t just sell time on a boat—we deliver a premium, stress-free experience from the moment you first pick up the phone until the final handshake at the end of the day. We cut out the guesswork so you can focus entirely on having a fun day on the water.

Top-Notch Customer Service, Everywhere

We build our entire operation around your convenience. From booking logistics and customized timing to organizing top-tier gear and a great lunch, we sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to. The guides and I are fully synced to ensure your trip runs flawlessly, adapting in real time to your schedule, preferences, and the shifting river conditinos.

Guides

A great day of fishing requires a great leader. Montana Fishing Guides are hard-working, professional guides represents some of the finest in the state. They are sharp, deeply dialed into real-time river and lake conditions, and entirely ego-free. They don’t just net your fish; they track patterns, share insights, and outwork everyone else on the water to keep your rod bending.

100% Beginner & Family Friendly

You don’t need a lifetime of casting experience to have a banner day with us. We absolutely love teaching and introducing people to these waters. Our guides are remarkably patient, encouraging, and specialized in breaking down the mechanics of the sport without any pressure. Whether you’re a complete first-timer, a child picking up a rod for the first time, or a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune a technique, we tailor the entire day to your exact pace.

The Montana Fishing Guides Promise: No attitude, no empty promises, and zero compromised quality. Just an great team dedicated to giving you the best customer service and the most fun day possible on the water.

Our phone is on 24/7—call 406-233-9001 to book your next trip with the crew!