Fishing Report, June 5

We’ve put together some fantastic days on the water over the past week, finding great fishing throughout the Flathead Valley, the smaller systems to our west, and down on the Missouri River. While the recent rain officially pushed the main stem of the Flathead into runoff mode, that’s exactly what we want to see right now. This fresh push of water is doing the heavy lifting to flush the system and set our home river up for an incredible summer season ahead.

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. With the big freestones handling the runoff, it’s a perfect time to get out with our crew and take advantage of the prime, productive conditions on our local lakes and tailwaters.

Fishing Report, June 4

Fishing Report, Whitefish

Flathead River: Peak Runoff Mode

Status: Blown Out & Heavy | Flow: 35,200 CFS |

The Flathead is currently locked in the peak of its annual spring cycle. Following last week’s sharp temperature spike and the subsequent rain, the river has surged to a roaring 35,200 CFS. The main stem is massive, turbulent, and carrying significant debris, making it entirely unfishable for the time being. When will we be fishing it? Hard to tell but I’m guessing maybe one day late next week if we don’t get a bunch of rain.

  • The Reality: The river is completely out of its banks and running pure mud. As we predicted last week, this heavy spring runoff is holding its ground through the first week of June. We are watching the headwater gauges closely for the first signs of a crest, but until the volume drops and that signature clarity returns, the freestone is strictly a spectator sport.

  • The Strategy: Don’t waste your day fighting the current or trying to force a bite in zero visibility. This is the time to exercise patience and let the river do its thing. Pivot 100% of your energy to our local stillwaters and reliable tailwaters where the conditions are stable and the fish are cooperatively feeding.

Fishing Report, Kalispell

Kalispell Stillwater: Prime Time on the Lakes

With the Flathead 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 with the overcast skies and light rain in the forecast, the trout are feeling secure and feeding aggressively. Here is how we are shifting our tactics to stay on the bite this week:

  • The Damselfly March: We are right on the cusp of the annual damselfly migration. The nymphs are starting to leave the deep structure and head toward the shorelines to hatch. Focus your efforts around shallow weed beds, docks, and lily pad collars. Crawl an olive damselfly nymph with a short, jerky strip-pause retrieve to mimic these bugs making a run for the reeds.

  • The Chironomid Vertical Hang: The midges are thick, and hanging a chironomid pattern static under an indicator is producing some of our highest numbers. Find the interior flats and shoals in 10 to 18 feet of water, suspend your bugs a foot or two off the bottom, and let the lake chop give the flies life. If the bite stalls, adjust your indicator—trout are actively tracking these pupae as they rise through the water column.

  • Overcast Leech Slinging: That cloud cover and light rain in the forecast is a massive asset for stillwater angling. Low light brings the heavy hitters out of the depths to hunt. Rig an intermediate sinking line with a balanced leech or a dark woolly bugger and strip it right over the tops of the submerged weed lines. Don’t be afraid to pick up the retrieve pace; these fish are looking for an aggressive meal.

Fishing Report, Missouri River

Status: Excellent | Flow: 3,280 CFS | Temp: 54°F–56°F

While the freestones are dealing with the rising mud, the “Mighty Mo” is in good shape. Flows are holding rock-solid at 3,280 cfs, and with water temperatures now peaking at a beautiful 56°F, some fish have shifted out of the slow, deep slots. They are actively feeding higher up in the water column and moving into faster water.

  • Targeting the Mid-Column and Riffles: With temps hitting 55°F, don’t waste your time dredging the bottom of the deep holes. The active fish have moved up into the quicker, mid-depth water and riffle transitions. Shorten up your indicators or lighten your rig to present your bugs right in the mid-column where the fish are suspended and looking to eat. A classic sowbug or scud lead paired with your favorite perdigon is the way to stay in the zone.

  • The PMD Subsurface Push: The big news on the river is that Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are officially starting to wake up, and they love that quicker water. Even though we aren’t seeing blanket hatches on the surface yet, the trout are already highly keyed into the nymphs moving through the mid-column. Make sure you are actively working PMD patterns—like a Split Case, Frenchie, or a Psycho May—into your nymph setups to capitalize on this pre-hatch bite.

  • The Shallow Nymph Game: As the afternoon water temps peak, the fish are aggressively pushing right up onto the gravel bars, flat shelves, and skinny inside edges. We are talking 2 feet of water or less. Shorten your leader way up, drop down to a tiny weight—or ditch the split shot entirely—and drift your bugs through the skinny water. If it looks too shallow to hold a big fish, that’s exactly where they are stacked up and gorging right now.

Guided Trips with Montana Fishing Guides

At 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 attitude and the guesswork so you can focus entirely on having a phenomenal time 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. From myself to the guides are fully synced to ensure your trip runs flawlessly, adapting in real time to your schedule, preferences, and the river conditions.

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. 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 a 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!