Fishing Report, March 13
That “early March” feeling is officially transitioning as the weather prepares to shift. Currently in Kalispell, it is Friday, March 13, and we are sitting at 31°F with light snow showers. While the valley is seeing a good dusting, the real story is unfolding in the high country.
The snowfall occurring right now is significantly helping the snowpack in the mountains, which is great news for the flows later int he summer. The Flathead River Basin is currently sitting at 88% of its median. This late-season moisture is the lifeblood of our local fisheries; it ensures cooler water temperatures and sustained flows well into the summer months.
With a consistent storm cycle expected to dump more snow over the weekend, we are optimistic about closing that gap toward 100% of the median before the spring melt truly takes hold. For anglers, this means the current “on the drop” river conditions are a temporary window of opportunity before the high-elevation reserves begin their inevitable trek down to the valley floor.
Fishing Report, Whitefish
With a consistent storm cycle expected to dump more snow over the weekend, we are optimistic about hitting that 100% median mark before the spring melt truly takes hold. For anglers, this means the current “on the drop” river conditions are a temporary window of opportunity; with clarity returning to perfect levels today, now is the time to get out before the high-elevation reserves begin their trek down to the valley floor.
Fishing Update
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Flathead River: Flows are currently 4,400 cfs and dropping. Most importantly, river clarity is perfect now. As the rain transitions to snow in the higher elevations, the water has cleared up beautifully. Trout are looking for those larger winter meals in the slow, deep pools—pink beads, stoneflies, and slow-swung streamers are all back on the menu. Nymphing is pretty good right now, and we are seeing some really nice fish hit the net.
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Whitefish Lake: The Mackinaw bite remains excellent for those vertical jigging in the 140–180 foot rangeThe focus has shifted west of town as several key lakes have officially opened up, providing some of the first reliable open-water action of the year
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Fishing Report, Kalispell
- Echo Lake: Echo is all the way open and is definitely the hot spot right now. We are seeing some nice smallmouth bass being caught, though they aren’t quite in the skinny water yet. Look for them holding a bit deeper, around 15 feet, as they slowly wake up. Perhaps more exciting is the lake whitefish bite; anglers are finding success targeting them in deeper water with small, flashy jigs or midge patterns.
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McGregor Lake: Also fully open and producing. We are seeing a solid lake trout bite for those jigging in roughly 60 feet of water. If you prefer to stay on the move, trolling the shorelines has been picking up some beautiful rainbow trout.
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Flathead River: Flows are currently 4,400 cfs and on the drop. Most importantly, river clarity is perfect now. As the moisture stays as snow in the mountains, the river has cleared up beautifully. Trout are holding in the deep, slow runs—pink beads, stoneflies, and San Juan worms are the top producers.
Guided Trips
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