Fishing Report, May 13

May in Montana does exactly what May wants. We’ve been riding the roller coaster lately—swinging from glorious sunny afternoons in the 70s to gray, rainy stretches and sudden cool-downs. This erratic weather has kept the high-country snow on its toes, but the overall trend has triggered the first major push of spring runoff. The good news? The heavy snow we banked during those late April storms is doing exactly what we need—building a solid reserve to keep our rivers cold and healthy for the heat of July and August. With highs now settling into the 50s and 60s, the surge might stabilize, but for now, the smart money is on our local lakes and reliable tailwaters.

Fishing Report, May 13

Fishing Report, Whitefish

Flathead River: The Big Push

Status: Blown Out | Flow: 31,400 CFS | Temp: 43°F

Fishing Report, WhitefishThe Flathead is showing its spring muscle, currently charging along at 31,400 CFS. The North and Middle Forks appear to be leveling off slightly after the initial spike, and with the cooler, Rainier weather moving in, we may see the river stabilize or even recede a bit—though in May, nothing is guaranteed.

  • The Reality: The river is currently high and off-color. While the “leveling off” is a positive sign, the main stem remains a no-go for fishing for the immediate future.

  • The Call: In the Flathead Valley, the local lakes are absolutely the right call right now. They offer clear water and active fish while the freestones handle the heavy lifting of runoff. or take a drive to the Missouri River if you’re looking to get on some moving water.

 

Fishing Report, Kalispell

Kalispell Stillwater: Decoding the Spring Bloom

Fishing Report, KalispellWith the rivers doing their spring dance, the valley lakes have become the theater for some of the most technical and rewarding fishing of the year. The transition is on, and the fish are moving with purpose as the underwater world wakes up.

  • The “Underwater Forest” Hunt: Forget the barren flats; the game is won or lost over the greening weedbeds. These are the life-support systems of the lake, packed with scuds, damsels, and mayfly nymphs. If you aren’t hovering your presentation just above these oxygen-rich “forests,” you’re fishing over empty house.

  • The Power of the Pause: Most fish are lost during the retrieve, but many are won during the “nothing.” Before you pick up for your next cast, let your flies settle into a dead-still vertical hang for a slow count of ten. That sudden lack of movement—the “stall”—is often the only thing that will convince a wary trout to stop following and start eating.

  • Precision Depth Control: Success in May is a game of verticality. Trout are currently locked into specific thermal layers just above the vegetation. If your indicator hasn’t moved in twenty minutes, don’t just change your fly—change your depth. Shifting your stopper by even 6 inches can move your rig out of the “dead zone” and right into the strike window.

  • The Hatch Watch: Keep a close eye on the surface film. While the subsurface game is king, we are seeing windows of intense midge and early mayfly activity. Having a secondary rod rigged with a long leader and a film-rider can turn a slow afternoon into a highlight reel.

Fishing Report, Missouri River

Missouri River: The Afternoon Surge

Status: Excellent | Flow: 3,160 CFS | Temp: 49°F–53°F

Fishing Report, Missouri RiverWhile the freestones are pushing mud, the “Mighty Mo” is the crown jewel of Montana fishing right now. The river is holding steady at a very fishable 3,160 CFS, and with those sunny days pushing water temps to a peak of 53°F, the metabolic switch has been flipped. The fish are active, healthy, and increasingly focused on the surface.

  • The Technical Dry Fly Game: We are in that prime window where the Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are still around, but the Caddis are starting to take center stage. Look for the most intense dry fly action to kick off in the mid-to-late afternoon. When the sun hits the water and temps climb toward 53°F, keep a close eye on the scum lines and back eddies—that’s where the pods are starting to congregate.

  • The “Caddis Canyon” Push: In the canyon sections below Craig, the caddis emergence is becoming the main event. If you see fish slashing at the surface rather than subtly sipping, put away the mayfly imitations and switch to a Corn-fed Caddis or an X-Caddis. These fish aren’t shy when the skittering bugs are out.

  • Nymphing the Shelves: Before the hatches start, nymphing remains the most consistent way to bend a rod. Focus on the walking-speed water and the transitions between weedbeds and deeper runs. A two-fly rig with a Sowbug or Scud lead and a small BWO nymph or Green Machine dropper is the “bread and butter” setup for the morning shift.

  • Stealth and Strategy: With flows on the lower side, the water is gin-clear. Long leaders (9–12 ft) and light tippet are mandatory to fool the veteran rainbows and browns of the Missouri. Slow down your approach, stay seated in the boat when possible, and make your first cast count—these fish are smart and skittish in the low spring flows.

     

Guided Trips 

Guided Trips At Montana Fishing Guides, we provide top-notch customer service from the first call to the final handshake. Whether you are a brand new angler picking up a rod for the first time, a family looking to create lasting memories, or a seasoned pro chasing a trophy, we have you covered.

  • All Skill Levels Welcome: Our patient, expert guides specialize in tailoring the day to your specific needs.

  • Family-Friendly Environment: We love getting kids on the water and making it a fun day for everyone.

  • Diverse Trip Options: From technical tailwaters like the Missouri to our local lakes, we know where to pivot to give you the best trip.

  • Top-Tier Gear: We provide high-quality equipment so you can focus entirely on the fishing.

  • Local Expertise: Decades of experience ensure you’re always on the best water available.

Our phone is on 24/7—call 406-233-9001 to book your next fun day on the water!