Great Falls Fishing Report 01.31.18

Missouri River, Montana

The Mo has been running around 4,600 cfs and reading about 35 degrees below Holter Dam this week. Not bad. Fishing pressure has been light and the catching has been very good.

The swing game has been steady with fish taking a variety of small streamers. Nymph fishing can be spottier, but when you find the right flies, you can hook lots of fish. Nymphing is typically the strongest mid-day.

I’ve seen some fish rising to midges, but I’ll be honest—when I see them rise, I swing a streamer in their general direction. Sometimes they eat it. Be prepared for some stronger midge action as we move deeper into February.

Look for cloudy days above freezing for the best all-around action. Friday looks like a winner. Saturday looks a bit cold. It’s yo-yo season when it comes to the weather. Wouldn’t it be nice to always pick the best days to go fly fishing?

Winter on the Missouri River

February can be a great month when the weather cooperates. In the coldest weather, fish within a mile or two of Holter Dam. After a few milder days, you can venture beyond Craig. Always be aware of drifting shelf ice, especially after sustained cold weather.

Fish will be stationed near dropoffs and shelves or cruising the slower flows. Look for walking speed current. Most days, the action picks up around 11 a.m. and falls off quick as the sun drops.

If you get out in the afternoon on a milder day, the water temp will warm up that one precious degree or two that really gets the fish moving. When we get those 35 to 45 degree days, its game on.

Trout Spey

Always a great activity during the winter months. Scandi or integrated floating lines and long leaders work great in the slower flows. Skagit heads with tips work best for dropping flies off shelves.

Best Winter Flies on the Missouri River?

Streamers

Montana Mini Intruder, Mini Dungeon, Kreelex, TFP Polar Minnow, Jawbreaker Tubes, Vendetta Cray, Grand Master Phoenix, BB Damsel Dragon Bugger, GB Bugger, OB Squirrel Leech, RL Thin Mint and TFP Balanced Leeches.

Nymphs

Skurps, Pink Caviar Scud, Pink Ray’s, Pink Fire Bead Sow, Pink Poxyback Sow, Pink Soft Hackle Sow, Pink Firebead Soft Hackle Sow, Pink Crush, Mini Mo Czech, Rainbow Weight Fly,

Pink Thunderbug, Rainbow Warrior, TFP Tufted Zebra, TFP Mo Zebra, JuJubee Midge, Zebra Midge, Tailwater Tiny, Tung Teaser, Gut Bomb Sow, Tailwater Sow, Rainbow Czechs, Worms, Eggs

Dries

Griffiths, Cluster Midge, CDC Midge Adult, Hanging Midge, Para-Adams

Fly Tying Season and Events

Fly Tiers are always welcome at our fly shop counter. Grab a stool and tie a fly or two.

Starting two fly tying class sessions next week on Monday the 5th and Wednesday the 7th. Call or stop in the shop if you’d like to join.

Missouri River Fly Fishers Banquet tickets on sale now for February 24th.

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