Great Falls Fishing Report 01.04.18

Missouri River

The New Year dawned in Great Falls, Montana with a deeply frosty temperature of -27 F. Not ideal for open-water fly-fishing, but in Montana temperatures go up and down. Fortunately for the angling obsessed, temps are back into the fishable range this week with some highs topping the freezing mark.

Winter on the Missouri River

Not much will change over the next few months in terms of the fishing conditions. In the coldest weather, fish within a mile or two of Holter Dam. After a few milder days, you can venture beyond Craig. Fish should be stationed near drop-offs and shelves or cruising the deeper, slower flows. Most days, the action will pick up around 11 a.m. and fall off by 3 or so.

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 Balanced Leeches.

Nymphs

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.

Our next fly-tying night at the Mighty Mo Brewing Company is January 16.