Great Falls Fishing Report 3.1.18
Words By: North 40 Outfitters
Posted: March 02, 2018

montana fishing report 12.21.17

Missouri River

Things can change fast around here. While it was brutally cold for almost three solid weeks, the temps cracked the freezing mark this past weekend and moved into the fishable range. Cabin fe-ver has been running high and some folks got after it. Fish were landed and relief was felt.

March on the Missouri River

While winter is not done with us yet, fishable weather will become more common as the days lengthen. March is a favorite month for trout spey, for midging, and for simply fishing your way into spring. Fishing remains consistent above Craig and near Holter Dam. After a few mild days, it can pick up in the canyon and downstream toward Cascade. Keep an eye on the thermometer. The water will warm as it moves downstream on a mild day. Fish will remain stationed near drop-offs and shelves or be found cruising the slower inside turns. Look for walking-speed cur-rent or even slower. The nymphing action usually picks up late in the morning and is best into ear-ly afternoon. Swinging or fishing small streamers seems to be effective throughout the day. Be ready for midges. Some fantastic dry-fly days will happen in March, for those who are ready.

Trout Spey

Trout spey season is in full swing. Scandi or integrated floating lines and long leaders work great in slower flows. Skagit heads with sink tips work best for dropping flies off shelves. We’ve got a great lineup of flies to swing on the Mo.

Streamers

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

Upcoming Events

March 14 - Fly Tying @ the Mighty Mo 5:30 to 8:00 pm
March 17 – Presentation: Fly Fishing the Missouri River, with Fred Telleen @ North 40 Fly Shop
May 4th and 5th - Trout Spey Clave on the Missouri River

 Click here to see past Great Falls reports, or here to view all northwest regional reports.