Great Falls, Montana Fishing Report 09.06.18
Missouri River
It’s the season of smiles for those who are fly fishing. Dry fly fishing is really good. Nymph fishing is really good. Streamers are working too. School is back in session and it’s hunting season again. There are lots of lonely overlooked fish out there to catch!
Nymphs
As water temps begin to fall, fish will begin to chomp more and more aggressively. It’s a seasonal cycle we love. Scuds and sows are always on the menu. Mayfly nymphs #12 - #22 are in the game and there are lots of flavors that can work. The zebra and tufted zebra are also hard to beat with lots of tricos, midges and micro mays wriggling about.
Most of the angling activity will be shallow along the weed edges and over the flats. Think small stealthy indicators or even dry dropper presentations of 4-feet or less.
Dry Flies
Tricos are still rolling and should continue to do so for several weeks. Callibaetis are also evident enough to get fish looking up and moving for larger mayfly targets. Terrestrials are working when drifted along deeper banks, over shallow mid-river flats, and near fish holding structure. Skinny fast water is a key target zone for all dry fly activity. You’ll want to target rising fish if you see them and then roll along blind with good drifts where you think fish should be.
Streamers
Floating weeds can be frustrating, but if you can rip them off and get your fly working in between clumps, you can find some aggressive eaters. A powerful fast action rod makes ripping off the weeds much easier. Using single hook flies of the 2 to 3-inch variety are the best -think, flash n’ grabs, Montana intruders, and crystal buggers. The big articulated stuff is pretty hard to work through the floating weed right now.
Local Streams
Cooler days can make small stream fishing really good. Get your licks in with terrestrials while you still can. It can be magic out there.
The Lower Missouri River
Cooler days should get the bass, pike, and walleye more active. Carp and drum also feed heavily in the early fall as temperatures begin to drop. When you find them, they can be quite aggressive.
Stillwaters
Don’t forget those trophy trout lakes you fished last spring! As water temperatures begin to fall, the lakes can provide excellent trout fishing again. The fish will become accessible from shore for longer and longer periods each day.
The Big Picture
To fish or hunt, that is the question for many right now. If you choose to fish, where do you go? There are so many good choices. Pick one. This fall is shaping up to be excellent. Don’t miss out!
See past reports from the Great Falls region here, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.