Fishing Report: High Water Options

Missoula Fishing Report

We are approaching peak runoff here in Missoula.  If the dry warmer weather continues as forecasted we should see the graphs peak and begin to drop within the next few weeks.  Excellent snowpack should allow for a great summer season of cool water and long dry fly drifts.  Salmonflies are right around the corner.

For now the best fishing is on our local tailwaters.  The Missouri and Beaverhead rivers are fishing.  Lakes are always a great option this time of year.  The tip top of tributary streams can be fun too, they just opened up last week.

Missouri River Fishing Report

For about the last month, deep nymphing with scuds and sowbugs has ruled the Missouri.  Currently a shift is taking place over on the MO.   We saw our first Caddisflies in the canyon last week.   As these Caddis hatches gain stride the dry fly fishing and the overall fishing is improving.   The addition of Caddis combined with warmer water temperatures create more opportunities for the dry fly crew.  Keep an eye out for spot specific hatches of March Browns as well.   Deep nymphing remains a go to option but as more bugs move through the system short leashing Caddis pupa, dry fly/dropper, and single dry fly techniques should not be overlooked.

Missouri River Beast.