Montana Fly Fishing & Bird Hunting

Current Report
Flows were increased to 4,250cfs today and will increase another 500cfs tomorrow. Snowpack in the Bighorn Basin is now a whopping 121% of average and more high mountain snow is still in the forecast. Don’t let the prospect of higher flows keep you away; some of the best fishing of the year comes during high water!

Special Report
Fishing is excellent and spring nymphing is back in full swing. The river is full of hungry fish of all sizes, and most decent presentations result in hookups. Streamer fishing remains excellent in all parts of the river.

One-Week Fishing Forecast
Temperatures will be staying on the cool side this week. Temps are expected to reach the low to mid 50′s for the weekend with overcast skies.

Hatch Info
Baetis are starting to appear, but don’t count on those hatches just yet. Midges continue to come off in earnst.

Hot Fly Patterns
Streamer fishing is great using Butt Monekys, Bighorn Buggers, Bighorn Specials, Autumn Splendors, Double Bunnies and White Zonkers. A close second has been nymph fishing, we have been having solid luck on Firebead Pink Soft Hackle Sowbugs (size 14-16) trailing a Downey Wonder Nymph, Rootbeer, Black or Red Midge Larvae(sizes 18-20). (Black Zebra Midges as well) Grey Ray Charles will get some fish too (sizes 16-18). For top water action on cloudy days use either Griffiths Gnats or Cluster Midges sizes 18-20. Also up to bat are black or red SmokeJumpers in 18-20. The same goes for the Palomino Midges.

River Flows
4,250cfs at Ft. Smith. 4,750cfs on Thursday.

Water Temperature
Just reaching 50 degrees now.

APRIL:  April 9 -14, April 23 -28, April 30 – May 3.  MAY:  9 – 14, May 18 – 26.  JUNE:  1 – 8,  June 10 – 14 ((2 Rooms Left), June 14 – 18.  JULY:  July 1 – 4, July 10 – 15 (2 rooms left).  July 22 – 26.  AUGUST:  2- 7 (3 Rooms), August 8 – 14 (2 Rooms), August 15 – 20, August 26 – 31.  SEPTEMBER:  2 – 5 (2 Rooms Left), September 7 – 11, September 13 – 18, September 25 – 29.  OCTOBER:  October 1 – 5, October 7 – 10,  October 16 – 23, Otober 25 – 30.  NOVEMBER:  November 2 -6, November 9 – 17. 

PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO DOUBLE CHECK AVAILABILITY.  DEPENDING ON CANCELLATIONS THERE COULD BE DATES AVAILABLE THAT AREN’T LISTED. 

APRIL AND MAY DATES RECEIVE 50% DISCOUNT OFF THE 2ND PERSON.  BOOK TODAY AS SPACE IS LIMITED!

Special Report
Fishing has been excellent. Anglers are picking up lots of smaller fish in addition to large, healthy fish up and down the river. The brown spawn is tapering off abit so still be careful when wading near the redds.

One-Week Fishing Forecast
Temperatures will remain in the mid 30′s but getting colder as the weekend gets closer. Highs only in the single digits this weekend.

Hot Fly Patterns
Still pretty much the same as last week. Best fishing has been stripping streamers such as Yellow Beldar Rubberlegs, Bighorn Buggers, Bighorn Specials and white Zonkers. As for nymphs, we have been having solid luck on Firebead Pink Soft Hackle Sowbugs (size 14-16) trailing a Rootbeer Midge (sizes 18-20). Also try for trailers a Black or Red Midge Larvae as well. Grey Ray Charles will get some fish too (sizes 16-18). Yellow, orange and caramel eggs are working well, too.

River Flows
Approximately 2,370cfs at Ft. Smith

Water Temperature
Steady in the lower 50′s

Come join us in April or May and receive a 50% discount off the 2nd person.  Or if you’re a single, come out in April or May and pay no single supplement.  Call us today to check availability and book.  Toll Free 866-258-3474 or email us at flyfishmt@sbcglobal.net.

Current Report
Flows are consistent about 2,500 cfs.

Hot Fly Patterns
Dry flies- Miller Time Hopper in sz 12-10. Morish’s Hopper in pink have been good in sizes 12-10 as well. Yellow bellied hopper patterns are still catching fish though, so try the Rainy’s Grand Hopper in tan and cream in sizes 12-8. As for nymphs, we have been having solid luck on Wire Worms (brown or red sizes 4-6) and trailing a pheasant tail nymph with or without the flashback (sz 16). Grey Ray Charles will get some fish too (sz 18-16) You can lighten up the split shot finally, water is down!

River Flows
2,500 cfs @ Ft. Smith (Afterbay) (As of Thursday at 4 pm)

Water Temperature
Ranging from high 50′s to lower 60′s depending on releases
 

Current Report
Flows are down to 5,200 cfs at this time. The flows may fall slightly through the week.

Special Report
Wade fishing is once again quite possible!

One-Week Fishing Forecast
Will be in the lower 80s on Tuesday and Wednesday with a slight chance of thunder storms. Gets into the low 90s through the rest of the week.

Hot Fly Patterns
Soft hackle Ray Charles have been doing well in gray and pink size 16 – 18. Try the sowbug patterns in a soft hackle too in similar colors and sizes. Worm patterns are still strong, in the wire variation as well as the San Juans. Use sizes 4 to 8 in red, orange. Don’t forget your split shot, you’ll need it. 2 or 3 BBs or a single 3/0 should suffice.

River Flows
5,200 cfs @ Ft. Smith (Afterbay)

Water Temperature
Ranging from high 40′s to lower 50′s depending on releases