The Bitterroot is Fishing Well in the Montana River Report from Scott Anderson
By Scott Anderson

Posted: April 7, 2012

The BITTERROOT RIVER, located South of Missoula, Montana, is fishing great. I had clients this week that caught many fish over 18 inches in length.

All were taken on dry flies. The patterns were March brown cripples and Skwala stone flies. We started with nymphs and the dry fly action got better around 10:00 am. The river is on the drop, so get out and wet a line before the spring run off!

The BLACKFOOT RIVER, located East of Missoula, Montana, is pretty much blown out and should be given a few weeks before you fish it.

The CLARK FORK RIVER, East of Missoula, Montana,  is starting to clear. With the cool weather the Clark Fork river will be back this week. I would hit the upper stretch sooner than later. Monday the temp is going to rise and the rivers will follow. The lower Clark Fork RIver in Thompson Falls, Montana is pretty much blown out. Fly Fishing for trout is out of the question, but the Pike Fly Fishing is about to to take off. Call us to book a trip 406-210-0971 or book on line at www.montanafishingcompany.com

The MISSOURI RIVER has lots of snow and very cold temperatures. It’s spring in MONTANA! Reports have been good for midge activity on the top water. maybe in a few days the weather will break and the fishing temperatures will be tolerable once again. Wind has been a huge factor on the Missouri River which is located in Craig, Montana.

The YELLOWSTONE RIVER,  located east Bozeman, Montana, is a bit off color, which is good for streamer fishing for huge brown trout. This is one of my favorite times of the year to fly fish with streamers. The trout can not really see what they are eating, but they have to feed. In my opinion the biggest fish are caught during pre run off and post run off. So get the steamer box out and hit the river you never know what you are going to hook in to!

GALLATIN RIVER Zac Sexton who guides for Montana Fly Fishing Company has been on the Gallatin every day after work fly fishing. The Gallatin River is located just west of Bozeman, Montana. Zac reports that the river is a bit off color, but is great for fly fishing. The hot flies are nymphs. Try stone fly patterns such as rubber legs or a bitch creek. Try colors of golden, black, tan, or burnt orange. Midge actoin has been productive as well.

The MADISON RIVER is just like the Blackfoot. Give this one a rest for a week or two. It will come back into shape and we will let you know when it does.

The THOMPSON RIVER is starting to clear and is getting that great aqua color that we all desire in a great trout stream. The river is still high, but will produce good fish on the fly rod. This is a tight river in a cannon like setting. Lots of roll casting and mostly wade fishing. I would not go crossing this river on foot because you mite find your self in big trouble. No Salmon flies yet, but a few Skwala Stone flies. If you are going to make the long drive to the Thompson Rive located in Thompson Falls, Montana, you need to do it soon because the temps are going to rise and the river will blow out once again.

The BULL RIVER IS SAME AS THE THOMSON RIVER….

It is just about Pike time on NOXON. We need some sunny days with warm weather to make the vegetation grow a bit and get the pike into the shallow waters. When it does happen it will be sooooo…. Much fun to catch large pike on the fly! This stretch of the Clark Fork River is damed and produces some of the largest pike in Montana. Call Montana Fishing Company to book your fly fishing trip of a life time! 406-210-0971

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