Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation – 7.7.22 - Montana Hunting and Fishing Information

Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation – 7.7.22
By angelamontana

Posted: July 7, 2022

Please let us know if you would like to see your weekly fishing report included in this Montana fishing report compilation by emailing your report to us before the end of the day on Tuesday of each week here along with your business website/email address.

Please check the fishing regulations before fishing.

Big Horn River Fishing Report via Orvis (July 6, 2022)

Forrester’s Big Horn River Resort’s Tip of the Week:
Bright and sunny weather. The water is clear and around 47 degrees. Call for up-to-date weather and availability.

5-Day Outlook as of 7/6/22

Reservoir is 99.0 % Full* Reservoir Flood Control Pool is filled 0.0 % Mean Daily Flow Below Afterbay Flow is 5397.6 CFS. Great nymph fishing on aquatic worm and sowbug patterns. However, wade fishing spots will be limited. The float sections below Bighorn Access (down to Mallards and Two Leggins) have been unfishable due to muddy tributary streams.

Hell Creek State Park Information (July 7, 2022)

Click here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hell-Creek-State-Park/408417076010138

Cooney State Park Information via FWP (July 7, 2022)

Click here: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/cooney

Hauser Fishing Report by FWP (July 4, 2022)

Good numbers of rainbows are being caught below Canyon Ferry Dam While using crawlers and a marshmallow or small nymphs or leech patterns. Trolling cowbells and wedding ring combos between Devil’s Elbow and York Bridge has been producing some nice rainbows as well. A few walleyes are being picked up from the Causeway Bridge while using floating jigs with leeches or crawlers or pulling bottom bouncers and walleye spinners in the Causeway Arm. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Missouri River Fly Fishing Report by Headhunters Fly Shop (July 5, 2022)

Rating? Oh I think a 9. Not overly stuffed today. July 5th. This since was the day that the cork came out. But that month is now June. And July plays second fiddle. Not that July is not busy, and many would say “crowded”, but not in the way it was ten years ago. It has and was, the beginning of the true dry fly period.

June

Lots of non-anglers on the water for the holiday weekend. Less anglers. A family weekend was had by all. Drenching thunderstorms stoked all near and far. Flash floods in some fishing ‘burbs coupled with a safe fireworks weekend due to the wet surroundings.

June has become the peak month on the Mo. July comes in a close second, but does not feel like it today on the historic Trico start date. While Trico’s are on the lower, and not in large numbers yet, the breadth of this hatch will begin in a few days. Some years mid month. This year? We think within the week.

July

Weather is a crap shoot as is June. Hot. July is our hottest month. Sometimes daily T-Storms in the afternoon can disrupt the natural procession of insects. Meaning that if you have a real good PMD, or Caddis hatch in the morning or mid day, and the rain comes in hard, all the insects get beaten to the ground, literally, by the heavy rains. And therefore, no spinner fall or spent caddis PMD action in the am. Dry fly guys don’t really get rolling til later during those periods of weather. Daily highs can reach into the 90’s and beyond. Bring rain gear, sun gear, and your cooler.

Flows will hover around the 4K mark with fluctuations happening as the BOR/DNRC see fit. Forecast to be stable for the remainder of the summer. We are thankful for that. Level, stable flows are good for both the fish and the angler.

Current water temps in the 60F range. We would like to see it stay in the the low end of the 60’s. Will it? Probably not. Long term forecast air temps include temps in the 90’s. That is hot. Cool night can help. Will we witness that? Maybe. We do not need temps creeping towards the 70F mark. Not good for the fish, or the anglers.

Pale Morning Duns

PMD’s continue to be strong. Just finished a healthy dry fly session for the last 2 weeks of the month. Fantastic is how we would rate that period. For the dry fly and the nymph alike. Great catch rates whether you are a Dry Fly Only angler, or for those who like to drown the nymphs below an indicator, fun was had by all.

PMD patterns working well this week include several derivations of the Rusty Spinner. Biot Wing, Hi-Vis PMD Spinner, Quig’s Hackle Stacker, CDC PMD Spinner, CDC Para Spinner, Jake’s Wet Body Spinner, Ninch’s Sacked Out Spinner Rusty. Emergers? Yep. CDC Biot Emerger, Half Dun Hatching, Floating Wet PMD. Cripples too. Last Chance Cripple, CDC Cripple, Limestone Cripple, Ninch’s Hangman PMD Cripple, Quig’s Film Critic, Sparkle Flag Cripple Pink or Yellow, Daigle’s PFD Parachute Crip.

Caddis

A player in July. Good caddis hats he’s the past couple weeks as they have been gaining strength. Good blind dry fishing with the caddis. Ant too. Throw one you can see. Skittering around daily. Downwind tent winged patterns do well here. Hi floaters like the Elk Hair, Goddard, high floaty foamy patterns built for freestone anglers are not as well received here locally.

Fish the merger with confidence. Fish the spent with confidence. Patterns that you cannot see are more appealing to our trout.

Hi Vis Tape Wing, CDC and Elk, Translucent Pupa nd Emerger, Hi Vis Spent Caddis, Double Duck, Harrop’s Palmered Caddis, OUtrigger Caddis, Flambe, Buzzball, Bloom’s Caddis, Missing Link.

Swing a soft hackle to them if you like. Fun times.

Trico’s

On the lower end of the fishable reaches below Mid Canon currently. Will move up river as the month progresses. Early morning emergences produce mid morning spinner falls. Clusters on the early end of the event. Spinners not eh back end. But as the fish see the minuscule Trico fly for the first time they, as all front end hatches, go bonkers. The fish get a bit stupid for a short period. How long is the stupid phase? No long enough. But a week of very good to great cluster Trico fishing.

More on this event as it happens. But, for those who love the techy dry fly game July is your month. Get in on the front end as the selectiveness of trout becomes a real deal here on the Mighty Mo in the late summer month(s). The dry fly fish can get real smart. Reach casts, slack line presentations, and not showing the enemy your fly badly are important factors in angling success.

Terrestrials

Yup. Hopper late, ants early.

Weeds

Not right now. But weeds will impact the nymphers if they grow this month. Currently a non-issue.

Nymph Fishing

Great. 4′-5′ under an indicator. Caddis Pupa and PMD nymphs are king. Center of the river. Drift ’em.

Holter Dam to Cascade MT

All fishing well. All reaches. Get out there.

Headhunters Fly Shop

Open daily 630am. Best Flies Under the Big Sky, shuttles, guides, 39 lodging properties, free maps, perked coffee, info, soft goods, sun gear, HH logo wear galore, Logo’d hats, Just Add Vise Tying Kits, and so much more in store.

Kootenai River Fishing Report via Orvis (July 7, 2022)

Techniques & Tips as of 7/7/22

Nymphing is super solid right now and will put up numbers if that’s your game. Dry fly fishing has officially started. With flows at 13,ooo banks and softer runs have fish looking up especially if there are bugs. Hatches are still light but warmer daytime temps and some sunshine should help with caddis activity. Streamer action has been decent lately and will bring a nicer fish or two if you stick with it. Get the flies down and use at least a depth charge sinking tip.

Upper Madison River Fishing Report by Montana Angler (July 6, 2022)

Current Conditions:

The Salmonfly hatch has brought people from all over the region to the Upper Maddison! Epic eats on chunky foam flies is enough to entice any avid angler. You will have to follow the hatch as they move up the river. Don’t expect solitude while there but the crowds shouldn’t derail amazing opportunities for large fish on big dries. Golden stones have started popping up lower on the river and hatches of PMDS are still around. This is a great time of year for the dry fly angler! Early morning streamer bite has been pretty good if you are an early riser.

The Month Ahead:

The upper will continue to fish well over the next few weeks. Golden stone hatches will replace the salmonflies but are equally fun to imitate.

Long Term Fishing Forecast:

The Upper Madison is one of our favorite summer fisheries. The water is generally cold and consistent for killer summertime fishing. We are hoping to continue a late spring push in moisture to keep water levels up.

Chancy and Dave’s Fish Camp Fishing/Ice Report (July 1, 2022)

FISHING REPORT

Flathead Lake- Starting to get reports of white fish in Elmo Bay & Walstad fishing access site. Try 45’ water- Also perch and lake trout mixed in. Try trolling near Bird Island with Flatfish in 80’ of water.

Whitefish Lake- Jigging good numbers of lake trout off points in 60’ of water. Good pike near bays with jerkbaits.

Lower Stillwater- Lots of good perch near north end. Also lots of pike.

Middle Thompson- Nice salmon up to 18” trolling 40’ of water with small dodgers and Dick nites.

Lake Mary Ronan- Excellent salmon jigging 30’ of water with Hali jigs. Also nice perch.

Dickey Lake- Excellent salmon jigging.

Ashley Lake- Great salmon with some fish up to 16” trolling and jigging both.

Swan Lake- Try south end for pike- also try near river mouth for lake trout. Main lake can be good for nice salmon near highway.

Flathead Valley Fishing Report by Snappy’s Sport Senter (June 30, 2022)

Flathead Lake – Trolling around 100′-150′ for lakers with Rapalas has been a good bet. Also try using Brads Cut Plugs and Apex Lures for some variety.
Whitefish Lake – Lots of smaller fish being caught around 110′-125′. Hellbender Tackle paired with cut bait has been a solid option along with Mission Tube Jigs.
Flathead River – River flows are returning to normal, still around 30,000 cubic feet with stained water. Continue to use caution.
McWenneger Slough – Water levels are high and has fish dispersed into flooded areas. Still chances to pick up a few pike along points and weed clusters.
Echo Lake – Bass bite has been consistent. Senko’s, Keitech swim baits and Ned craws have all been good options.
Ashley Lake – Salmon fishing continues to be hot. Hali’s in natural colors along with Swedish pimples paired with Zimmer heavy glows are solid options.
Middle Thompson Lake – Salmon trolling has been good. Try using P-Line Mini Reaction Squids paired with Mack’s sling blades or dodgers.
Lake Mary Ronan – Salmon bite has been good. Hali jigs paired with a maggot has been working well. Also try using Swedish Pimples paired with Zimmer Heavy Glows or Mack’s Glow Hooks.
Hungry Horse Reservoir – West side road closed between 29 and 39 mile marker due to rockslides. Stained water conditions but has been decent fishing for both Cutthroat and Bulls in the creek mouths. Try using Kamloopers and Daredevil spoons.

Fishing Reports by Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing (July 4, 2022)

This Montana fishing report is valid from July 1 through July 7.

The Yellowstone River is still too high and dirty. We may run a trip there July 5–6 and will certainly do so on the 7th or 8th. Look for an updated report on the 8th.

The Madison River is fishing well top to bottom, though it will be crowded over the next few days with the 4th of July weekend. Salmonflies are present between Story Ditch and Ennis and progressing upstream. Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and PMD are present on the upper river as well. On the Lower River, crayfish, caddis pupae, and PMD are top bets. Rising trout can be found from midmorning to early afternoon on cloudy days.

The Boulder River is still high, but it’s fishing well on stonefly and large attractor nymphs. Some Salmonflies are present. We’ve got our first Boulder River float of the year on Sunday the 3rd. The river is still high enough that boats are basically required for access. Pull the raft over, hop out, and fish the long, deep runs hard.

Private lakes are slowing down due to heat. Walter took part in a four-guide trip to Sitz Lake on Tuesday. Seven clients combined for only six fish (though all were 20+ inches).

Yellowstone Park fishing is limited from our operations area this year due to historic flooding. Walk-in travel is allowed into the northern part of the park via Gardiner. The Gardner River is fishing well on stonefly nymphs, and the Salmonfly hatch is imminent. If you can get in via West Yellowstone, the headwaters of the Gibbon River are good bets for westslope cutthroat and grayling and the Yellowstone River around Tower Falls should be fishing great on stonefly nymphs and streamers, with the Salmonfly hatch imminent. The brook trout creeks near Mammoth are likely now in play for beginner fishing with attractor dry/dropper combos.

Kootenai River Fishing Report by Linehan Outfitting (June 12, 2022)

–No New Report–

This Kootenai River Montana fishing report is being brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Linehan Outfitting. This report will be updated weekly to provide current conditions, weather, hatches, patterns, and flows to our local waters and across the state.

Flows from Libby Dam: 4000cfs

Water temperature at Libby Dam: 42 degrees

Hatches: midge, baetis

patterns: zebra midge, parachute Adams, parachute pmd, Rosenbauer’s olive rabbit foot emerger, purple haze, purple chubby, red chubby, olive sparkle dun,bh prince, soft SJ worm, bh pheasant tail, bh rubber legged stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, circus peanut, black conehead buggers

It’s not quite spring up here in Kootenai River country but we have good news. Flows from Libby Dam have been reduced and will be stable at 4000cfs through the end of March for now. That means there’s some great early season fishing available right now.

Expect more clammy cloudy weather through the weekend and into next week. March continues to come in like a lion and we’ve yet to see the lamb. Rain and snow mix will dominate forecast. Fortunately daytime temps will ooch into the forties which is at least a small sign of spring around here.

At the moment the river is clear and in good shape. Don’t expect much in the way of dry fly fishing and insect activity until we get some substantially warmer daytime temperatures. The water is still cold but trout will start to feed a bit in the coming weeks.

This is always a good time of year for nymphing. With low flows you don’t need a heavy rig. You just need to get the flies down in softer runs and pools where trout are most likely to be holding this time of year. Don’t spend a ton of time fishing fast riffles.

Streamer fishing is also productive this time of year especially since bigger fish will be hungry after laying low for a couple months during the dead of winter. Keep in mind they will not necessarily want to move too fast or too far to get a meal. Get your streamers down and fish them slowly and erratically. Nothing like a wounded minnow to get a big rainbow interested in at least a sniff.

In Boston Red Sox news, it’s PLAY BALL! After several weeks of a lockout the players union owners have finally come to an agreement. Spring training will start immediately and while opening day was and remains delayed until April 7, the season will still be 162 games. For now the Sox have managed to keep essentially the same playoff roster they had last season. Infielders Dalbec, Arroyo, Bogaerts, and Devers are key players. In the outfield Jackie Bradley Jr. has returned to Boston and Kike Hernandez and Verdugo will anchor the deep green. Ace Chris Sale will hopefully be healthy and other starters from last year will hopefully pick up where they left off in October. Go Sox!!!

Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any of our hunting or fishing adventures. And please check out our e-commerce site for all Linehan Outfitting branded swag and Orvis gear. https://linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com/

We look forward to hearing from you. 406-295-4872

Yellowstone River Fishing Report by Bozeman Fly Supply (July 6, 2022)

The Yellowstone is starting to shape up after the recent flooding, it is still running a little high and dirty so do be cautious. If you plan to fish the Yellowstone, be sure to check FWP’s Restrictions and Closures page for up-to-date information regarding closures.

Suggested Fly Patterns

Dry Fly

Missing Link Caddis (14-18), Corn Fed Caddis (14-18), Peacock Caddis (14-16), Parawulf Dennis BWO (16-20), Thorax BWO (18-20), Parachute Adams (14-20), Purple Haze (16-20), Film Critic BWO (16-20), Smoke Jumper (16-20), Extended Body BWO (16-20), Griffith’s Gnat (16-20), UV Sparkle Midge (18-20), Chubby Chernobyl Olive/Royal/Purple (8-12)
Streamer

Woolly Bugger (4-12), Articulated Goldie (6), Mini Dungeon, Complex Twist Bugger (2), Kreelex Minnow (4), Sparkle Minnow (4-8), Double Gonga, Urchin Bugger (4), El Sculpito (2), Sculpzilla (4-8), Sculpinator (4-6)
Nymph

Pat’s Rubber Legs (6-12), Zirdle Bug (6-12), Woolly Bugger (4-12), Perdigon (14-18), Pheasant Tail (14-20), Jigster Baetis (14-18), Prince Nymph (10-18), BH Hare’s Ear (12-18), Sisslin’ Hot Spot Squirrel (14-16), Zebra Midge (16-22), San Juan Worm, Matt’s Shagadelic Mop, Hare’s Ear (14-18), Dirty Bird (12-16)

Holter Reservoir Fishing Report by FWP (July 4, 2022)

Good numbers of rainbows are being picked up throughout the reservoir while trolling various crankbaits or cowbells and a spinner combination. Walleye and perch fishing has been good lately while pitching various jigs with leeches or crawlers near the small bays inside the canyon near the Gates of the Mountains and along the Clay Banks and other points and weed beds on the lower end on the reservoir. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Rock Creek Fishing Report by Grizzly Hackle (July 5, 2022)

Grizzly Hackle scores Rock Creek fishing a 4/5

Rock Creek is fishing great right now. Lot’s of bugs out there and fish are looking up. A few Salmonflies way up top, but for the most part they are done for this year. Goldenstones, Yellow Sallies, PMD’s, Green Drakes and Caddis are hatching. Make sure to have some of each when you head out. Pav’s Sweet Dream, Jake’s Blackout Golden, Golden Chubby, PMD Tilt Wing Dun, Brindlechute, Galloups PMD Found Link, Carnage Drakes, Wulff Style Green Drake, X-Caddis and Elk Hair Caddis. Have the nymphs of all as well with Rubberlegs, Double Bead Stones, Jig PT’s, Jig Princes and Dark Perdigons.

Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fly Fishing Report by Dan Bailey’s (July 1, 2022)

Hello July! Happy July 4th weekend everyone. Let’s hope this month is a little less hectic and newsworthy than last. First – let’s talk about that. The area is still picking itself back up from the impact of the flooding, but by and large we are back in business! You can read more about it on our Flooding Update blog here.

THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER

On to the good stuff – fishing. The Yellowstone River is still out of shape, which is not at all abnormal for this time of year. Our runoff normally doesn’t clear up until at least the first week of July, with heavy snow years like this past one lasting longer. Once the river clears it will be game on. When will that be? Could be as early as late next week. TBD though, don’t quote us on that.

One thing that does impact the fishing on the Yellowstone besides the flows is the fact that most of the boat ramps in our area remain closed. Some of the walk wade accesses are open, but you won’t be putting a boat in the water for a while. At these flows, you shouldn’t be putting a boat in the water anyway. You can get the latest closure information on FWPs website here.

As we have said before, the Yellowstone is going to be an entirely new river once it clears up. Channels will have changed, there will be new obstructions around, old obstructions will have cleared out, and it will take a while to relearn favorite floats. We do urge caution as people start getting back out on the water.

HOWEVER – while this may sound like a negative, this is all part of the natural cycle of a river. This kind of refresh is very necessary and will lead to the Yellowstone River being healthier and better than it was before. It’s going to be an awesome summer here in Montana.

OTHER LOCAL WATERS

The Boulder, while still a bit above average flow, is starting to fish and should come into prime in the next week. The Gallatin is getting close too, but isn’t quite there yet. And all our smaller mountain freestones, while clear, are rushing lots of water volume. They’ll fish better as soon as flows decrease. There’s good fishing to be had right now on the Upper or Lower Madison or the Missouri. The Madison has been fishing really well and the Lower is a great option for a quick after work float on these long days. You might some find caddis in the afternoons but crayfish and nymph patterns will produce much better. The streamer bite has been pretty decent on cloudy days as well.

This time of year on the Upper Madison brings one thing to mind: Salmonflies. This hatch draws anglers from all over the world, all hoping for that one life changing day of dry fly fishing that will define their fishing careers for as long as they can hold a fly rod. Word on the street is that the big bugs are starting to show up…

The Missouri has been quite good this year. Right now the PMD fishing during the day and the caddis fishing at night is worth the drive. Be ready to fish long, small leaders and make the technical casts. The river is getting a lot of pressure, since it’s been the only clear water in the state for a while. Be patient and soak in the place – the Missouri is something special.

OUTLOOK

There are plenty of options right now for fishing and it’s only going to get better and better. We are expecting an awesome summer of fishing on the Yellowstone River, and it’s about to get really good. There are a host of great activities, events, restaurants and breweries in our local area for families and non-fishing people in your group. Don’t miss out on Montana this summer!

Our shop is open 8am-6pm every day except Sunday (9-3pm) and we’ve got everything you need to enjoy and appreciate Montana, including the most up to date information. We’ve got expert guides available this summer to get you out on the water, but prime dates are booking fast. Come check it out! See you this summer.

Gallatin River Fishing Report via Fins and Feathers (July 5, 2022)

Scores a 2/5

Current Conditions

The Gallatin is still tricky to wade with how high the flows are but fishing has been good. Salmonflies are throughout the canyon with the majority of the bugs around Big Sky. Fishing a huge orange fly with a flashy nymph like a lightning bug, or Formerly Known As Prince or a Pat’s Rubberlegs below it has been very effective. If they turn down the big bug a caddis or purple Haze has been an effective alternative.

Gallatin River Webcam – Located at Karst, which is about 1/2 way between Bozeman and Big Sky on HWY 191.

Canyon Ferry Fishing Report by MT FWP (July 4, 2022)

A few rainbows and walleye are being caught from shore north of the Silos. Boat anglers are catching rainbows while trolling black and gold colored rapalas or dragging bottom bouncers for walleye around Hellgate, Goose Bay and the Silos. Walleye fishing has really taken off with the best areas being around the Silos, Hellgate and between Confederate and Goose Bay while trolling bottom bouncers with white or chartreuse blades or slow-death rigs with a worm or various colored crankbaits. A few perch are being picked up on the south end as well. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Clark Fork River Fishing Report by Blackfoot River Outfitters (July 1, 2022)

BRO’s Tips of the Week:Day by day, the Clark Fork is starting to drop, though it’s still big and off-color in town. There are better options to fish this week, but if you find the rivers starting to drop and you’re itching to get out, focus on the upper sections of the watershed. Tributary creeks opened on 5/21 and can be a great bet for dodging runoff and finding fish in clearer water. Stillwaters are still a good option, too.*Two new trees down between Clinton-Turah that are blocking an entire channel. We do not recommend floating this section until we have more intel.7 Day Outlook:

Thunderstorms in the forecast for Missoula over the holiday weekend so come prepared with rain gear. Warm days and chilly nights should keep the river in good shape over the next week and the fishing should continue to improve.

Our Recommendations for the Best Techniques and Patterns:

We are seeing quite a few PMDs and small caddis through town over the past week, but nymphing or a big dry-dropper rig will be your best bet until the water clears up more. Bigger/brighter is better when vis gets low. Try Girdle Bugs, TJ Hookers, Double Bead Stones, and San Juans in #6-8. If the water clears up, Lightning Bug, Jig PT, 2-Bit Hooker, Prince Nymph, Duracell, Spanish Bullet or Perdigon in #12-14 should be more productive. Don’t hesitate to throw a Wooly, Sparkle Minnow or other small streamer under your indicator to grab attention.

Streamer prospecting can also yield results on the Clark Fork in these conditions. Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Mini Dungeons, and Thin Mints/Buggers are all good to carry on the water. Try speeding up your retrieve with these water temps and visibility to attract a predatory response.

Goings on at World Headquarters in Missoula:

The new Online Store is live! Check it out!

Sunny days are ahead, and we’re ready for them with new BRO logo sun hoodies.

Call or email us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in- WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR BRAND NEW LOCATION AT 275 N. RUSSELL STREET IN MISSOULA- for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.

Yellowstone Park Waters Fishing Report by Montana Troutfitters (July 6, 2022)

Most park roads have reopened after the flooding event in June. North and northeast park entrances, as well as sections of road in these areas, remain closed until further notice. Check Yellowstone park website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

Bighorn River Fishing Report by Fins and Feathers (June 29, 2022)

Spring Creeks score a 3/5

The Bighorn is now at 6,000 cfs and fishing well. Fish have been chowing recently. Nymphing has been the most productive method by far. Not much for dry fly fishing with the higher flows. Nymphing has been hot with PMD nymphs, caddis pupa, scuds, some baetis nymphs, Zebra Midges, and San Juan worms. Streamer fishing has been good with Sparkle Minnows on bright days and Peanut Envys in Olive or Black on low light days.

Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation – 7.7.22By angelamontana