Spring has officially taken root in Central Montana, according to a recent fishing report by the House of Fly, and while the mornings still hold a lingering chill, the Missouri River is steadily shaking off the winter doldrums. With water temperatures climbing toward the mid-40s and flows stabilizing across the board—from the steady 3,550 CFS at Cascade to a beefier 5,290 CFS down at Fort Benton—the river is waking up in a big way. Whether you are stalking rising trout during a heavy afternoon midge hatch below Pelican Point, searching the shallows for pre-spawn pike, or bracing against the wind to hit our local stillwaters, the transition into “bug season” is well underway. Dust off the drift boat and check your barometric pressure; the window for prime spring fishing is wide open.
Current River Conditions
| Location | Flow (CFS) | Temp (°F) |
| Holter Dam | 4,860 | 41.5° |
| Cascade | 3,550 | — |
| Ulm | 3,720 | — |
| Fort Benton | 5,290 | — |
Quick Take: What’s Working Now
- Trout: Midges are in full force with Baetis (BWO) right on their heels. Look for rising fish in the “slow chop” between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. If they aren’t looking up, nymphing deep with Zebra Midges or Sow Bugs remains your best bet.
- Pike: The “toothy critters” are moving into shallow, stagnant, weed-filled water to spawn. Be mindful of the barometer; if it’s over 30 inHg, the bite may shut down, but post-spawn aggression is just around the corner.
- Stillwaters: Levels are lower than average, so early-season efforts are rewarded. Use the wind to your advantage—surface chop provides cover for wary fish. Focus on balanced leeches and damsel patterns.
Upcoming Events
- Fly Tying Night: Every Thursday @ 7 p.m. at the Kellergeist (only a few weeks left!).
- Iron Fly Competition: This Saturday, 2–4 p.m. at the Kellergeist. Sign up at the West Great Falls shop!
MISSOURI RIVER FLOW DATA
