Montana Fishing Report – June 13th

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The Gallatin Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited in Montana introduces two competition categories for the Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival: Tournament Class for $420, allowing Forward-Facing Sonar, and Social Class for $200, prohibiting it. This aims to increase participation in fishing tournaments amid declining numbers. Podcast details are provided for further insights.

Kokanee Quinn introduces a simple and delicious Mountain Breakfast Skillet perfect for camping. This one-pan recipe combines crispy potato hash, sautéed vegetables, and a cheesy frittata made with eggs and sausage, minimizing dishes. It’s an easy and hearty meal to energize hikers for their adventures.

The Gallatin River’s flow is dropping, creating ideal fishing conditions. Trout are near banks and boulders, making them accessible for targeting with nymph rigs or streamers. Effective fly patterns include Pat’s rubberlegs and various streamers. Anglers should also be prepared with dry flies for surface activity.

Trail cam footage near Rotary Pond captured a possible grizzly bear sighting. While there have been no conflicts, outdoor enthusiasts in the area should stay vigilant. To ensure safety, they should follow bear awareness guidelines, such as securing food, using bear spray, traveling in groups, and avoiding low-visibility times.

Jonathan Miller reported on June 11, 2026, that fishing at Holter is thriving with successful catches of pike, walleye, and trout. Specific baits like jerk baits and jigs are recommended for pike, while walleye are found near Cottonwood and Willow Creek. Trout are biting on wedding rings, with preferred trolling speeds between 1.0mph and 1.5mph.

The Missouri River is currently providing excellent fishing opportunities. From Holter to Great Falls, low water conditions favor nymph fishing, particularly with Prince and Hares Ear nymphs. Meanwhile, paddle fishing is thriving downstream towards Fort Peck, with regulations advising one hook per line and barbless hooks.

The Chinook salmon run on the upper Salmon River is disappointing this year, with expected harvest shares dropping from 300-500 to 200-300 fish due to sluggish survival rates. Although the overall run numbers are low, there are reports of some fish making progress upstream, providing hope for the June 18th opener.