The rivers are running slow, but the fishing is heating up!
We are proud to announce that Capital Sports in Helena is a Montana Outdoor Approved Partner, and Jonathan Miller is back with the local intel you need to keep your lines tight. Here is your official report for a very special Father’s Day weekend on the Mighty Mo…
Missouri River (Toston Dam to Canyon Ferry):
This stretch is a bit of a hidden gem. If the crude floating down river isn’t too bad to gum up your line and baits, the walleye fishing can be incredible. In fact, I have already been getting some good reports from the York islands down to the Townsend bridge. Smaller plastics jigged in slower moving water or pools is the recommended tactic. Perch, white or pumpkin colors are where I would start. Usually a 1/4 oz jig head is necessary to get the bat to the bottom. The other baits to try are zonkers or a bucktail jig. There are some brown trout in that stretch so long as the water stays cool enough but the walleye are plenty happy. Especially with a slow flow of 2700cfs. Not healthy for the river system but the walleye at least won’t have to work as hard against the current.
Missouri River (Holter Dam to Great Falls):
Flows are still very slow and low at 4,000cfs. Driving over all the different bridges it was apparent that the weed growth is coming in strong. But there are plenty of good pockets to fish. PMD hatches are still occurring as well as Caddis on the right days. We should be approaching Purple Haze season soon as well if it hasn’t started already. Emerger and spinner patterns are proving to be quite effective as well. In the deeper pockets without weeds nymphs are still a good bug to throw. Small prince nymphs and hares ear are the classics but if you need a fast drop purple tungsten drops are an excellent choice.
Remember this is a free weekend for anglers for Father’s day. So enjoy and good luck out there!
