GREAT FALLS AREA FISHING REPORT
April 3, 2026
Lower Mo
Missouri River Pelican Point Down
Dam Temps: 41.5
Cascade CFS: 3,550
Ulm CFS: 3,720
Morony Dam CFS: 4,860
Fort Benton CFS: 5,290
Missouri River Pelican Point Down
Spring is here whether we are ready for it or not. The river is starting to warm up little by little and the fish are as well. Midges have been out in full force, and that means that the Baetis are not far behind. Fishing this lower part of the Missouri can prove to be rewarding if you find the right water. Nymphing Zebra Midges and 14-16 Sow Bugs in the slow chop will pick up some trout. If the Sow Bugs are not working, a dark-olive Baetis nymph, such as the Crust Nymph in BWO, should get a bite or two. Later in the afternoons from 2-5 p.m., you should find some rising fish if the wind allows. If that is the case, try a Griffith’s Gnat size 16-18 or Rene Harrop’s CDC Adult Midge in an 18-20
Dries:
Griffith’s Gnat size 16, 18, 20
Rene Harrop’s CDC Adult Midge size 18, 20
Bob Quigley’s Hackle Stacker in BWO fashion size 16, 18
Nymphs:
Radiation Baetis, peacock size 18
Crust Nymph BWO size 16-18
Carpet Bug, size 14, 16
MFC EpoxyBack Sow, lucent pink bead, Matte Orange bead, size 16
Spey Flies:
Brita Fordice's Extrovert, black size 4
Kris Keller’s Yukduster, olive size 6
Cascade Downstream
The time is near when we can get out and have a great day chasing those toothy critters. With the water temperatures rising in small increments, the pike are either close to or already spawning. To target these fish, you will have to look up in very shallow, slow, stagnant, weed-filled water. During the spawn they can be inactive and unwilling to eat flies, but post spawn is when we find the most voracious of eaters, including those that are looking to protect their offspring. Fishing pike lookalike flies post-spawn can be effective. As spring comes to fruition, pay close attention to barometric pressure. If the pressure has made a drastic rise or is over 29-30 inches of mercury (inHg), fishing might not even be worth it as pike are very pressure sensitive.
Pike Flies:
Jeremy Clapp’s Fleein’ Minnow Swamp Thing
Satkowkis Devil Tail
Stillwaters
Central Montana stillwater fisheries are holding at low water levels. If you're looking forward to stillwater this season, you may want to hit it early and hope for rain. Come by the shop, grab a handful of balanced leeches, big Pheasant Tails, and several indicators. Weather forecast looks windy. This isn't a reason to stay home. When the surface is choppy, fish feel more comfortable taking a fly. Time your casts between gusts and do your best to combat the wind. You don't need to cast far to get into fish. Some of the stillwater fisheries have been hit hard in the last few weeks, so fish may be getting wary of the larger patterns.
Trout Flies:
Phil Rowley’s Strip Tease Damsel
Events:
Fly Tying Night at the Kellergeist downtown Great Falls every Thursday @ 7 p.m. (We only have a few tying nights left before it will be dry-fly season and we will be drinking cold ones and reach casting).
Iron Fly Competition this Saturday 2-4 pm at the Kellergeist. Sign up in the West Great Falls Shop.
MISSOURI RIVER WEATHER FORECAST
OTHER REPORTS WE LIKE TO FOLLOW
Missouri River fishing reports aren't always the same. One stretch of the river may fish better than others which is why we like to check a number of different fishing reports from other shops in the area. We've gathered our favorite fishing report sources in the links below.