Report:

The flows are now about 4,200 cfs (normally ~5120). The river is a slightly more murky these days and water temps at the dam are ~45 in the morning, a bit warmer down river.  After that shot of rain a few days ago, we will be back to spring time today and for the rest of the week. For the most part wind is looking good so it’s a good time to hit the water. Midges and BWO’s are out throughout the day depending on the weather. There have been some March Brown sightings on the lower river, but no luck with fish targeting them on top. Mothers Day Caddis are just around the corner. If only they were the Cinco de Mayo Caddis… Nymph stuff is the hot ticket and is the best way to get into some fish. May is a good time to streamer fish before the weeds get going. The fish have been hitting streamers quite well especially really early or late in the day when the sun is off the water.

Please be careful wading as to not step on the rainbow trout redds (spawning beds).

Spring Fishing Tip: For streamers try using a sink-tip line of a Versi-Leader to get down deeper.

For nymphs, set your indicator at twice the depth you are fishing, add at least one BB shot above your top fly (see fly list below) and get that rig to drift drag free.

Hauser (or “LOG”) is happening now big time- both in terms of number of fish up there and the number of anglers as well.  You will catch fish on streamers and nymphs.  Try a Pink Lightning Bug behind a Firebead Czech.  PLEASE be careful not to step on any redds and please don’t be greedy and fish directly over spawning trout.  You wouldn’t like it if someone busted into your bedroom at the heat of the moment so let the trout do their thing too!

You can keep an eye on Canyon Ferry Reservoir levels, weather and of course, streamflows on our Streamflows page.

See our Schools & Instruction Page for more information on our Fly Tying Schools and our 3-Day Fly Fishing School.

See our News & Events page for information on upcoming events and info on the Trout Populations on the MO & Smith.  Also read about it in the article from the Helena IR this March.

Check out this TV news report on Craig, MT that aired on TV a while back -it’s still an interesting segment.

Hatches: Midges and BWO’s, some March Browns

Dries:

-#18-#20 Para Wulff Baetis

-#18-#20 Hi-Vis Spinner BWO

-#18-#20 Parachute Adams

-#18-#22 CDC Hanging Midge

-#18-#22 Sprout Emergers

-#16-#18 Buzz Ball

Nymphs & Streamers:

-#14-#18 Firebead ____ (something -they all are working)

-#18-#20 Pheasant Tails

-#14-#16 Tungsten Weight Flies (Rainbow, Purple)

-#14-#16 Scuds (Pink, Orange, Grey, Olive)

-#18-#20 Domonick’s Dam Midge

-#16-#18 Lightning Bugs (Pink, Silver, Gold)

-#18-#22 Mirage Nymphs

-#16-#20 Superflash PT

-#18-#20 Zebra Midges (Black, Red, Purple)

-#18-#20 Love Bugs

-#6-#10 Buggers (Black, Black & Grizzly, Olive)

-#4-#6 Conehead Kiwi Muddler

-#4 Skiddish Smolt

-#2-#6 Fish-Skull MO-Minnow