April 15th, 2026 - Montana Fishing Report
Flathead River
[Kalispell + Whitefish + Bigfork + Columbia Falls]
Kalispell + Whitefish + Bigfork + Columbia Falls
Flathead River Fishing Report
The Flathead River has been holding steady at around 20 grand for a couple of weeks. It is definitely fishable, but still a lot of water coming down.
The story is the same with high water. Look for slow-moving water on the edges and cast your line there. The bite can be really subtle in the deep, slow water. Be ready to set the hook on any twitch.
Mostly nymphing now, but on the cusp of dropper season. If the sun comes out during the heat of the day, look for risers and try a dry fly.
Mayfly jigs, worms, rubber legs.
Wolf Creek + Craig
Missouri River Fishing Report
The Missouri River season has started with a bang! Even though the river is flowing below the yearly median statistics, the fish are hot and ready to bite. It is already feeling like summer on this side of the state, with temps hitting 80 in the late afternoon.
Going early is a good way to beat the crowd and get in the habit of fishing during the cooler parts of the day. Better for you and the fish!
This time of year on the Missouri, the sow bug is the fly of choice. Nymphing with a pill popper and a sow bug is a go-to rig for spring months.
Fish have been stacking up in the swirlies. Shorten up your rig and let it swirl around with the swarms of bugs.
Any movement at all on the bobber, set the hook!