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GREAT FALLS AREA FISHING REPORT
June 18, 2025
Summary
The weekend looks messy. On the bright side, we need rain! For those of you who don’t like being “cold and wet” this weekend might not be for you. If you are die-hard, you’ll see me out there wet wading in the rain.
Pros and cons of the weather this weekend.
Cons: potential increase in flows; possibility for the waters to get murky; likelihood of decreased hatch intensity in cooler conditions.
Pros: if you’re on the water you could catch a spot of light to no rain with sun breaking through, which could trigger the bugs; cool down could be a set up for great fishing next week. Times like this give the bugs and the fish a chance to relax a little. Three days of rain could halt major hatches, then boom--first sunny, 65-degree day on Monday you get three days' worth of insects. It could be epic, we will see.
Lower Mo (Pelican Point-Ulm)
PMD’s have been sighted. Get out and fish them. They usually pop off around 10ish. Try the Split Flag, or Sparkle flag, and have some Hi-Viz Rusty Spinners ready to throw. Size 16 and 18s. As for nymphs, the brown Psycho May in sizes 14-18, or smaller Pheasant Tails seem to do the trick.
PMD’s aren’t just a morning deal. I find that the evening combination of PMD spinners mixed with the caddis, which are dancing on the surface, gets the trout riled up to hunt in that lowlight situation. With the summer days, sufficient light remains until 9:30 p.m. or later. Fishing a small Rusty Spinner can bring fish to the net before the day is over.
I have been running a lot of “dry/dropper” rigs. Either with a Chubby or a hopper pattern. I have seen plenty of them. Mainly I am fishing close to shore in areas where trout may congregate, going about 20-30 inches deep with a Perdigon in a light gray or olive, as well as a Blow Torch, or some small attractor nymph. Fish these closer to the shore and right at the heads of structure along the riverbank.
Caddis have been popping sporadically. Be prepared. Mid-day through evening as the sun dips has been good. Make sure to have a collection of caddis dries and nymphs. For the nymphs run a purple weighted fly, or a selection of caddis soft-hackles. As for caddis dries, MFC’s Cornfed, in tan or olive, sizes 16, 18, and a Center Stage in olive or tan, and in the same sizes, works well. The Hi-Viz Spent Caddis has proved its merit out in the Craig area, and I have been fishing it in the lower river sections, mainly in size 18.
If bugs are not going off or you are not seeing rising fish do not be afraid to throw streamers. Throwing something like the Chicago Overcoat or Mini Dungeons will produce fish. My general rule of thumb: Sunny bright = Dark/ little flash. Cloudy= Lighter/flashy
Mo River Temp At Dam: 59 degrees
Cascade Mo River CFS: 4,840 CFS Change of 1,400 from last week: since the 4th it has dropped almost 2,000 CFS, peaking at 6,410 CFS June 4th
Ulm Mo River CFS: 4,730
Great Falls MO River (Ulm-Black Eagle)
ke are still roaming around, with the weather heating up try getting our early. Best way to hit this section of river is by boat. Carry a variety of lines raining from floating to full sink 6.
I’ve also been hearing good reports of fishing below the dams through town and below. Mainly trout-oriented stuff, throwing jiggy streamers seems to be the ticket. Just like on the lower MO, my general rule of thumb: Sunny bright = Dark/ little flash. Cloudy= Lighter/flashy
Stillwater
If you are still wanting to key in on trout in the stillwaters, try more traditional styles of stillwater fly fishing. Full weighted lines and chironomids, hover sink rate lines and small damsels, parabolic sinking lines and floating “booby” style flies. As the weather continues an upward trend, the fish in stillwaters will make their descent into the cooler water. It helps to understand the topography of the lake’s bottom. Reason being; you can key on “high productivity” portions of the lake. This could be a cove or bay that starts at the entrance deep, and transitions into a shallower area. Rocky points or outcrops can create a funnel point for trout cruising the shoreline. These structural differences provide the angler with better positions to catch the trout rather than just going to the lake blindly trying to find the fish.
Stillwater fisheries that have pike and muskie should produce just like the Mo. Predatory fish are beginning their spawning season, just as they are in the river. Staying above the weed lines and imitating baitfish patterns, such as perch, proves effective. As the weather continues to warm don't rule out topwater for these toothy fish.
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.