GREAT FALLS AREA FISHING REPORT
April 9, 2026
Lower Mo
Missouri River Pelican Point Down
Dam Temps: 42.1 F
Cascade CFS: 3,530
Ulm CFS: 3,660
Morony Dam CFS: 4,830
Fort Benton CFS: 5,350
Missouri River Pelican Point Down
The report? You should go fishing. With water temperatures rising into the mid-forties there are gobs of midges and sporadic Baetis coming off mid-to late afternoon and into the evening.
The last couple of days--fishing in the Pelican Point area, throwing a streamer into the shallow riffles--provided healthy browns and a couple of aggressive rainbows. There were not a lot of redds down on the lower stretch of the river, but a few in the shallow water so be cautious where you are walking! Keep fishing Zebra Midges, and small Baetis nymphs, 3-5 feet below an indicator with a little weight for the deeper holes. You will find some hungry fish. If you are looking for some dry-fly action later on.
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 in very shallow water that is slow, stagnant, and weed-filled. 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. If you need flies to chase these beasts come into the House of Fly, West Great Falls. We recently received a new batch of badass flies that will surely trick even the wariest of Esox.
Pike Flies:
Matt Grajewski’s Yardsale Black, Chartruese/ White, Olive/ White
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. Want more current info on our stillwaters? Read this week’s article about the Rocky Mountain Front HERE.
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).
Saturday’s from 1-3 p.m., we’re doing Grill and Chill, which means you can come grab a brat fresh off the BBQ and cast some new rods and lines, fresh from brands like The Fly Project, Ballistic, Airflo, and Scientific Anglers
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.