Field Notes: Spring River Report – Flathead & Missouri Rivers (April 2025)
Flows are rising, snowmelt’s starting to show, and spring fishing is officially in play across Montana. We've been bouncing between the Flathead and Missouri Rivers — here’s the latest from the field.
Flathead River Spring Conditions
The Flathead River is doing what it always does in spring — coming up fast with snowmelt, but still offering windows for good fishing if you know how to play it.
- Current Flow at Columbia Falls: Check Flathead River Flow – Columbia Falls USGS Link
- Water Temp: Low to mid-40s, depending on weather
- Clarity: 1–2 feet visibility, shifting day-to-day with snowmelt
- Effective Flies: Big stonefly nymphs, san juan worms, flashy attractor nymphs
- Best Tactic: Target slow inside seams, back eddies, and deep cuts
The upper forks are pushing dirty water already, but the lower river around Columbia Falls is still fishable on the right days. Nymphing deep with plenty of weight has been the ticket.
Guide Tip: Look for greenish water, not chocolate milk — that slight color can actually make fish more aggressive without blowing them out.
Missouri River Spring Conditions
The Missouri tailwater below Holter Dam is running steady and fishing strong for early spring.
- Current Flow at Holter Dam: Check Missouri River Gauge Flow – USGS Link
- Water Temp: Low 40s, trending warmer
- Clarity: Clear to slightly green — perfect
- Effective Flies: Midges, sowbugs, scuds, slow-drifted streamers
- Best Tactic: Nymphing near soft edges and drop-offs
Midges are popping hard on calm days, and heads are starting to show mid-afternoon if the wind stays down. It’s mostly a sub-surface game right now — patience and perfect drifts are key.
Guide Tip: Run lighter tippet (5x or 6x) and small bugs (#18–20) for picky early-season trout. Focus on seams just off the main current for stacked-up fish.
Final Word
Spring is all about timing. If you catch a window between heavy snowmelt spikes, the fishing can be lights out. Focus on slow water, fish deep, and stay flexible — it’s only getting better from here.
Stay sharp, stay safe, and if you’re ready to get on the water with us, book your spring trip here.
See you on the river.