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There are a few common strategies used by anglers to find success during the mid-summer weeks of Montana’s fishing season.   Stream anglers should carefully study the hatches, and pay close attention to the insects that they see on the water, since the insects hatching have changed dramatically since the cooler days of early spring.   Fish will not be found in the same places where they were earlier in the season, since low water levels have changed the rivers entirely.   Stretches of the river that were a fast, deep run, may now be a shallow riffle, and deep pools and holes may now be slow backwater areas.   Successfully adjusting to the changes in the rivers is what makes Montana fishing such a challenge, and catching those fish so rewarding.   Have fun!

Some of the best fishing bets right now:  

Beartooth Wilderness Lakes:   Take a hike to beat the heat and catch a few fish.   This is a great time to climb into the high country and sample the numerous lakes.   Terrestrial flies on a spinning rod with a casting bubble are a great way to fish the lakes.

Bighorn Lake: Smallmouth bass fishing has been quite good, so now is your chance to see this beautiful canyon and catch this species, which is uncommon in much of the state.  

Flathead Lake:   The whitefish bite is beginning, and should steadily improve as we move into the fall.   This is a great fishery for a tasty fish.

Fort Peck Reservoir:   Reports of salmon along the face of the dam have started trickling in; coupled with lake trout, its worth taking a drive to Fort Peck right now.

Missouri River:   The trico hatch is heavy in the morning, so if technical flyfishing with delicate casts and fine tippets is your thing, the upper Missouri is the place to be when the sun rises in the morning.

Nelson Reservoir:   Fishing has improved for perch and walleye, although it may take some searching to locate schools of big perch.   But be patient, they are out there.

Shady Lane Pond:   Fishing action has been good this week for large reptiles in this small pond near Kalispell, with a 6 foot long, 50 pound alligator landed by a young angler.

Stillwater River:   Hopper time has arrived on both the upper and lower river.   Flows are still adequate, but dropping fast.

Tiber Reservoir:   Tiber and the other north-central walleye reservoirs have been offering a hit-n-miss pattern of fishing.   Good one day, and poor the next.   You’ll never catch a fish from the comfort of your living room though, so get out on the water and give it a try.

Yellowstone River:   Afternoon & evening fishing is closed on the middle stretches of the Yellowstone, so check current restrictions before venturing out.   Now is the time to try for catfish & sauger in the lower river, while trout are still biting in the upper river.

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This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state.