We have survived our first false-spring of the season! Through the first weeks of March it was 50 degrees and sunny. Days later, we have returned to winter. Now we are watching it snow again. It was really nice to thaw out for a few days! However, I am expecting that we still have plenty of snowfall to come through March and into April. Overall we are ahead of our snowpack from last year but still have some catching up to do. I monitor the Upper Clark Fork drainage, currently 89%, Jefferson drainage, currently 92%, and the Bitterroot drainage, currently 95%.
With only a month left in the winter season at Discovery Ski Area, I’m getting excited for spring fishing! In the next couple of weeks we should start seeing skwala stoneflies crawling on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers. Rock Creek will have a floatable window before run-off hits. On the Big Hole River streamer fishing will start picking up in the next month. But probably the most consistent and best spring option is the Missouri River.
Missouri River
| This prolific tailwater fishery boasts 6,000-7,000 fish per mile. It is a great option throughout the season. Springtime can bring some of the most memorable days of the year. April and May bring consistent nymph fishing. There are also opportunities for epic dry fly fishing with blue winged olive hatches and march brown hatches. Spring fishing in Montana definitely has its risks and rewards. If you are prepared for any weather conditions, it is worth it. It’s especially rewarding once you’ve hooked into a 20″ trout. |
Google Reviews
Please checkout my business profile on Google. If you have enjoyed days on the water with me, or one of my fellow guides, please give us a review!
Here is what other clients are saying
“Dream trip. A special week of fishing with my dad, who is nearly 80. Thanks to John McKinnie, my dad could not have been more comfortable or happier, and same for me. John ensured my dad was able to do everything he wanted to do. Continuously landing gorgeous trout accompanied by John preparing the most incredible meals, including fresh venison burgers which he grilled along the river. Outstanding service and professional skills across the board. Thank you, John, for the best trip we could have asked for!”
“I just got back from a trip to a lodge in the SW Montana area. We used multiple guides throughout the trip! I was fortunate enough to grow up going on trips like this with my dad. The guides we used on this trip were some of the best I’ve been with. John in particular went above and beyond. John is truly an elite guide. My wife is relatively new to fly fishing. John did an excellent job explaining things to her and ensuring she was in the best position to succeed. My wife stated that she had the best time and learned the most from John. This meant so much to me and made this one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever been on. Thank you John!”
McKinnie Fly Fishing Outfitters of Montana 