Mid May Fishing Report Around Glacier National Park
As spring unfolds in the Flathead Valley and around Glacier National Park, anglers are entering one of the most exciting times of the Montana fishing season. The big rivers near Glacier are swelling with runoff, and while conditions can be challenging, they also present unique opportunities for experienced anglers chasing native trout. At the same time, smaller streams throughout the region are waking up, and with them comes the long-awaited salmonfly hatch—one of the best dry fly fishing events of the year. Whether you’re planning a fishing trip to Glacier National Park or looking for a local guided fly fishing experience, now is the time to pay attention to flows, bug activity, and access. In this report, we’ll break down current river conditions, seasonal hatches, and tips for making the most of your Montana fly fishing adventure near Glacier.
Big Rivers
The big rivers have seen a solid influx of snowmelt lately. We’re in the early stages of our annual runoff from last winter’s snowpack. At the time of this report, flows are actually on the drop thanks to a recent stretch of cooler weather, but conditions are still running high in most sections—making for tough fishing. On top of that, many of our mature cutthroat trout are likely in the middle of their spawning cycle.
As always, if you’re not an experienced rower or boat handler, we strongly recommend giving the big water a break until things settle down and flows drop to safer levels.
It’s pretty normal for the big rivers to spike a couple of times during the runoff season. If water levels continue to fall this week, we could see some windows open up—especially in side channels, soft seams, and inside corners. But as always, it’s a wait-and-see situation, and only time (and the hydrograph) will tell.
If conditions do improve, I’d recommend checking out our winter and early spring fishing reports for ideas on the types of water to target and which flies tend to produce. You can find all of our fishing reports here.
Dries
If you happen to find a few fish rising, the usual spring dry flies are a solid bet. Parachute patterns in sizes 12–16 in shades of purple, brown, and gray tend to get the job done this time of year.
There are big bugs out on the big rivers right now—huge stoneflies—but we rarely see them because they usually show up when the water’s too high and unsafe to fish. That said, if we get an early or lighter runoff, you might just luck into one of those rare windows where the hatch is going off, the water’s fishable, and you’re the only one out there with the trout.
Keep your eyes peeled for adult stoneflies in the bushes and fluttering around the banks. If you hit it right, you could stumble into a dry fly bite that makes the whole season.
Bobbers
All the “big river” standards apply when it comes to nymphing this time of year. Stonefly, Mayfly, caddis nymphs, and worms are all an angler needs when it come to nymphing. Flies to consider are Pat’s rubber legs, frenchies, copper Johns, soft hackle pheasant tails, squirmy worms, or any size #6-#16 nymph with a bright collar or bead.
Small Water
We’re entering what we like to call big fish in small water season. This is when salmonflies start making their first appearances on our smaller rivers and creeks. These 2–3 inch long stoneflies crawl out of the water and into the riparian zone to molt—becoming the B-52 bombers of the trout world. It’s one of the biggest meals of the year for trout, and they’ll go out of their way to eat them.
As of the last report, salmonflies were spotted in the lower sections of the river and are steadily working their way upstream. We love fishing all phases of this hatch. Nymphs are productive on the front and back edges of the emergence, and when you hit the peak, fishing dries can be an absolute blast. If the fish are keyed in, it can be some of the most exciting dry fly fishing of the season.
Keep your eyes open for these large, clumsy flyers—on the water, in the air, and crawling on the willows. If you find them, fish them. You just might hit one of those special days that stays with you for a long time.
That said, water levels on the smaller streams are still considered high. Be cautious when wading—plan your route ahead of time and, when in doubt, fish with a partner. No trout—or hatch—is worth a bad step and a cold swim this time of year.
Dries
Chubby Chernobyl’s, Jakes triggers bellies, Sofa pillows, water walkers and other large black and orange dry flies are a good choice if you find yourself in an area where Salmon flies are present. If the water you are fishing doesn’t have the “big bugs” then be sure to carry other dry fly patterns such as parachute mayfly patterns, elk hair caddis, caddis X, flying ants, stimulators and other bright bushy flies.
Bobbers
Pick your poison in this department. We have seen a variety of bugs becoming active in our smaller waters. Both big and small. Some flies to consider having in your fly box are Pat’s rubber legs, Kaufman stones, 20 inchers, caddis pupas, frenchies, copper Johns, two bit hookers, micro mayfly, split back mayfly, and other mayfly nymphs.
Streamers
The streamer game has been unpredictable. Some days the trout want the streamer and others days it seems like they a repulsed at the thought of eating a baitfish pattern. Persistence is the key to streamer fishing this time of year. If you are going to fish streamers, commit to a patterns and fish it hard. With our water still high and off colored in a lot of areas, use a sink tip that drops to the depth of water you are trying to target with your streamer. Bright colors that contrast the darker water color seem to be the most productive.
Stillwaters
There have been varying reports as to how good the stillwater trout fishing has been this week. For some, the fishing has been pretty damn good, others, not so much. Not much has changed in the food department. The patterns we have been using for the past two weeks are still working. However, the trout appear to be cruising at different depths throughout the day. Adjust the level at which your balanced leeches (size 10-16), chironomids (size 10-16), and scud patterns (size 12-16) are dangling below your bobber. Once you find the level that the trout are cruising, get your patterns down to that depth and let them soak. Stripping balanced leeches and streamers has also brought trout to hand. No stripping technique has out fished any other so change up your cadence till you find the strip the trout like. Hold on to your rods though. Some of the bites have been down right vicious, with the trout conveniently setting the hook themselves as they cruise right through your fly on the way to their next meal.
As always folks, stay safe out there and let us know if you have any questions or would like to get out on the water with the best guides around the Glacier National Park area.
