Spring runoff is starting to show up across Montana, and river conditions are changing fast. Some rivers are still holding decent clarity, while others are starting to push higher and pick up color. This is the time of year where flexibility matters — finding cleaner water is key.
The Missouri is still a solid option, along with tailwaters and smaller tributaries that haven’t blown out yet. Nymphing remains the most consistent method, with baetis and midges still producing. On the right day, cloudy conditions can bring fish to the surface. Streamers are also a great choice as flows rise and visibility drops.
This is the start of runoff season, but there’s still plenty of fishable water if you’re willing to move around and adjust.
