Montana Fish Report

Very few Chinook have moved up into the Wilson River as of yet, and with the current low flows it will take a significant rain event to move fish into the river in any real numbers. Bobber fishing bait, back bouncing, back trolling divers and bait, and large plugs are all good river techniques for fall Chinook.

Hatchery summer steelhead are available throughout the system and there are some fish getting caught. Fall can actually be a great time to target summer steelhead, because these fish will get more active as water temperatures drop with the cooler nights and occasional rain freshens the river. Concentrate on deep pools and riffles with some chop and cover to them. Drift fishing small presentations, spinners, and flies are good choices to target these fish.

Sea-run cutthroat are present in good numbers on the North Coast this year, and anglers will find them throughout the basin.