Montana Fish Report

Very few Chinook have moved up into the Trask 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. The Fall Chinook run is poor this year, and fishing will likely remain challenging. Bobber fishing bait, back bouncing, back trolling divers and bait, and large plugs are all good river techniques for fall Chinook.

Hatchery coho will be returning to the Trask hatchery this month. These fish usually don’t bite very well once in the river, but there is always the chance to get lucky. Anglers are reminded that there is NO RETENTION of wild coho in the Trask; only adipose fin-clipped coho may be retained.

Sea-run cutthroat are present in good numbers on the North Coast this year, and anglers will find them throughout the basin. Try casting spinners or flies to areas with depth or cover when targeting these fish.

Repairs to the Stones Road boat slide have been completed and the ramp is open for use, although that portion of the river is still very low.