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Other Fisheries
North Central Montana has
a lot more to offer the angler than just the Missouri
River. While you won't find any "secret river", teeming
with huge trout and no anglers, you will find a variety
of different lakes and streams that can provide great
fishing at certain times of year. Unfortunately,
dewatering due to irrigation makes many of our local
streams un-fishable during the middle and late summer
months. During spring, early summer and late fall,
however, they can fish very well with little or no
competition from other anglers. From the tight canyons
on the Smith, Dearborn and Belt Creek, to the famous
windswept lakes of the front range, to the badlands of
the lower Missouri, North Central
Montana does hold some hidden gems for those willing to
explore.
Because there is so little information on NC
Montana fisheries besides the Missouri, the following
information is provided for those who may wish to fish
these waters on their own. We do not offer guide
trips on most of these streams.
THE SUN RIVER
The Sun River doesn't offer the best fishing in the
area, but it does offer plenty of solitude with the
chance at some real big Browns and Rainbows. Lack of
access combined with very low summer flows make it
difficult to fish long stretches of the Sun. Erratic
and unpredictable flows from Gibson Dam also affect the
fishing.
The Sun can be floated during certain times, but Gibson
Dam flows are not predictable and can make planning a
float trip tough. Irrigation withdrawals and returns
can make different sections of the river fish entirely
different at the same time. The beautiful canyon
stretches below the dam (just upstream of Augusta) are
long floats and require 2 days unless there are
sufficient flows. There is some access below the lower
(Diversion) dam that anglers can use as an access point
to hike down into the canyon. Beautiful bedrock ledge
pools are found throughout this section.
Wade fishing can be good both below the dam and
downriver towards Great Falls. I find the best fishing
occurs during springtime on the lower sections. There
are access points at Simms, Ft. Shaw and Sun River.
Fish numbers are not high on the Sun, but for those
willing to hike you may run into some real pigs that
never see a fly.
THE SMITH RIVER
Famous for its dramatic limestone canyon, the Smith
River begins near White Sulphur Springs, and flows north
to its confluence with the Missouri just south of Great
Falls at Ulm, Mt. The Smith holds good populations of
both Brown and Rainbow trout, and good fishing can be
had before and after runoff.
Many anglers choose to float the "canyon" section of the
Smith, a trip that requires at least 4 or 5 days. The
state of Montana regulates float traffic on the river,
and you must apply for a special permit to float this
section, or use the services of an outfitter who holds a
Smith permit. Float season on the Smith generally runs
from early May to early July, after which the river is
often too low to float.
Fishing remains good after float season, however, if you
can gain access to the river, most of which is private.
There is also some public access above and below the
canyon that can provide good fishing. If you're
interested in fishing the Smith on foot, or don't want
to do a 5 day float, I highly recommend Gary Anderson's Heaven
on Earth Ranch. The lodge is located right in
the heart of the canyon, and includes a 9 hole golf
course!
BIG
SPRING CREEK
Big Spring
Creek (the stream everyone has heard of but no one has
fished), is located 100 miles east of Great Falls at
Lewistown, Mt. If you love small streams and spring
creeks, you'll love Big Spring Creek. Great hatches
occur almost all year, from BWO's and PMD's to caddis
to hoppers. Loaded with Rainbows and Browns, this creek
is fishable year 'round and has tons of public access.
The rainbows in Big Spring Creek are not huge, but they
are challenging. The Browns are fewer, and also run
bigger, some much bigger. Rainbows are found throughout
the system, and the Browns tend to be more common below
town.
If you want to check out something different in some
beautiful country (and a great town), definitely try
this one. It's also a great place to fish and bird hunt
in the fall.
TETON
RIVER
The Teton River is really more of a creek, and does not
generally provide any trophy fishing opportunities.
The most reliable fishing occurs in the mountains west
of Choteau, MT. Located at the eastern edge of the
Bob Marshall Wilderness, the mountain scenery is
spectacular. Along with trout, you may encounter
Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Deer, and both Black and Grizzly
Bears. Be careful of the latter!
The Teton is typical pool and riffle freestone stream
fishing. Great for the fisherman who likes to
throw a box of dries and a spool of tippet in his
pocket, grab a 3 weight and start hiking. Once on
Federal Lands, access is unlimited. Lodging and
local information can be obtained in Choteau.
Plenty of camping sites are available for those who like to rough it.
BELT CREEK
This is the "locals" creek for Great Falls area anglers.
Sluice Boxes State Park is the main fishing area, but
you will find plenty of fish both above and below this
stretch. The Sluice Box is a dramatic limestone
canyon comparable to the Smith River. The stream
is smaller, but the fish can be just as big.
Sluice Boxes State Park is an excellent place for those
who wish to hike and fish. You can walk wade for
miles up into the canyon, with numerous beautiful pools
around every turn.
Both Rainbows and Browns inhabit this creek. Brown
Trout can reach 20 inches or more, but you need to be
stealthy, or hike far from the trailhead. You may
hear about people floating the Sluice Box, but take
caution. When high enough to float, this small
creek can become quite dangerous. I've seen lots
of wrecked canoes and shredded rafts on Belt Creek.
A great place for Kayaking.
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