Montana readies for a low-water fishing season

MONTANA — As Montana transitions from an unusual winter to spring and summer, fishing season preparations are underway. With the state's snowpack down by 20%, outfitters like Jake Hensley are adjusting to potential lower water levels in rivers.

"I'm trying to book trips and get on the earlier fishing. starting now in March," said Jake Hensley, owner and guide at Missoula Fly Guy. "I'm trying to run more trips early March all the way through July and try to slow down when we get those low water years and try to take it easy on the fish and give the rivers a break as summer gets hotter."

The health of the fish is a priority, as several factors threaten them. Sam Carlson, a staff scientist for the Clark Fork Coalition, highlighted the challenges ahead.

"With low flows, we will probably see higher temperatures earlier," said Carlson. "We will probably see higher concentrations of some of these pollutants [and] nuisance algae blooms."

Despite these challenges, Hensley remains optimistic about accommodating fishing enthusiasts while respecting the ecosystem.

"Even when the water temperatures are warmer, people still want to get out and fish and explore Montana in the summer," Hensley said. "And we're still going to give them that opportunity. I think if people can get on while the water temps are cooler in the morning and then get off before those water temps get warm in the afternoon, you still have a good opportunity to catch fish and explore Montana's fisheries and water."

Hensley mentioned that although business has fluctuated during dry years, he has numerous clients lined up for the early season. He remains hopeful that spring will bring more snow to maintain higher river levels.