Fly Fishing the Sun River

Sun River : Fishing Overview

Photo Use Guidelines

The Sun River is a river system that has the potential to have incredible fly fishing, but irrigation demand and frequent low water prevents successful trout reproduction. Still, despite the massive irrigation requirements put on the Sun River, the Sun still offers an angler with good fishing possibilities in a very remote and scenic section of Montana. While the Sun River may not be a destination river for anglers on a Montana fly fishing trip, it certainly would provide an angler with a nice diversion away from the crowded and more heavily fished rivers, such as the Missouri River.

Sun River : Above Gibson Reservoir

 The Sun River has excellent fly fishing above Gibson Reservoir, as well as in the two forks that create the river, the South Fork Sun River and the North Fork Sun River. Each of these forks are located in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, requiring an angler to hike in to reach these seldom fished waters. A fisherman who is willing to do this hike will be rewarded with water that is seldom fished, outstanding scenery in a remote setting and excellent fly fishing. While the fish are not huge in these forks, fly fishing is not difficult, as the numerous rainbows, cutthroats and brook trout will zap virtually any dry fly used.

The two forks converge five miles above Gibson Reservoir, creating the Sun River. Like its forks, this section of the river also provides fine fishing. Access to this section of the river also requires a hike, as the road ends at Gibson dam. As access is difficult, fishing pressure is very low and the fish will take pretty much any dry fly floated their way that is half way presented correctly. Similar to the forks, few of the fish are large. As the water in the river at this point predominantly comes from snow melt, the water is cold and low in nutrients.

Sun River : Gibson Reservoir to Willow Creek Reservoir

Photo Use Guidelines

Although the river is no longer in a wilderness complex, the Sun River is just as difficult to access in this stretch as further upstream. The river initially flows through Sun River Canyon. In this stretch, fishing from a boat will be very difficult, as the river is in a state of seemingly constant whitewater with very fast current. Unfortunately, access is also difficult by trail, requiring some hikes along the river on steep, slippery, rocky trails. Fishing pressure is very low, although some whitewater enthusiasts make the trip down the canyon in kayaks and high quality rafts.

While the canyon is difficult to access, it can provide some excellent fishing. Rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout are all found here in solid numbers. While the trout in general are not like their Missouri River cousins, averaging in the ten to twelve inch ranges, larger fish can be found.

The Sun River in the canyon stretch has beautiful pools. Fly fishing dry flies work well on this stretch, but the larger fish and most consistent fishing will be done using streamers in the deep pools and along the banks. Attractor nymphs also work well. As the current is fast, sinking lines with weighted flies will be needed to reach the depths of the holes.

Below the canyon, the Sun River mellows out but still maintains a decent current. Long riffles, occasional pools and nice runs all provide enticing fishing spots. Standard dry flies like the Parachute Adams and Elk Hair Caddis work well, especially in the morning and evening hours. Streamers can still be used in and around the pools. And, of course, hoppers should always be in the fly box come late summer, as the Sun River flows through excellent hopper country once it leaves the mountains.

Sun River : Willow Creek Reservoir to Missouri River

Below Willow Creek Reservoir, the river turns into a mix of limited trout fishing and warm water fish species, particularly northern pike. Fishing pressure is very low on the river. Most of the trout in this section are browns. Using streamers and nymph patterns, as well as hoppers in late summer, are the best way to catch these fish. Just keep in mind that the numbers of trout on this section are fairly low, and get lower the further downstream an angler is from Willow Creek Reservoir. Spin fisherman will have plenty of opportunity to catch northern pike, both in Willow Creek Reservoir and in the river beneath it, using large spoons.

Next Page : Floating the Sun River

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