Montana Fly Fishing in June

June is primetime for fly fishing in Montana. The fly fishing on the Missouri River is as good as it gets. By the middle of the month the annual Salmonfly hatches begin on our freestone rivers like the Blackfoot River and the Madison River. By the end of the month the Yellowstone River and other Bozeman, MT rivers come into shape and offer some of the best dry fly fishing of the year.

June is also one of the busiest months on the water for our Montana fly fishing guides. Anglers should plan their Montana fly fishing trips well in-advanced for the best dates in June. Our outfitter sees the highest percentage of repeat anglers in June every year, close to 95%, and for good reason: the fly fishing in Montana in June is that good.

Highlights

• Dry fly fishing on the Missouri River is some of the best of the season. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and summer caddis hatches are in full swing by the 10^th of the month and offer sight fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout on a daily basis.
• The annual Salmonfly hatch on the Blackfoot, Madison, and Yellowstone Rivers, as well as other freestone rivers, kicks off by the 15^th of June, peaking at the end of month. This hatch is likely an anglers best chance to see trout 24+ inches rise to a dry fly.
• By the end of the month, runoff subsides on the rivers close to Bozeman, MT making for great fly fishing from our Bozeman Basecamp.

What to Expect

June marks the beginning of the summer fly fishing season in Montana. Weather is generally mild and angling conditions are consistently favorable. Anglers can expect the sun out early and late, making for all-day great fly fishing opportunities.

The rivers around our Missouri River Basecamp in Craig, MT are all fishing well, and by the 10^th of the month run-off will have subsided on the Dearborn River and lower elevation freestones in this area. By the 25^th of the month the run-off will begin the break on our rivers near Bozeman, MT making for predictably good fly fishing in late-June from our Bozeman Fly Fishing Basecamp.

June is one of the prime months for dry fly fishing in Montana. Anglers can count on strong hatches of PMDs and Caddis on the Missouri River through the end of the month and the Salmonfly hatch kicking off mid-June on our freestone rivers.

Where to Fly Fish in June

Anglers fly fishing in Montana in June should consider different rivers and trips depending on when in June they are planning a Montana fly fishing trip. For anglers looking at June 1^st to June 20^th, fly fishing on the Missouri River tailwater near Craig, MT is the best choice. From June 20^th to June 30^th anglers start to have more options.

The Missouri River will still be the most consistent option for anglers through the end of June. Having said that, run-off will begin to fade on the rivers near Bozeman, MT and flows will drop to safe and productive levels on the Madison River and smaller freestone rivers. By the end of the month the Yellowstone River is often fishable. The annual Salmonfly hatch on the Madison River kicks off by the 25^th of the month, peaking at the end of the month into early July. Anglers planning a Montana fly fishing trip for late June should consider either of our Montana Fly Fishing Basecamps to be great options.

June Fly Fishing Tactics

Dry fly fishing is king on our Montana rivers in June. On the Missouri River anglers will enjoy all day dry fly fishing opportunities throughout the month with mayflies and caddisflies hatching daily. While the annual PMD hatch and summer tan caddis hatch is the main event, ants also become a major player in June on the Missouri River.

On our freestones the Salmonfly hatch kicks off on the Blackfoot River by the 15^th of the month, followed by the Madison River and Yellowstone River later in the month. Salmonflies are the largest bugs of the year our trout will see, and even the biggest fish in the river will rise to a #2-8 Salmonfly pattern.

While dry fly fishing is the main focus for our anglers and Montana fly fishing guides in June, nymphing and streamer fishing can also be productive. The morning nymph bite in June on the Missouri River is as good as it gets with sow bugs (#14-18) and small PMD and Caddis nymphs (#16-18). Shallow nymphing becomes especially productive as our trout begins to chase emergers. Streamer fishing early in the morning can be fair, but probably better times of the year to plan a Montana fly fishing trip revolving around streamer fishing.

June Fly Fishing Trips

Anglers can expect fun and productive Montana fly fishing trips in June with the Montana Angling Company and our Montana fly fishing guides. Our June fly fishing trips on the Missouri River and our Bozeman rivers are dry fly focused and well suited for anglers of all skill levels.

Missouri River fly fishing trips include the option of also fly fishing the Dearborn River and Blackfoot River as well as some waters off the beaten path. These freestone rivers are a great contrast to the often technical fishing on the Missouri River.

Bozeman fly fishing trips in June are only recommended after the 20^th of the month once the Upper Madison River and the Yellowstone River fall into shape post-runoff. The annual salmonfly hatch quickly follows. There are local options available to fish throughout the month of June for anglers in Bozeman, MT in June including the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the Lower Madison River, and area lakes, but we strongly encourage anglers to plan June fly fishing trips from our Missouri River Basecamp.

June fly fishing trips are a favorite amongst our anglers. We recommend anglers planning a Montana fly fishing in June to book well in-advanced.

Contact us today to book your June fly fishing trip with the Montana Angling Company.

Montana Fly Fishing in April

April is a favorite month for fly fishing in Montana for many long time Montana fly fishing guides and anglers. There is just something about April that bring anglers back to Montana year after year. Anglers can expect solitude on the water, quality fly fishing throughout the month, and a certain peace and calm on the water only found again in October. All of our Montana rivers, streams, and lakes are fishing well and spring hatches are consistent through the month.

Highlights

Spring is in full swing by April in Montana. Anglers can count on strong hatches of midges and Blue Winged Olive mayflies (BWOs) on our rivers near Bozeman, MT and the Missouri River tailwater. Angling pressure is low which makes for solitude on the water and cooperative trout. Streamer fishing in April can be some of the best of the year and often produces some of the biggest trout of the year on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and Missouri Rivers.

By the end of the month Skwala stoneflies and the Mothers Day Caddis hatch starts on the Madison River which adds to the already quality hatches and dry fly fishing opportunities. A lot can be said for April fly fishing in Montana, but needless to say anglers can count on quality spring fly fishing

April marks the beginning of our prime season for Montana fly fishing trips.  Our Montana fly fishing guides consider this window to be the best time of year to experience our Montana rivers in solitude.

What to Expect

April offers anglers great pre-run spring fly fishing on our freestone rivers and consistently great fly fishing on the Missouri River tailwater. Weather can still be variable the first half of April, but anglers can count on generally favorable conditions by the 15^th of the month. Spring in Montana means equal parts sun and snow, but temperatures that remain pleasant regardless.

Anglers can count on quality fly fishing on a daily basis in April. Mornings are often cool and there is no rush to the river as the best fly fishing is generally between noon and dusk. All of our area rivers are fishing well and generally fully accessible by the middle of the month. Float fishing and wade fishing are both great options.

Flows generally increase throughout the month as temperatures warm as our freestone rivers gradually move from pre-runoff in April to full run-off by mid-May. Occasionally warm than average temperatures result in an early run-off making for unfishable conditions on the larger rivers, but there is always great fishing to be found nearby.

Where to Fly Fish in April

While all of our Montana rivers are generally fishing great through the month of April, anglers will find the best fly fishing on the Missouri River, Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, Yellowstone River, Gallatin River, and Madison River. The rivers benefit from reliable hatches and low fishing pressure, making for what can be some of the most memorable days of the year.

Anglers primarily focused on float fishing will find the Missouri River, the Yellowstone River, and the Madison River to be the best fly fishing in April. Strong hatches of midges early in the month, followed by BWOs starting in the middle of the month, and some skwala stoneflies and caddis later in the month make for reliably good dry fly fishing throughout April. We have many fond memories of some truly incredible afternoons of dry fly fishing on these rivers with not another angler for miles in April.

Wade fishing anglers will find reliably good fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks and the Gallatin River in April. The wade-only stretches of the Madison River are also a great bet. Good hatches and predictable holding water mean the fly fishing is often more catching than fishing. Which is just fine by us.

April Fly Fishing Tactics

Anglers can expect success with all fly fishing tactics in Montana by April. Water temperatures increase from their winter lows which makes for increased hatch activity and trout feeding. Spring midge and BWO hatches makes for reliably good dry fly opportunities. Nymphing is excellent. The streamer fishing remains steady through the end of the month, with the bite improving if flows rise on warmer years.

Dry fly fishing in April is usually not an all-day affair, but the afternoon session can often be as good as it gets, particularly on calm and overcast days. Daily hatches of midges and BWOs fluctuate, but will bring large numbers of fish to the surface when they do hatch in good numbers. The most consistent hatches will be found on the Missouri River and Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. The bugs are small, often #20-22, and the dry fly fishing can be technical, but the combination of challenging sight fishing and empty rivers makes for a rewarding day on the water.

Nymphing in April is about as reliable as reliable gets. On the Yellowstone River and Gallatin River, small stonefly nymphs (#8-12) paired with midges or BWO nymphs (#16-18) can make for non-stop action. On the Madison River anglers will find tandem rigs of worms and stoneflies paired with attractor nymphs such as copper johns, lightning bugs, and pheasant tails to be equally as effective. On the Missouri River, sowbugs and scuds dominate the April nymphing fare, with larger #10-14 being the most popular choices. This can be a fun time to experiment with flashy and brightly colored flies as well. Midges and BWOs reign supreme on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks.

April is one of our two favorite months to streamer fish in Montana, with the other being October. Low angling pressure and a long hungry winter means the trout are generally more willing to chase down a large meal. Flashy and bright patterns fished well will produce. Often the early morning bite on cooler days in April make for only fair nymphing and slow dry fly fishing, great time to fish a streamer.

April Fly Fishing Trips

April 1st marks the beginning of the prime season for fly fishing trips with the Montana Angling Company and our Montana fly fishing guides. All of our rivers are fishing well and pressure is low. Anglers can expect productive fly fishing on all our our Montana fly fishing trips in April.

Anglers joining us on a Montana fly fishing trip in April can expect float trips on the Missouri River, Madison River, and Yellowstone River to be productive and well suited for anglers of all skills levels. Seasoned anglers will be treated to great fly fishing throughout the day, using all tactics, with a focus on dry fly fishing in the afternoons. Beginner anglers can expect favorable conditions for having fun on the water as well as learning and improving their fly fishing skills.

Contact us to learn more about April fly fishing trips in Montana with our Montana fly fishing guides.

Best Montana Fly Fishing Rivers

We are fortunate as anglers in Montana to be surrounded by some of the best fly fishing rivers in the world. From the famous tailwaters boasting trophy fish and some of the highest fish per mile counts in the country to our many freestone rivers filled with wild trout, Montana truly is the last best place for a fly fishing trip. As a professional outfitter, our Montana fly fishing guides are lucky to be able to spend so much time fly fishing and introducing anglers to our many great rivers.

Every river in our state has something to offer anglers on a Montana fly fishing trip and we feel strongly that our top 5 Montana fly fishing rivers should only be a starting point for anglers fly fishing in the Big Sky State. Nevertheless, we have put in the time on the water, explored all over the Big Sky State and are here to report on our top 5 rivers to fly fish in Montana.

1) The Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River has always had a special place in our hearts and we without a doubt consider it the best river to fly fish in Montana. From its origins in Yellowstone National Park to its end just across our state line, the Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in our country, running wild and free. We consider the length of the Yellowstone River from Gardiner, MT to Columbus, MT to be the blue ribbon stretch in Montana, and are lucky to be able to consider the Yellowstone River one of our home waters in Bozeman, MT.

Great populations of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout populate the river upstream of Livingston, MT as well as wild rainbow and brown trout along its entire length. Fly Fishing on the Yellowstone River is freestone fishing at its finest. Great hatches of stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies as well as the annual hopper bite make for some of the best dry fly fishing anywhere in Montana. Anglers can fish dry flies from July through October every day and expect to do well.

Some of the largest brown trout caught every year in Montana come out of the Yellowstone River, from the many deep holes and cutbanks found along every bend. If our fly fishing guides had to pick one river to fish in Montana for the rest of their lives, the answer is the Yellowstone River every time.

2) The Missouri River

The mighty Missouri River near Craig, MT is without a doubt the finest tailwater fishery in Montana. 5000+ trout per mile, wild trout averaging 17-19 inches, and consistent hatches anglers have to see to believe. The Missouri River is also a true year-round fishery, one of the few in the Big Sky State. Our fly fishing guides consider the fly fishing in April, May, June, late September, and October to be the most productive in Montana. Anglers can count on great hatches of mayflies and caddisflies to keep the Missouri River trout looking up, often eagerly consuming dry flies in large pods of more than 20 fish at a time. There is no where else in the state of Montana an angler fishing two dry flies could possibly catch two 20+ inch trout on one cast. We’ve seen it happen on the Missouri River. A few times. The Missouri River is also one of our most versatile and dynamic fisheries offering great nymphing and streamer fishing throughout the season. No Montana fly fishing trip is complete without a day spent on the mighty ‘Mo.

3) The Madison River

The Madison River is likely one of the most well-known, published, and revered rivers in Montana and rightfully deserves a spot near the top of our list. Ennis, MT is one of Montana’s great trout towns, right on the banks of the Madison River. Fly fishing on the Madison River is nothing short of a right of passage amongst Montana anglers. Success on the Madison River comes with time spent learning the intricacies and the rhythms of this river. The waters of the Madison River are swift, dynamic, and absolutely loaded with healthy populations of wild brown and rainbow trout, but often hard to crack for first time anglers unfamiliar with the unique character of the fifty-mile riffle. Anglers find the struggle worth it, as they will be rewarded with great fly fishing for some of the largest average size trout in Montana. Trophy rainbow trout and brown trout can be found on every bend and are often willing to rise to dry flies throughout the season. The annual salmonfly hatch is the stuff of fly fishing legends and anglers make the pilgrimage from all over the world to test their skill against the Madison River.

4) The Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River is known to many anglers as the river that runs through it, as it was the subject of Norman MacLean’s famous ode to fly fishing in Montana. The Blackfoot River is so much more than just a back drop for a book and movie to anglers and our guides. The Blackfoot River is arguably the perfect freestone trout stream. Gin-clear waters, native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and great hatches make the Blackfoot River a favorite amongst all anglers fly fishing in Montana. The scenery alone makes a day spent fly fishing on the Blackfoot River worth the trip. The great fishing is often just an added bonus. From the upper reaches of the Blackfoot River down to its confluence with the Clark Fork River, anglers can find great fly fishing along the entire length. While Hollywood may have introduced the Blackfoot River to the world, it is still a top river in Montana for anglers.

5) The Bighorn River

Montana’s Bighorn River is a trout fly fishing fantasy land. With fish per mile numbers higher than good reason could believe and hatches of epic proportions, fly fishing on the Bighorn River is something anglers really do need to see to believe. In recent years, fish populations have taken a hit due to environmental factors, but the Bighorn River should still be considered a worthwhile destination for any Montana fly fishing trip. The wild rainbow and brown trout are as hearty as they come, and we have no doubt they will continue to swim in the world class waters of the Bighorn River for generations to come.

Contact us to learn more about fly fishing and Montana and to book your next Montana fly fishing trip with the Montana Angling Company.

Montana Fly Fishing in March

March in Montana is a special time for anglers. It is the official start of the New Year’s Montana fly fishing season. Fishing licenses must be renewed and the anticipation and excitement for another great year of fly fishing in Montana peaks. Rods are dusted off, drift boats excavated from piles of snow, and new flies from a winter’s worth of fly tying finally get called into action. The grasp of winter eases by the first of the month. Anglers can count on some great early season fly fishing as our rivers thaw and hatches begin.

Highlights

• March fly fishing in Montana is early season spring fishing at its finest. Our rivers are empty, trout are hungry, weather is cool, and the fly fishing can be outstanding.
• Anglers interested in Montana fly fishing trips during the month of March will enjoy our Spring Special Trips. These trips are the best way to enjoy the blue ribbon fly fishing in Montana at a great early season rate.
• Midge hatches make for great early season dry fly action in Bozeman, MT on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks and the Missouri River. Streamer fishing on the Yellowstone River and the Madison River can be some of the best of the year.
• Wade fishing on the Gallatin River can be highly productive. On warmer years our larger rivers are free and clear of ice and our Montana fly fishing guides can be found on the water daily.

What to Expect

Anglers fly fishing in Montana during the month of March should be prepared for any and all conditions. Best case scenario spring comes early and the weather is cool, wind is mild, and all of our area rivers are accessible and fishing great. If winter hangs around longer than expected, weather can be down right arctic, with sub-zero temperatures and freezing wind. Usually it is somewhere in the middle.

The quality of the fly fishing in March is largely impacted by daily weather. Anglers treated to calm, overcast, and cool weather will be treated to truly fantastic fly fishing. Windy, freezing, and sunny will be tougher. You’ve got to go to know, but we recommend always checking the forecast before leaving for a days fishing in March to know what you are getting into.

Where to Fly Fish in March

Anglers can count on great fly fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the Missouri River, the Gallatin River, the Yellowstone River, and the Madison River during the month of March in Montana. Wade fishing is excellent on all of these fisheries and generally by the 15th of the month enough boat ramps are clear of snow and ice to float at least some sections.

The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks arguably offer some of the best fly fishing of the entire season in Montana during the month of March. Large numbers of trout migrate into DePuy’s, Nelson, and Armstrong Spring Creek during the winter months from the Yellowstone River, with peak populations found in the DePuy’s Spring Creek during the month of March. This can make for some truly great days spent fly fishing, regardless of weather conditions.

The Missouri River is the best option for float anglers during the month of March in Montana. Due to the lower elevation of the Missouri River tailwater compared to Bozeman area waters and strong early-season hatches, the access and fly fishing on the Missouri River is generally better than our other Montana rivers. Midges, scuds, and sowbugs are king in the early spring on the Missouri River and the nymphing and streamer fishing can often be excellent. Dry fly hatches are consistently sporadic during the month of March, but good enough to satiate any anglers dry fly fishing fix.

The Yellowstone River, the Gallatin River, and Madison River are generally accessible the fly fish by the 15^th of the month and anglers can expect a wide range of conditions. These rivers are higher elevations and subject to winter weather through the end of the month. When it’s good it’s good, but when it’s tough it can be really tough. While we wouldn’t plan a March fly fishing trip solely around the fly fishing on the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers, they can be a nice treat in addition to the great fly fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks or Missouri River, if conditions permit.

March Fly Fishing Tactics

Nymphing and streamer fishing will generally produce the best results for anglers fly fishing in Montana in March, but the fly fishing tactics anglers will find the most productive will vary depending largely on conditions. Calm and warm days can make for some good midge hatches and dry fly fishing to follow. The window to capitalize on these hatches is often limited, but offers anglers the potential for some great early season dry fly action.

Nymphing in March will largely consist of deep rigs fished through slow runs and pools. Tandem rigs consisting of a larger #4-8 stonefly or worm followed by a small mayfly or midge #16-22 will be the most productive on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and Gallatin River. Tandem nymph rigs consisting of a #10-16 scud, sowbug, or pink attractor followed by another of the same will be your best bet on the Missouri River. Midges are king on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. Target slower moving water and make sure your flies are getting to the bottom.

Streamer fishing in March with small, flashy, baitfish and sculpin imitations can be productive on all of our local fisheries. On the Missouri River, Madison River, and Yellowstone River anglers willing to commit to streamer fishing can often find true trophy trout. Sink tips or full sinking lines are recommended to get your fly down and keep it down in the zone. The trout in March can predictably be found in the same lies: slow, deep runs and pools. Anglers should target these zones for the best action.

Dry fly fishing in March is overall limited, can anglers willing to hunt for heads can often find some great early season action on the Missouri River and the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. Midges are the primary hatch during the month of March in Montana. Look for calm and warm days for the best chance at finding a good hatch. The spring midge fishing is often not particularly technical as the trout have forgotten that some flies fight back. Renegades, Buzzballs, and Harrop’s Hanging Midge #16-20 should have you covered.

March Fly Fishing Trips

Due to the variable nature of weather during the first half of the month of March, we would not recommend planning a March fly fishing trip to Montana if you are a traveling angler unless cold weather and the possibility of cancellation due to angler safety doesn’t bother you. However, if you are a local angler or find yourself in Montana during the month of March and good conditions present themselves, a day of guided fly fishing with our fly fishing guides makes for a fun and productive day.

By the 15^th of the month, anglers can count on reliably good conditions, particularly on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks and the Missouri River. This isn’t to say weather can’t be tough at times, but anglers can count on good fly fishing regardless.

Our Spring Special Fly Fishing Trips run through the month, so anglers booking trips in March will enjoy our special spring rate for all March fly fishing trips. Our Montana fly fishing guides are well rested after a long winter by March and are always eager to spend a day on the water with anglers. Anglers interested in a March fly fishing trip with the Montana Angling Company are encouraged to contact us for more information.