Montana Fly Fishing, Montana Fly Fishing Forecast
July Fly Fishing Overview
July in Montana is always a favorite for fly fishing anglers, and July 2020 stands to be great one. Flows are shaping up well for excellent fly fishing daily on the rivers near Bozeman, MT as well as the Missouri River near Craig, MT. The salmonfly hatch has already kicked off on the Madison River and Yellowstone River, and the action looks to only improve through the first 10 days of July. Our Montana fly fishing guides are looking forward to great trips with anglers throughout the month.
July is freestone season in Montana. The Yellowstone River, Madison River, Jefferson River, Boulder River, Stillwater River, Gallatin River, and the many streams of Yellowstone National Park are all on the menu for anglers in Bozeman, MT on a daily basis. Strong hatches of stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies, as well as terrestrials by the end of the month, make July one of the premier months for dry fly fishing in Montana.
Higher than average flows on the Missouri River are set to come down by early-mid month, and when they do anglers can expect an extended dry fly season, with PMDs and caddisflies quickly transitioning to tricos, hoppers, and ants. Our fly fishing guides expect the fly fishing to remain great on the Missouri River through the end of the month, into August, and beyond in 2020.
July is the best month for hitting the road and exploring all of Montana’s great rivers. On a 7-day Montana fly fishing trip, anglers could expect to never fish the same body of water twice, and enjoy excellent fly fishing daily. Float fishing trips and wade fishing trips are both productive, with the widest diversity and destinations centered around Bozeman, MT.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of anglers during this crazy year, guide availability is limited for July. While there is still time to book a Montana fly fishing trip in July for 2020, anglers interested are encouraged to contact our outfitter today. See you on the water soon!
Fishing Reports, Madison River Fishing Reports, Missouri River Fishing Reports, Paradise Valley and Spring Creeks Fishing Reports, Yellowstone River Fishing Reports
Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview
There is a lot to look forward to for anglers on a fly fishing trip in Bozeman, Montana. Our fly fishing guides have been on the water daily, sharing some of the best fly fishing of the season with anglers on the Missouri River, Madison River, and Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. Nearby freestone streams including the Yellowstone River, Gallatin River, and Jefferson River are on the cusp of fishing great, and soon salmonflies will be in the air on all of our area rivers.
Dry fly fishing is king in Montana in late June and early July. Salmonflies have arrived on the Madison River and PMDs and Caddis hatches are in full swing on the Missouri River. The annual PMD hatch is also happening daily on DePuy’s, Armstrong, and Nelson’s Spring Creeks. Rod availability is limited, but anglers lucky enough to fly fish these waters can expect quality dry fly fishing.
There is still time to plan a Montana fly fishing trip for 2020. Our Montana fly fishing guides have limited availability through mid-August on the rivers near Bozeman, MT but good availability on the Missouri River and other nearby rivers. It is shaping up to be another strong fall fly fishing season in Montana, and bookings are rolling in for September and October for both of our Montana fly fishing basecamps. Contact our outfitter today to learn more and book your next Montana fly fishing trip.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
Recent rains have brought higher than average flows on the Missouri River, but the fly fishing has remained consistently great. Daily hatches of PMDs and caddisflies have kept the trout looking up, in spite of flows 10k+. With more rain in the forecast it looks like the high water is here to stay for a bit. Nymphing has remained great throughout the whole river corridor from Craig, MT downstream to Cascade, MT. Lots of different ways to skin the cat right now with anglers finding success throughout the water column with PMD nymphs and caddis pupa accounting for the majority of caught fish.
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report
As good as it gets on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks right now, for the lucky few with rods already booked. Anglers can count on strong daily hatches of PMDs making for exciting dry fly fishing throughout the day. The emergence kicks off around 10:30AM with great sight fishing to actively rising fish until 3:30-4:30PM. Emergers, duns, cripples, and spinners all have their time and place. Pick a fish, watch the rise form, and match the hatch. Now is the time to be booking spring creek trips for 2021. Rods and guides book fast, give us a call today.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Salmonfly-mania has arrived on the Madison River and will be here to stay for sometime with cooler and wetter weather in the forecast. Anglers will find the big bugs along the entire length of the Upper Madison River, from Ennis Lake up to Lyons Bridge. Salmonflies bring some of the largest trout of the season to hand for anglers willing to commit to the dry fly. While the action can vary day to day, dedicated anglers will find their reward.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Salmonflies are in the air and the river flows are right on the cusp of being perfect. Our Montana fly fishing guides have been on the Yellowstone River daily for the past week and have had good success fly fishing with both dry flies and nymphs. Flows are still high and floaters should remain cautious, but now is the time to hunt for the biggest and baddest of trout in Paradise Valley. Stonefly dries and nymphs are on the menu from now through September.
Fishing Reports, Madison River Fishing Reports, Missouri River Fishing Reports, Paradise Valley and Spring Creeks Fishing Reports, Yellowstone National Park Fishing Reports, Yellowstone River Fishing Reports
Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview
June is the start of the summer fly fishing season in Bozeman, MT. Our anglers and Montana fly fishing guides are looking forward to a great summer filled with long days spent chasing trout across the Big Sky State. As of today, 6/1/20, Montana is officially open to travelers and we are excited to welcome back anglers from around the country to take part in the 2020 Montana fly fishing season.
The fly fishing as of late has been excellent on the Missouri River. Spring run-off is in full swing on the rivers near Bozeman, MT, but the Missouri River tailwater in Craig, MT has continued to give it up on a daily basis for our anglers and guides. Dry fly fishing has been limited, but the nymphing has produced extremely high catch rates from Holter Dam all the way town river to Cascade, MT. We are looking forward to hatches of Pale Morning Dun mayflies (PMDs) and summer caddisflies to kick-off in the coming week and be in full swing by the 12th of the month.
Closer to Bozeman, MT options for anglers are limited to fly fishing on the Lower Madison River, area stillwaters, and the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. These are all “run-off friendly” options and make for a fun day of fly fishing. Yellowstone National Park is also open as of today for both drive-thru traffic and fly fishing for anglers in Montana. Flows are still high on the Firehole River, Gibbon River, and Madison River, but we are optimistic that flows will stabilize by next week and open the door for solid wade-fishing through the end of the month. Good to be getting back to normal.
We are booking Montana fly fishing trips for 2020 and 2021. We still have dates available through the end of June on the Missouri River as well as prime salmonfly hatch dates on the rivers near Bozeman. Contact us today to talk fishing and book your next trip.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
The Missouri River is and will be the best option for a Montana fly fishing trip through the 25th of June. The fly fishing has been excellent with great nymphing along the entire tailwater reach near Craig, MT. Sowbugs, mayflies, caddisflies, and annelids (WORMS) are all on the menu subsurface. Hatches have been thin as of late, making for less than stellar dry fly fishing, but we expect this to pick up in the coming week(s) as early summer hatches of PMDs and caddisflies kick-off. Anglers willing to work for it have been rewarded with solid attractor dry fly fishing in the afternoons as well as success with dry-dropper rigs. See above photo for what happens when you are willing to fish the dry fly on the Missouri River and ‘let it ride’.
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report
Good to great on a daily basis still on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. Late-May and early-June are typically quiet on the spring creeks as we are between hatches, making it a great time of year to explore new runs and riffles and sight-nymph to solitary trout. Hatches have been thin but the subsurface fly fishing has been excellent with #18-22 PTs, zebra midges, and sows accounting for the majority of takes. Patience and precision will be rewarded. Great availability on DePuy, Armstrong, and Nelson Spring Creeks through the 20thof June.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
The annual spring run-off has arrived to southwest Montana and the Upper Madison River is done for the time being. Stubborn anglers will still find success with large #2-4 stonefly nymphs and streamers, but anglers will find less than ideal conditions now through likely the 10th of June. Afterwards expect flows to drop and conditions to improve. The Lower Madison River is still a good option for local anglers in Bozeman, MT, but flows are also high and water clarity less than ideal. Giant nymphs, crayfish patterns, and streamers will also be your best bet.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
25000+ CFS and rising. Leave her alone for the time being. When will flows drop and the salmonflies pop on the Yellowstone River in 2020? June 27th. Or earlier but maybe also later.
Yellowstone National Park Fly Fishing Report
Yellowstone is open and the 2020 fly fishing season is underway! As of today the Montana entrances have re-opened. Flows are still high on the majority of rivers in the park, but we are optimistic that conditions will quickly improve on the Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon Rivers. These rivers offer the best dry fly fishing in early June for anglers in Big Sky and Bozeman, MT. Solid hatches of PMDs and a variety of caddisflies make for exciting sight fishing opportunities in a truly scenic setting.
Montana Fly Fishing, Montana Fly Fishing Forecast
June Fly Fishing Overview
There is a lot to look forward to for anglers fly fishing in Montana in June 2020. Starting 6/1/2020 Montana is officially open to out-of-state travelers, which means anglers from all over will once again be able to enjoy fly fishing in the Big Sky State. Summer weather is also in the near-term forecast along with the first great summer hatches of caddisflies and Pale Morning Dun (PMD) mayflies that come with it. Put up your waders, grab your flip-flops and fly rods, and let’s go fishing.
Since the announcement of the re-opening of Montana for June we have been steadily busy booking Montana fly fishing trips for the summer and fall months. Our Montana fly fishing guides are looking forward to sharing great days on the rivers of Montana with our anglers safely and responsibly this season. Prime dates for June and July are just about re-booked back up and it is shaping up to be a great fall season. Our outfitter handles all bookings personally and is always available to talk fly fishing in Montana. Contact us today to book your 2020 Montana fly fishing trip.
We are looking to June 2020 as a fresh start. With the turmoil of the last few months behind us we will be on the water looking forward to reconnecting with life through fly fishing and the outdoors. There will also be plenty of lines connecting with trout too.
June is a favorite month for dry fly fishing in Montana. Flows are shaping up to be perfect for great hatches of caddisflies and PMDs on the Missouri River, which makes for some of the best sight fishing for trophy trout of the season. We are guessing the bugs will come sooner rather than later this year as summer weather has already arrived. Anglers with trips planned from June 10-30 should be right in the thick of it this year.
The annual salmonfly hatch is the main event for our anglers and fly fishing guides in Bozeman, MT the second half of June. When will the big bugs hatch on the Madison and Yellowstone Rivers? Still too early to call but runoff is well underway and we are hoping for bugs flying and trout rising by the 22nd of June on the Madison River and by the 28th of June on the Yellowstone River.
In the near-near term nymphing will continue to be king on the Missouri River. We have had guided trips out daily now for the better part of the last few weeks with anglers enjoying quality fly fishing with our guides on a daily basis. Sowbugs have been the top producing nymph on the upper river with good results on larger attractor flies including annelids and crayfish further downstream. The Dearborn River has been all over the map with flows but things are looking to stabilize moving forward and we expecting great fishing from Holter Dam all the way down to Cascade, MT in the coming weeks.
The entrances to Yellowstone National Park in Montana are set to open in June, and the fly fishing season will be in full swing on the Firehole River, Gibbon River, and Madison River when they do. These rivers make for the best most productive fly fishing for anglers looking to wade fish near Bozeman, MT until run-off subsides. You also cannot find a more picturesque destination to catch a wild trout than the Firehole River in early June. Strong hatches of caddisflies and PMDs make for exciting days of dry fly fishing to eager trout throughout the month.
Good hatches and good weather make for easy living and some of the best fly fishing of the year in Montana in June. Our Montana fly fishing guides are beyond thankful for the support from local anglers over the past month and extremely thankful for our anglers that have remained flexible and held onto trip dates for June, in spite of so much uncertainty. These anglers are set to reap the rewards of uncrowded rivers, quality dry fly fishing, and memorable days on the water on their Montana fly fishing trips in June 2020. Fish on!
Montana Angling Company, Montana Fly Fishing
We are excited to announce that Montana will be open for travel effective 6/1/20. As per Montana Governor Steve Bullock’s recent COVID-19 update and announcement, the existing 14-day self quarantine requirement for out of state travelers will be lifted on the 1st of June. We are looking forward to being back on the water with anglers safely and responsible for the 2020 Montana fly fishing season!
We want to give one more big THANK YOU to all of the local anglers that have supported our outfitter and guides over the last month. It has been a tough last few months for the fly fishing industry in Montana but thanks to the overwhelming support from local anglers, we were fortunate to stay busy on the water, guiding anglers from all across Montana. Thank you all!
We would also like to give a big THANK YOU to the traveling anglers with trips planned for June and July that opted to hold-off on cancelling trips and for their flexibility during these unprecedented times. We are now looking forward to full summer of guiding anglers on their Montana fly fishing trips!
We will continue to prescribe to best sanitation guidelines and practices, and keep in place measures to best ensure the safety of our anglers and guides. We will also continue to update our Booking Policy to provide the most flexibility for anglers during these uncertain times. Full information regarding policies and practices can be found on our Booking Policy page.
Anglers now interested in booking dates for the 2020 Montana fly fishing season are encouraged to contact us directly to learn more. We have prime dates available for Montana fly fishing trips in June on the Missouri River and in July and August on the rivers in Bozeman, MT. Our Fall season is booking us quickly, due to increased demand for later in the season and rescheduled trips. If you are interested in a Fall fly fishing trip in Montana, consider booking your trip now for the best guides and availability.
We hope all of our anglers and their families continue to remain safe and healthy during this pandemic. We are optimistic that conditions will continue to improve around Montana and the rest of our country. We feel strongly that there is no better healing than that of the great outdoors and are looking forward to much more time outside in the coming months. Be well and fish on!
