Fishing Reports, Gallatin River 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 be excited about in Bozeman, MT for fly fishing anglers. Over the past week we have been treated to as good of a Mother’s Day Caddis hatch as we’ve seen on the Madison River, clear water on the Yellowstone River, quality sight fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, and exceptional catch rates on the Missouri River. Our Montana fly fishing guides have been back to work, on the water with anglers, and the excellent conditions have made for some memorable trips. We want to give all of the anglers that have supported us and our guide staff a big THANK YOU for giving us the opportunity to work, in spite of tough times for all.
Our Local Trip Specials will continue to run through May. Local anglers will enjoy significantly discounted rates on our Full Day and Half Day Montana fly fishing trips. 100% of proceeds from these trips are going directly to our guides, as the outfitter we are not taking a booking fee. This is a great opportunity to directly support local business and to explore and learn more about fly fishing in your own backyard. Contact us directly for more info.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
The Missouri River is currently the best option for anglers planning a Montana fly fishing trip now thru the end of May. Our anglers and guides have enjoyed strong hatches of BWOs and March Browns have started to show up over the past week and we expect more of the same in the near future as the forecast remains cool and overcast. Nymphing on the upper river has also continued to remain excellent with sowbugs fished deep producing the most consistent results. Streamer anglers will have to work for it, but can expect solid catch rates on overcast days with streamers fished low and slow, through the feeding zones.
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report
Depuy’s Spring Creek is always a May-favorite for our anglers and guides and 2020 has been no exception. Catch rates have been solid with great nymphing daily and good hatches most afternoons. Midges and BWOs are on the menu. Armstrong and Nelson’s Spring Creeks are also great options, offering technical and rewarding fishing with similar hatches.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
The Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch has been a roller coaster ride over the past few weeks on the Madison River. Warm weather brought out the thickest hatch of bugs in recent memory a few afternoons and evenings. Dry fly fishing was there for those willing to hunt for it, but the trout by in large stayed below the film with nymphing producing the best results. The past week and near future have and will hold cooler weather making for less than ideal conditions for the continuation of the hatch. The best of it may be behind us. Streamer fishing and nymphing will continue to be great through mid-June. Expect dead drifted streamers and large attractor nymphs to be the top producers as flows increase.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Anglers experienced with the ebbs-and-flows of May fly fishing on the Yellowstone River have been rewarded with some memorable days over the past week. While runoff hit the river hard in late April, it has come back into shape for the time being. Our anglers and guides were treated to a few great days of fly fishing and were able to hit the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch. The freestone nature of the Yellowstone River takes a lifetime to learn, but keep an eye on flows over the next few weeks and you might just hit it right.
Gallatin River Fly Fishing Report
Cooler weather has made for good fly fishing on the Gallatin River both near Bozeman and Big Sky, Montana. Flows have dropped and clarity has improved. While there are better options, anglers will likely find plenty of open water and space on the Gallatin right now, which can make it a good option for anglers that prefer solitude. Stonefly nymphs and annelids will be king.
Montana Fly Fishing
Fall Fly Fishing with the Montana Angling Company
Fall fly fishing in Montana is a favorite season for anglers. Open waters, quality dry fly fishing, excellent streamer fishing, and picturesque snowcapped mountains, lit with a blaze of fall colors, are a few of the reasons why. Fall is also one of the best times of the year for anglers to target trophy brown trout on our Montana rivers, as flows drop and our wild trophy trout go on the feed. Anglers willing to commit to hunting for these predatory trout with streamers are often rewarded with truly world-class fly fishing.
Anglers planning a Montana fly fishing trip in the fall will enjoy blue ribbon fly fishing on all of the rivers in Bozeman, MT as well as the Missouri River and other nearby rivers. The Yellowstone River and Missouri River offer some of the best fly fishing of the year during the fall months of September, October, and November. The fly fishing in the fall is well suited for anglers of all skill levels, with productive dry fly fishing and streamer fishing that is accessible and rewarding for beginner and seasoned anglers alike.
Highlights
- The fly fishing in Bozeman, MT in early Fall (September 1-October 15) is often some of the most productive dry fly fishing of the year on the Yellowstone River
- The Missouri River offers great fly fishing later into the fall (September 15-November 15) with both great fly fishing and plenty of solitude for anglers.
- Streamer fishing on our Montana rivers becomes a productive tactic by late-September and offers anglers the opportunity to hunt for trophy brown trout
What to Expect
Anglers fly fishing in Montana in the fall should expect consistently favorable conditions on the water, but expect the possibility of variable conditions on any given day. This means to pack appropriate gear for both summer and winter weather, as fall weather is generally tough to predict. By the 20th of September, summer-conditions generally begin to fade and anglers will find cooler weather becomes more common through the month of October, with the strong possibility of early season snow by November. Waders and warm layers are recommended along with sun screen and sandals.
The fly fishing in the fall is much more predictable than the weather. Regardless of daily conditions, anglers can expect blue ribbon fly fishing. Hopper and terrestrial fishing continues to be productive through the first half of September and into October on warmer years. Fall hatches of Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and caddisflies start by the end of September and only improve through the month of October.
Solitude is generally plentiful on our Montana rivers throughout the fall months and anglers can expect wide open rivers on a daily basis by the 1st of October. There is likely no better time to plan a streamer-focused or dry fly fishing-focused Montana fly fishing trip, for anglers that crave solitude, than the second half of October.
By November anglers should be prepared for winter weather and often inclement conditions on a daily basis. For those willing to fly fish through it all, the rewards for fly fishing in November in Montana are plenty, but best suited for experienced anglers familiar with fly fishing in the cold. The fall streamer bite often peaks in mid-November as pressure becomes minimal and the biggest of our wild brown trout come out to hunt.
Where to Fly Fish in Montana
Blue ribbon fly fishing can be found on all of our Montana rivers during the fall months of September and October, with limited but productive options available for anglers in November. The Yellowstone River and Missouri River are the best destinations for anglers planning a fall fly fishing trip in Montana. Anglers will be treated to consistently great fly fishing throughout the fall season on both of these rivers, and can expect some of the best dry fly fishing and streamer fishing of the year. Strong hatches of BWOs, caddisflies, and localized hatches of callibaetis and fall drakes make for productive days spent dry fly fishing. The Madison River, Jefferson River, and Blackfoot River are other fall favorites for anglers on float fishing trips.
Wade fishing the rivers of Yellowstone National Park and other smaller rivers and streams in Montana is also a great option on a fall fly fishing trip. Low flows and cool water make for productive days on the Lamar River, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte Creek in Yellowstone through the end of September, and equally productive fly fishing on the Madison River and Firehole River in October. The annual fall-run of trophy brown trout into the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park is world-famous for the opportunity to catch some of the largest wild brown trout in the United States.
The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks also offer excellent fly fishing from late-September on through the end of November. The creeks experience similar hatches of BWOs that anglers will find in the Spring, but more technical and demanding conditions. Large brown trout often move into DePuy, Armstrong, and Nelson Spring Creeks during the month of October and a strong hatch of BWOs will give anglers the opportunity to sight fish to trophy trout will #18-22 dry flies on the creeks.
Fall Fly Fishing Tactics in Montana
Anglers fly fishing in Montana during the fall can expect success while employing a wide variety of fly fishing tactics. Dry fly fishing and streamer fishing are often the choice tactics throughout the fall, but anglers can also expect quality nymphing on most of our rivers. Fall weather often means that hatches and fish activity don’t peak until late-morning or early-afternoon which encourages late starts but also demands subsurface presentations early in the day. Streamer fishing in the fall is productive for both quantity and quality of trout. Anglers willing to hunt our rivers with streamers are often rewarded with some of the largest catches of the year in the fall.
Fall dry fly fishing in Montana is generally ‘match-the-hatch’ fly fishing that varies depending on the month, daily conditions, and by river. Early in September and often into October, extended summer conditions make for excellent terrestrial fishing with hoppers, ants, and beetles all remaining effective. The terrestrial fishing generally tapers off by the 20th of September, as cooler nights make for less activity. Hatches of BWOs and caddis start to ramp up through the month of September, generally peaking by mid-late October. The BWO mayflies vary in size significantly and anglers should be prepared with a variety of emerger, cripple, dun, and spinner patterns #14-22. The fall BWO hatch on the Missouri River can be some of the best dry fly fishing of the year, with large pods of rising fish found on a daily basis. Isolated hatches of larger mayflies can be found when conditions are right on certain waters. The fall drake fishing on the Yellowstone River and tributaries including the Lamar River can be excellent on overcast days in late September and October.
Streamer fishing in the fall is often the main attraction for many anglers on a fall fly fishing trip. While the action can vary significantly from day-to-day depending on conditions, anglers willing to put in the long days on the water committed fly fishing baitfish, sculpin, and other streamer patterns are rewarded with truly trophy trout. Great streamer fishing can be found on all of our Montana rivers, but our larger rivers with good numbers of brown trout including the Yellowstone, Madison, Missouri, Blackfoot, and Jefferson Rivers offer the best fly fishing.
Nymphing is productive year-round on our Montana waters, and the fall is no exception. Good hatches of mayflies and caddisflies make for excellent nymphing both pre- and post-hatch. Flows are generally low in the fall and our rivers run clear, making for often technical conditions that command smaller flies (#16-22) and lighter tippets (4x-5x) than anglers often fish earlier in the season. Understanding the hatch dynamics is key to successful nymphing in the fall. Anglers should be prepared to adjust on a daily basis depending on local conditions.
Fall Fly Fishing Trips in Montana
Fall fly fishing trips in Montana are a favorite of our long time anglers and Montana fly fishing guides. Quality fly fishing and consistent solitude make the fall months a great time for a Montana fly fishing trip and offers anglers a authentic experience on our blue ribbon waters. The fly fishing is well suited for anglers of all skill levels, with rewarding opportunities and unique challenges for both beginner and seasoned anglers.
Bozeman, MT is the best destination for a Montana fly fishing trip early in the fall, with the best fly fishing from September 1-October 15. The Yellowstone River, Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, and Paradise Valley Spring Creeks are the primary destinations for anglers on a Bozeman fly fishing trip in the fall with our fly fishing guides.
The Missouri River and nearby waters are the best destination for a fly fishing trip later in the fall from September 20-October 31, particularly for experienced anglers that prefer technical dry fly fishing. Strong fall hatches of BWOs, caddisflies, and midges make for challenging but rewarding fly fishing on the Missouri River. The streamer fishing on the Missouri River and nearby Blackfoot River can also be excellent.
Our outfitter handles all bookings personally. We work with anglers directly to book the best Montana fly fishing trips. Our Montana fly fishing guides are all seasoned professionals with the experience to make your next Montana fly fishing trip, your best one yet.
Anglers interested in booking a Montana fly fishing trip during the fall months are encouraged to book now or contact us for more information.
Montana Fly Fishing
Summer Fly Fishing with the Montana Angling Company
Montana fly fishing during the summer offers anglers the combination of excellent hatches, consistent conditions, and plentiful variety that makes for the best fly fishing of the year. Summer is the backdrop for many of our Montana fly fishing guides’ fondest memories of early days and late nights, on the water in pursuit of rising trout with anglers. From the wild freestone waters of the Yellowstone River to the mighty Missouri River tailwater, anglers can count on truly blue ribbon fly fishing on all of our Montana rivers throughout the summer season.
Montana is dry fly country in the summer with world-class hatches of salmonflies, goldenstones, caddisflies, mayflies, and terrestrials on our blue ribbon rivers. Anglers will find favorable weather and flows perfect for both wade fishing and drift fishing throughout the summer months. This combination makes the summer months the best choice for anglers planning a fly fishing trip to Montana and Yellowstone National Park.
Highlights
What to Expect
Anglers fly fishing during the summer months of June, July, and August can expect consistently great fly fishing, on all of our Montana rivers. By June 1st spring weather is generally behind us, and our Montana fly fishing guides trade waders and gore-tex for sandals and sunscreen. Stable weather, reliable flows, and predictable hatches makes the summer fly fishing in Montana a ‘sure-thing’ particularly for anglers visiting on a Montana fly fishing trip. Favorable conditions also make a summer fly fishing trip in Montana perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
June is the start of the summer fly fishing season and anglers can expect the best fly fishing on the Missouri River tailwater and nearby, lower elevation rivers and streams. Annual spring run-off on our higher elevation rivers such as the Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers generally subsides by the 25th of June, making these rivers a better option for July and August. By the 1st of July flows are perfect for floating and wade fishing on all of our Montana rivers, and anglers can expect quality dry fly fishing on a daily basis.
The Salmonfly hatch is the main-event for anglers fly fishing in Montana during the summer months. By June 15th the salmonflies start to hatch on the Blackfoot River, near our Missouri River Basecamp, and by the 20th of the month the first big bugs appear on the Madison River. The hatch is in full swing on the rivers in Bozeman, MT by the 1st of July, and makes for some of the most exciting fly fishing of the year on the Yellowstone River. An angler that knows where and when to go could reasonably expect to fish nothing but salmonfly dry flies from mid-June through mid-July everyday with our Montana fly fishing guides. The salmonfly hatch is the best opportunity for catching the largest trout of the season on dry flies.
Where to Fly Fish in Montana
Summer fly fishing in Montana offers the widest variety of fly fishing destinations for anglers in the Big Sky State. By the 1st of July all of our blue ribbon rivers, streams, and lakes are fishing well and boast strong hatches that make for world-class fly fishing. There are many lifetimes worth of water to fish and explore near our home in Bozeman, MT, and no better time to break out the map, grab your fly rod, and start your Montana fly fishing journey than the summer months of June, July, and August.
June fly fishing in Montana is centered around the fly fishing on the Missouri River tailwater and surrounding waters in Craig, MT. Anglers can expect strong hatches of PMDs and caddisflies on a daily basis by the 10th of June, making for some of the best technical dry fly fishing and sight fishing of the season. The quality of fly fishing on the Missouri River in June cannot be over stated. Many of our Montana fly fishing guides are generally booked out a year in advance for this prime window and we see our highest percentage of returning anglers. Earlier in the month, smaller nearby freestone rivers also offer good fly fishing and by the 15th of the month, the Blackfoot River becomes a great option for anglers and boasts one of the best early salmonfly hatches in Montana.
When our outfitter and guides are asked ‘when is the best time to plan a Montana fly fishing trip?’, the answer is always the same: July. July fly fishing in Montana is when most anglers fall in love with fly fishing in Montana, and we are reminded why on an annual basis. By the 1st of the month, spring run-off has generally subsided statewide and all of our rivers are fishing well. From the famous waters of the Yellowstone, Madison, Missouri, and Gallatin Rivers, to the rivers of Yellowstone Park, and smaller waters off the beaten path, there is something for every angler during the month of July. Bozeman, MT is the best destination for a Montana fly fishing trip in July as it offers anglers access to the best range of fly fishing opportunities.
August is hopper season in Montana and anglers can count on solid fly fishing on our larger rivers on a daily basis. The hopper fishing on the rivers near Bozeman, MT is the best in Montana on an annual basis, with great dry fly fishing on a daily basis on the Yellowstone River and Madison River. The Missouri River can also offer great terrestrial fly fishing with both hopper and ant patterns, although the conditions can often be more demanding. Excellent trico hatches on the Missouri River can also be had earlier in the month. Flows on all of our rivers drop by early August, and wade fishing becomes a great option on small and medium sized rivers throughout the month in both Montana and Yellowstone National Park. The famous Yellowstone Park waters in the Lamar Valley including Slough Creek, Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek and all great options for fly fishing anglers.
Summer Fly Fishing Tactics in Montana
Summer is dry fly fishing season in Montana. Strong hatches throughout the summer months keep our trout looking up and willing to rise to well-presented flies. On the Missouri River and Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the dry fly fishing is often technical sight fishing where anglers are rewarded by the challenge rather than the number of trout in the net. On our freestone rivers it is all about action, as eager wild trout are willing to rise to large attractor dry flies throughout the prime summer season. While dry flies are king, pre-hatch and challenging conditions will demand nymphing at times and the streamer fishing can also be excellent for anglers targeting quality trout over quantity of trout.
The early summer hatches of PMDs and caddis on the Missouri River is ‘match-the-hatch’ fly fishing at its best. The daily cycle of emergers, duns, and spinners keep the wild trout on the feed throughout the day and eager to take a well presented fly. Anglers can expect to sight fish to both pods and single fish actively rising throughout the day that demand perfection. Drag-free drifts are a must and the correct choice of fly certainly helps. #14-18 emergers, cripples, and spinners are generally preferred to duns. Make your first cast count!
The hatches of stoneflies and terrestrials on the rivers near Bozeman, MT make for different conditions and tactics. These rivers are often more forgiving of anglers, and the trout willingly rise to #6-14 large attractor patterns. High-floating foam flies are often the best choice on these rivers and dry fly and dry-dropper tactics can be used throughout a day of fly fishing. At times, technical presentations and ‘match-the-hatch’ tactics are necessary, but generally anglers of all skill levels can expect success on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and other nearby freestone rivers and streams. Late-June and early-July, stonefly patterns are the best starting point with #14-18 mayflies and caddisflies also on the menu. By late-July and all through August, terrestrials take over with #6-14 hoppers and #12-18 ants accounting for the majority of trout caught by anglers.
Nymphing in the summer is also very productive but tends to take a backseat to the quality dry fly fishing. For those that prefer sub-surface tactics, expect success with a variety of nymphs throughout the summer. Stonefly nymphs and larger attractor nymphs #6-14 are always a great choice for a top fly, followed by a #12-18 smaller, imitative nymph.
Streamer fishing during the summer, particularly early in the morning and in the evening can be extremely productive. As always, many of the biggest trout of the summer will be caught on streamers. Big patterns are most productive early in the season, but as flows drop and rivers clear, smaller natural patterns becomes more effective.
Summer Fly Fishing Trips in Montana
Summer is the heart of the prime season for Montana fly fishing trips with our professional guides. June and July are always the busiest months of the year with August as a close second. Anglers planning a Montana fly fishing trip for the summer months will enjoy great fly fishing on all of our rivers as well as the widest variety of trip offerings. Our multi-day Custom Trips are the best way to enjoy the best fly fishing, on the most rivers, and the best lodging on a summer fly fishing trip in Montana.
During the month of June, we recommend our Missouri River fly fishing trips in Craig, MT. Float trips on the Missouri River are the highlight of these Montana fly fishing trips and offer some of the best technical dry fly fishing of the year. Float trips on the Blackfoot River and Dearborn River are also great options in June as well as wade fishing on smaller streams and our Private Waters. We also offer Adventure Trips, on a limited basis, for anglers wanting to venture well off the beaten path.
Bozeman, MT is the best destination for a Montana fly fishing trip in July and August. From our home base in Bozeman, anglers will enjoy the widest variety of rivers and trip offerings in Montana with our Bozeman fly fishing guides. From float trips on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, Gallatin River, and smaller freestone rivers to wade fishing trips on smaller streams, private waters, and in Yellowstone National Park, our Bozeman fly fishing trips are the best Montana fly fishing trips in July and August. We also offer Overnight Camping Trips on the Yellowstone River, for anglers wanting a fully immerse Montana fly fishing trip.
Our outfitter handles all bookings personally and treats every trip as custom. We work with anglers directly to book their perfect Montana fly fishing trips. Our Montana fly fishing guides are all seasoned professionals with the experience to make your next Montana fly fishing trip, your best one yet.
Anglers interested in booking a Montana fly fishing trip during the summer months are encouraged to book now or contact us for more information.
Fishing Reports, Gallatin River Fishing Reports, Jefferson River Fishing Reports, Madison River Fishing Reports, Missouri River Fishing Reports, Paradise Valley and Spring Creeks Fishing Reports, Yellowstone River Fishing Reports
Bozeman Fly Fishing Report Overview
A lot has changed in Bozeman, MT since our last Montana fly fishing report in mid-April. Montana is open for business, COVID-19 cases are under control, and the new life of spring has finally arrived. Things are starting to get back to normal.
Our Montana fly fishing guides are back to work and have been busy this past week with Local Trip Specials going out daily. Now thru 5/17 we are offering discounted rates for local anglers and out-of-staters that have met the 14-day self quarantine travel requirements. Great time to get out and explore your own back yard with our professional guides.
As for the fly fishing, our guides and anglers have enjoyed some great days on the Missouri River, Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, and the Madison River as of late. Looking forward these will continue to be the best options through the end of the month. May means great hatches of Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), midges, and caddisflies on our waters, but also annual spring run-off on our freestone rivers.
The Yellowstone River, Gallatin River, Jefferson River, and other freestones are running high and muddy now. Will they clear anytime soon? Maybe for a day here or there but at this point we would write them off until late-June.
The Mother’s Day Caddis hatch has arrived on our local rivers in Bozeman, MT. The hatch is in full swing on the Madison River and has made for some fun afternoons and evenings full of rising fish willing to take a fly. Want to get in on the action? Our guides are on standby, ready and willing to go to work.
We are hopeful that the 14-day self quarantine restrictions on out-of-state travelers will be lifted before the summer season. In the meantime, please be in touch with any questions or concerns and to coordinate future fly fishing trip plans. Explore our trip offerings, meet our guides, and learn more about Montana fly fishing trips with the Montana Angling Company.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
Nymph-o-mania on the Missouri River right now. Our guides and anglers have been enjoying consistently good days. Sowbugs, scuds, and midges are king on the upper river from Holter Dam to Craig. Fish them deep in slow water for the best results. Further downstream the fare has been more varied with annelids, BWO nymphs, and crayfish also on the table. Lots of bugs on the water but few fish rising. Traffic on the river has increased, but still a far cry from normal years. Anglers will find tougher fishing but total solitude in the canyon and beyond.
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report
As good as it gets right now and the best choice for a Montana fly fishing trip for anglers in Bozeman, MT. While the fishing on the Spring Creeks is always technical, the trout have been forgiving as of late. Good hatches of midges and BWOs have kept them on the feed. Nymphing has been productive throughout the day and dry fly fishing has been available on a daily basis for those willing to work for it. Several of our guides are dedicated spring creek specialists and are available to show you the ropes to spring creek fishing. Plenty of open rods on DePuy Spring Creek, Armstrong Spring Creek, and Nelson Spring Creek, give us a call and we can get you booked.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
The Mothers Day Caddis hatch has arrived! The bugs are thick and trout are on the feed. No rush to get to the river as it has been an afternoon and evening affair. The lower Madison River will have the bulk of the pressure but also the thickest hatch. It is a dry fly fishing experience that can’t be missed. #14-18 tan caddisflies should have you covered. Look for rising fish up against the banks and in slower runs. As fun as it gets out there.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Blown out for now. Will it clear again or has runoff arrived? Hard to say, but with warm temperatures in the forecast it may be late-June or early-July before the Yellowstone is worth fly fishing again. The Mothers Day Caddis hatch is going off, but hard for the fish to eat them when they can’t see them.
Gallatin River Fly Fishing Report
See above.
Montana Fly Fishing
May Fly Fishing Overview
A lot has changed in Montana over the last month. The fallout of the coronavirus has completely changed the outlook for small businesses, like our own, for the 2020. With so much uncertainty, at least we have some great fly fishing to look forward to in May in Bozeman, MT and on the Missouri River.
Montana governor Steve Bullock has rolled out a re-opening plan for the state. Phase one starts 4/27 and will allow us to be open for business and guiding fly fishing trips. What will this look like? Different for sure. Near-term we will be running Local Trip Specials from 4/27-5/17. We will be offering these guided fly fishing trips in accordance with the mandated social distancing guidelines, best sanitation practices, and pre-trip screening requirements. These trips will be offered at a significant discount as anglers will be expected to adhere to adjusted trip expectations including providing their own transportation, lunches, and beverages. Not back to normal, but a step in the right direction.
As for the fly fishing in Montana, there are a few things we can count on. In Bozeman, MT the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch is set to kick-off on the Madison River and Yellowstone River as soon as this weekend. Day time temperatures have been on the rise, and with them flows, but we are holding out hope that the bugs will hatch before runoff begins. Flows have spiked on the Jefferson River and Gallatin River, but anglers will still find good fishing on the Madison River and Yellowstone River for the time being.
May marks the beginning of what we consider to be the prime fly fishing season in Montana. Anglers will find great dry fly fishing on a daily basis after the first of May. Between hatches of caddisflies, blue winged olives (BWOs), midges, and march browns, the dry fly fishing in May can be some of the best of the year. The small bugs, BWOs and midges will rule on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks and the Missouri River through the end of the month. Caddis will be king on the Yellowstone and Madison River. Last year, our anglers and Montana fly fishing guides were treated to thick hatches of March Browns on the Missouri River. Hoping to see more of the same this year.
The third Saturday in May falls on the 23rd this year, and will mark the full kick-off of the Montana fly fishing season. Most small streams will open as will the fly fishing season in Yellowstone National Park. As of 4/24/20 Yellowstone has no official timetable for opening. We are hopeful to be fishing the Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon Rivers as soon as it is safe to.
While our guides had a “false-start” in 2020, our Montana fly fishing guides are all geared up and ready to go as soon as safety and health can be responsibly managed. Anglers interested in booking Montana fly fishing trips are encouraged to contact us today to start planning for summer and fall dates. Many of our anglers with trips scheduled for April, May, and early June have rescheduled for August, September, and October. Fall dates may be in short supply in 2020.
As always, we hope everyone and their loved ones are doing well and staying safe during these uncertain times. Stay safe, be well, and we look forward to seeing you in Montana soon. In the meantime, please contact us today with any questions about trip bookings or just to talk fishing.
