The Mother's Day caddis hatches are over, we've had our first run of daytime highs in the mid-70s, and the Yellowstone River is most likely in snowmelt runoff mode for at least a few more weeks. We are officially in late spring and early summer mode here in southwest Montana. That means our tailwater fisheries like the Upper Madison and Missouri Rivers and the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks are the go-to options for anglers for the next few weeks.
Hatches
For the next several weeks hatches of caddis are the main focus for anglers on the area rivers. Water temps often hit the 50 degree mark on most rivers which means Blue Winged Olives will wane but caddis will increase. The tailwater fisheries on the Missouri and Madison Rivers and the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks will see hatches of caddis and perhaps some very early Pale Morning Duns if water temps climb into the mid 50s.
Fly Selection
Pat's Rubber Leg's in sizes 8-16
Zirdles in sizes 8-16
Any beadhead rubber legged stonefly pattern in size 8-16
Beadhead PTs in sizes 14-18
Beadhead Hare's Ear in size 14-18
Beadhead Rainbow Warrior in size 14-18
Any favorite scud, sowbug, or firebead in size 14-20
Caddis dry flies in sizes 12 to 16
For dry flies a selection of caddis patterns will be crucial. Crime scene caddis and Blooms Hi-Vis are great choices right now.
Streamers, whether stripped or dragged through deeper holes, can produce fish. Go with your favorite choice. Or, if you haven't yet fished a Circus Peanut, Sparkle Minnow, or Sculpzilla, those are all good choices for this time of year.
Reading Water
During snowmelt runoff reading water is different than any other season in Montana because each river has their own habits. For example, trout on the Upper Madison often migrate closer to bankside structure while Missouri River trout often feed in large current seams that can be originating from bankside structure or midriver structure. On the Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers, because these are feed by mountain snowpack and often will be too high and muddy to effectively fish.