It's beginning to feel like spring with longer days and improved fishing. As area rivers thaw, access is improving and trout are getting more active. The spring creeks and tailwaters remain a consistent option, and the area freestones are warming up and improving every day. Fish are mostly found in deeper runs but are starting to move into some tailouts and faster water, more so on warmer days. Mornings remain cool with fishing picking up as it warms later in the day.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Good
Trout are getting active and more aggressive as water temperatures increase. While still favoring the deeper runs, trout are starting to spread out and can be found in some of the tailouts and faster water. Access is improving as ice shelves dissipate, opening up more options and water than we've...
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Yellowstone has started opening up, with access improving throughout the valley and the potential to get the boat out. Ice shelves can still be a factor on the lower river so plan accordingly, access is easier towards Emigrant and Gardiner. Nymphing the deeper runs with...
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Upper has been fishing pretty well lately and continues to improve as we start getting some spring weather. Access is still somewhat limited with large ice flows remaining on the lower section. Heading above Cameron there is starting to be better access, and if you're willing...
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The lower has been fishing well lately, with some great days when the wind and weather cooperate. Finding the deeper runs has been the most effective, but as we get warmer weather fish will start pushing out into the shallower water and weed beds. Nymphing with a small crayfish...
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Gallatin has been consistent, with the majority of the river open and clear. Fishing in the canyon has been the most productive but fishing the valley from Axtell down has improved and will continue to do so. Working some of the tailouts below deep runs has been effective in...
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The spring creeks have been consistent and fishing well. Warmer days are starting to spread fish out of their winter holding grounds, and on the right days the dry fly bite can be good with baetis and midge imitations. Nymphing small baetis patterns, midges and scuds typically in...
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: On warmer days the Stillwater will start fishing well, trout are still somewhat in their winter holding patterns so focusing on the deeper runs will be most productive. A double nymph rig or small streamer dead drifted through the deep runs should get some fish moving. Dry fly...
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: The Boulder isn't the best option until we see warmer temperatures that will raise water levels and get the trout moving. Once the ice breaks up there should be ample opportunity for good fishing with beatis and stoneflies. The Months Ahead: The Boulder will become a good option...
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Jefferson isn't quite in prime shape yet, but has started to improve. On warmer days you can find some good fish in the deeper slow runs. Throwing smaller streamers and working some of the deeper runs can produce some quality fish if you're willing to put in some time on a...
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The East has been fishing well if you focus on the lower river. While nymphing a worm pattern with a small baetis or midge nymph has been the most productive, dead drifting or slow stripping small streamers can be very effective as well. Fish are still somewhat stacked in the...
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Missouri has been a consistent option lately, with good nymph fishing and opportunities to head hunt with midges. With warming weather and water, baetis will make an appearance for one of the best times to be on the Missouri. Trout are largely still in their winter holding...
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Ruby has been a good option lately, with both the upper river and tailwater section mostly ice free and clear. On the right day you can find some good midge hatches with rising fish, and nymphing is consistent. With warmer weather and melting snow the flows above and below...
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: Not a good option until the late spring unless you are ice fishing. The Months Ahead: Depending on temperatures lakes will stay locked up for at least another month.
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: It's still a little early for most of the smaller streams in the area. Water temperature remains cold and fishing will be less productive than other options. The Months Ahead: Small streams have a long way to go. Outside of spring creeks the smaller mountain streams are best...