It is high summer here in Montana. That means all of our rivers are good options for a summer time fly fishing trip. We are gearing up for a fun grasshopper and terrestrial season. Our tailwater fisheries of the Upper Madison and Missouri Rivers are good bets right now while our freestone rivers like the Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers are also fishing well in the early morning hours and into the afternoon. Another solid option for fishing right now are the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks or some of the many backcountry fishing options in Yellowstone National Park.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Very Good
Fishing in southwest Montana is in full on late summer mode. Hatches of caddis are active throughout the day. PMDs are still bumping around on our tailwater rivers like the Upper Madison and Missouri Rivers. With the hot weather we are having and the forecast saying it will remain for at least...
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Very Good
The Yellowstone River has been consistent lately. Reports of grasshoppers are getting more and more common so expect the terrestrials to start showing up in force here soon! Fish are still keying on abundant hatches of PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and plenty of caddis. Flows are ideal for a variety of...
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
The Upper Madison is in its normal late summer mode. Flows are average or slightly above average which means Upper Madison River trout are happy. Water temperatures are still in the range for healthy and hungry trout because the Madison River originates from the bottom of Hebgen Lake Dam the...
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Lower Madison near Bozeman and Big Sky, Montana is now under hoot owl restrictions until cooler weather prevails. Hoot Owl Restrictions limit the fishing from Midnight to 2 PM. This is not uncommon on the Lower Madison as the dam that regulates the consistent flow of the river doesn't allow for...
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Very Good
The Gallatin River near Big Sky and Bozeman is flowing at a good level to cover a lot of water. Flows are slightly lower than long term averages but that hasn't stopped the consistent fishing action on the Gallatin. The best action right now on the Gallatin River is with tandem nymph rigs fished...
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The Paradise Valley spring creeks are now in late summer mode which means PMDs aren't as frequent as they used to be but are still the dominant hatch. Midges are hatching consistently, mostly in the mornings and late evenings. Anglers can find some consistent fish rising to spent...
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Stillwater River is a little below average for streamflows for this time of year. The floating is run and gun and the best fishing will be to pull over and work inside corners with slower water. The attractor dry fly fishing is hitting its stride. The Month Ahead: The...
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Boulder River has dropped significantly the past few weeks and is getting pretty low for floating. Wading is a great option for anglers wanting to fish the Boulder River. Water temps are staying cold and fishing has been consistent on this mountain freestone river near...
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Jefferson River is on Hoot Owl Restrictions so please be aware of where and when you can fish. And if you do fish please fight fish quickly, keep them in the water when handling them, and release them quickly as well. If you do plan to fish the Jefferson River right now, it is hard to fish right...
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
The East Gallatin River flows near Bozeman, Montana. With the hot weather we are having, the river is under current Hoot Owl Restrictions so be sure to get on early and get off early. If you do fish, please fight fish quickly and keep them in the water at all times when releasing them. The Hoot owl...
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The Missouri River near Helena and Craig, Montana is now in it summer gonzo mode but getting weedier by the day. Fish are still happy and feeding hard. Streamflows have stabilized around 4,000 CFS. At these flows wading anglers will find plenty of accessible water and options for...
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Good
The Ruby River near Virginia City and Twin Bridges, Montana is a good option for mid-summer fly fishing. The Ruby Dam helps to regulate flows which helps to regulate water temperature. Begins it also provides a lot of water for irrigation in late July, flows tend to run average when many other...
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: Montana's Lakes and ranch ponds like the smaller private ranch lakes that we target like Burns and Sitz vary in fishing action at the moment due to lake depth, springs feeding into them, and shade cover along the banks. The bugs aren’t hatching in great abundance yet but trout...
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: As snowmelt runoff subsides and summer kicks into high gear here in the Bozeman, Big Sky, and Yellowstone areas, small streams offer a great way to find some solitude. The larger rivers are popular now with Montana fly fishing float trips but anglers looking for a change of pace...