Runoff season is winding down on our freestone rivers and more options are on the table every day. Despite some of our freestones coming online, the best places to fish right now are still our tailwater rivers like the Madison and Missouri Rivers. If you are looking for some extra advice you can read our recent blog post for Tips for Fishing During Runoff. The famous Mother's Day caddis hatch has come and gone but there are still plenty of caddis around and the fish are eating them. We are only a week or so out from salmonflies and then its pretty much GO TIME for the big bugs on the Madison and then a week or so later for salmonflies on the Yellowstone.
The Gallatin River near Big Sky and Bozeman is still running big so be safe if you venture there. The Yellowstone River near Livingston and in Paradise Valley have flows that are low enough to float but still very high for anyone who is not an expert on the oars. In other words, we are still a week or so out from the Yellowstone truly being a viable option.
Southwest Montana has so much variety of water that finding a river, lake, or creek with fishable conditions and hungry trout is relatively easy....if you are armed with accurate information or a professional fishing guide. Currently, our Montana fly fishing guides are on the water working as well as fishing on their day's off. Each day on the water can bring the prospect of caddis hatches of Blue Winged Olives and more.
Be sure to read our Tips for Fishing During Runoff, the Best Not-So-Secret Places to Fish in Montana This Spring and check our Instagram and Fishing Reports regularly for all the latest and greatest.
To get some useful knowledge and to expand your fly fishing horizons, be sure to read some of our recent blog posts featuring: 9 Great Flies for Large Trout Anywhere in the World, What Do Trout Need And How to Use That to Catch More Fish, Best Not-So-Secret Places to Fish in Montana This Spring, and The Mayfly You Need to Know: Catch More Fish by Understanding Blue Winged Olives.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Good
We are on the cusp of the end of snowmelt runoff here in southwest Montana. Many of our freestones have stabilized and talk of runoff being over on rivers like the Gallatin and Yellowstone is starting to permeate around the area. It won't be long before all of our rivers are in ideal post-runoff...
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Fair
Yellowstone has stabilized some but hard to say what is going to happen. It is flowing around 10,000 CFS at Livingston which is still pretty darn high for good fishing and for safe conditions. It is flowing a little under 7,000 CFS at Corwin which is a good level if there are big salmonflies out...
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
The Upper Madison is by far the best bet right now for fishing in our area. Streamflows dropped substantially this week and some big trout were caught...expect streamflows to bump some with some warmer weather in the forecast but we bet the big trout will still be on the prowl as stonefly nymphs are...
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
The Lower Madison has dropped significantly this week with the cooler weather, but we expect it to come up soon with the warm weather on tap. Our local Montana fly fishing guides have been choosing this river over some other because of the consistent hatcheas right now. Caddis have been the dominant...
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Gallatin River has stabilized and is in fishable conditions, but it is still very big so be safe out there if you go. The next big thing for the Gallatin River is going to be salmonflies and golden stoneflies in a week or so. After that will be caddis. If you do fish the Gallatin River in the...
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Very Good
With runoff on many of our larger freestone rivers near Bozeman, Big Sky, and Livingston, finding clean water is easy on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. This is still a very good time on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. Expect the creeks to fish well for the week or so and then expect the PMDs...
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Poor
The Stillwater River bumped to above average levels. It is hard to say how long it will stay high. Traditionally the Stillwater doesn't come on the menu until early July. However, this year it could come on the menu in late June. The Month Ahead: The fishing will be tough and possible even unsafe...
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Poor
The Boulder River near Big Timber is still high and not the best option for anyone who doesn't know it well and isn't a total expert on the oars. Keep checking-back. Be sure to read our latest blog post on how to choose the best leader for fishing for trout: Choose the Correct Leader and Catch More...
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Jefferson River between Bozeman and Butte is going to be an option now that it has dropped substantially. The Month Ahead: The Jefferson River is never a high numbers game due to lower trout counts but it is a nice location to get away and see few other anglers. Long Term Fishing Forecast: The...
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Poor
The East Gallatin River is going to be an option at some point this summer. However, it is still day to day for anyone looking for a place to fish near Bozeman. You are also welcome to give us a call for up to date info on the East, but those that know the East Gallatin well know that now is not the...
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Very Good
With flows on the Mo hovering around 4,500 CFS right now and probably staying there, the Missouri River has been fishing quite well lately with hatches of caddis and few early season stoneflies. There were some great Blue Winged Olive hatches last week in the rain...and if the forecasted showers...
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Ruby River is still a little big for walk and wade fishing and floating the Ruby River is basically impossible due to irrigation dams and private property. When flows drop to wadeable levels, the Ruby is a unique option as it is kind of like a tailwater and kind of like a freestone. The water...
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: Stillwaters are still fishing well but getting a little tougher as we get deeper into summer. Sight fishing has been very good. The smaller private ranch lakes that we target like Burns and Sitz are still fishing well. The larger lakes like Hebgen and Ennis can also be productive...
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Good
The small stream fishing options near Big Sky and Bozeman are quickly coming into shape. Some will rise and be high, but for most of these smaller waters, even during our snowmelt runoff, the smaller streams around Montana can be options. When fishing the small streams in Montana it is always...