It is starting to feel like fall as days grow shorter and the mornings are crips and cool. The gradual cool down has resulted in some great angling opportunities. We are heading into a transitional time of year and as water temperatures continue to fall expect trout to begin chaging holding locations. Terrestrials are still important and a few of the fall hatches are beginning to perk up.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Very Good
Fishing has been outsanding across the majority of our waters in Southwest Montana and Yellowstone Park. This has been an execptionally pleasant season and water temperatures are currently excellent. The combination of longer nights and a recent cool down have really helped to perk up many fisheries...
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The Yellowstone River has contiues to fish well. Longer nights an a recent cooling trend have resulted in some excellent water temperatures. Mornings can still be productive but the afternoon dry fly activity has been very good some days. The summer hatches are over and trout are...
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The Upper Madison River is fishing well and is at early fall flows. There isn't a single dominant food source this time of year so a variety of flies and techniques can be productive. There is still some terrestrial action on hoppers and ants to be had for a bit longer...
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: Longer nights and a recent cool down have resulted in some decent productive on the Lower Madison River . As nights continue to grow longer water temperatures should become even more favorable in the weeks ahead. If you opt to fish the Lower Madison, hoppers, crayfish, sculpins...
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Gallatin River is at base flows allowing for good wading access. Most of the summer hatches have run their course and fish are more opportunistic. In the valley reaches terrestrials including hoppers and ants are still moving fish, although the terrestrial action is winding...
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Spring Creeks remain a consistent choice for anglers seeking a challenge. The summer hatches have mostly wound down and fish are sporadically feeding throughout the day. Terrestrials like hoppers, ants and beetles are still worth fishing for the near future. Technical...
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Stillwater River is a nice early fall option. Flows have dropped to more wade friendly options but floating in rafts is also still possible. The fish are opportunistic and there aren't a lot of dominate hatches on the water. Terrestrial fishing has been solid in the...
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The Boulder River is at base flows and best waded. This is still an aggressive river to wade fish so make sure be careful and consider a wading staff. Dry fly action can still be found in the afternoons when water temps warm up. Terrestrials and hoppers are still turning fish on...
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Jefferson River is a unique option for those looking for a little variety. Water levels are excellent and water temps have dropped with the longer nights. Trout counts in the Jefferson are lower than other neighboring rivers but it can be a nice option to get away from it all...
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The East Gallatin has dropped to nice levels for wading. Tricos have faded and there aren't any dominant hatches at the momement. Fall baetis will pick up as we move deeper into autumn. Hoppers can still turn some fish on the warmer afternoons. Nymphing smaller patterns can...
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The Missouri River has been fishing well, with healthy flows and lots of active trout. There are still decent numbers of tricos around although the hatch is in decline. The tiny psuedo mayflies (tiny size 22 blue winged olives) are bringing some fish to the surface in the late...
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Ruby River is a nice fall option. Hatches are winding down but terrestrials can entice some trout to the surface such as hoppers, ants and beetles. Although terrestrial action will be winding down soon, it can still be. Nymphing the seams below riffles with smaller attractor...
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: Montana's Lakes and ranch ponds are slowing down. Summer hatches are a thing of the past. On larger lakes the fish will be moving into tributaries soon. The Month Ahead: Lakes will be an afterthought except for the most ardent stillwater anglers as we move into October
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: Smaller streams are slowing down as water temperatures cool. Mountain streams are tough until later in the day when temps warm. Meadow streams can still produce some good hopper fishing later in the day. The Month Ahead: Small streams will slow down as we move into October. The...