It is late summer here in Montana and fall is knocking on the door. As we start to transition from summer into fall we are seeing a variety of conditions. Overall streamflows are lower than average, but with a few cold fronts that have moved through with just the right amount of moisture and cooler weather, our main rivers are fishing well and producing plenty of big fish. Mountain freestone rivers and creeks are fishing well, including the waters in the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park.
Most of the best fishing right now is with terrestrials and subsurface nymph rigs. A few fish are being caught on streamers but that is the exception not the rule. The Missouri River is fishing a little more consistent than the spring creeks as by August the hatches on the spring creeks begin to dwindle. Morning and evening caddis on the Gallatin River is providing action and the spruce moths are primed to provide some great dry fly fishing. The Lamar, Slough Creek, Soda Butte, and the Yellowstone River in the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park are perhaps the best place right now for regularly consistent dry fly fishing for the walk-and-wade angler or the DIY angler. For floating rivers, our Montana Fly Fishing Guides are sticking to the Yellowstone or Upper Madison Rivers.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Very Good
Our local rivers are hanging in there for our late summer final push before fall sets in. Sure, we are having a low-water summer but we've also had cold fronts with moisture move through regularly and our main fisheries are producing some great fish. On most of our rivers, the aquatic hatches are...
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Hoppers are providing nearly all of the dry fly action on the Yellowstone River right now. Nymphers and streamer anglers are finding fish as well. The trout are definitely in the faster water so target riffles and faster banks. Deeper holes are producing some fish but because the faster water is the...
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Flows have dropped a little bit compared to a few weeks ago, but water temps are still in a good range for active trout. The mornings and evening present the best opportunities for dry fly fishing. Come to the river armed with foam run caddis, parachute Adams and flutter bugs to get your dry fly fix...
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Fair
Water temps have gone up substantially with the hot weather of the past week. Intrepid anglers could fish early in the morning and get in their fishing before Hoot Owl restrictions start, but even then the water is still pretty warm. There are lots of weeds in the river, especially after the dam is...
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Spruce moths are sporadically appearing in places throughout Gallatin canyon near Big Sky, but the emergence hasn't been off the hook. The best bet is still going to be fishing small nymphs subsurface below an indicator. The river in Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky and into Yellowstone National Park...
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Good
August on the spring creeks is not the most desirable time to fish them. Unless you know the creeks really well---as well as our guides---the fishing on the creeks takes some patience. Terrestrial fishing is OK with beetles and ants for those anglers willing to stick with it. Make sure to have...
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Good
The Stillwater River is a nice option right now and is producing good dry fly opportunities. The smaller attractor dry fly fishing has been good and hoppers are just starting to entice some trout. The upper water is getting too low to float but the lower river is still a nice option. The Stillwater...
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Very Good
The hopper action on the Boulder River is picking up as some of the ranchers are cutting their fields. There are still some very sparse hatches of caddis, PMDs, and a few remaining stoneflies around. A Pat's Rubber Legs, 20 Incher, or Mega Prince in combination with a Duracell, Prince, Blowtorch, or...
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
With the hot weather coming back the Jefferson is most likely off the menu and there are probably better options. Consider better options exist like the Upper Madison or Missouri near Wolf Creek and Craig. Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the entire...
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Poor
The massive rain storm in the Bridgers caused some major muddying of the East Gallatin off and on over the past few weeks, but, the river appears to be clearing but it is still running pretty warm. Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the lower East...
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Flows on the MO are around 3500 CFS and that is still a great level for float fishing as well as walk-and-wade fishing. Weed growth is thick but that hasn't stopped the fish from feeding. Tricos are out, but not gangbusters and there are still a few caddis and PMDs that are bringing some pods of...
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Fair
Even with high flows on the Ruby River it still remains under Hoot Owl restrictions on the lower Ruby River - from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Duncan District Road starting July 10. The Ruby can be a nice option in summer with lots of pale morning duns to keep trout well fed. The...
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: On the smaller private ranch lakes that we target trout have moved into the deeper, colder water. The larger lakes like Hebgen and Ennis can also be productive when the wind isn’t blowing too hard. The Month Ahead: The fishing may pick up soon when the second brood of callibaetis...
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Good
August can be one of the best months of year to fish many of our small streams...just be sure to pick streams that are in the mountains or in Yellowstone National Park. With the cooler weather upon us--but it won't last long--you might get a little extra mileage from some lower elevation streams...