Fall seamed to end abruptly this season. We have had several rounds of snow and colder than average temperatures recently. Despite the wintery weather there is still fishing to be had when the weather takes a break. Keep in mind that brown trout are still spawning so avoid the riffles where redds tend to be located. There are still some fall baetis lingering. Trout are starting to move into their winter patterns as water temps are quite cold so expect to find fish holding in slower water with a bit of depth.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Good
Fall fishing is winding down as wintery weather has arrived early in Montana. Browns are still moving and spawning so be careful to avoid wading and fishing in areas where redds are located. There are still some lingering baetis and a chance for some dry fly action on the right days. Trout are...
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Yellowstone River has has slowed down with the recent cold weather. There are still some fall baetis hatching on the days with cloudy skies and some weather. Streamer fishing can still help to connect on bigger fish. Working banks is out and a slow swing and strip across the...
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Upper Madison is slowing down as cold weather settles in. Fishing can still be good in the afternoons and there are some lingering baetis hatches on cloudy days. Trout are starting to move into their preferred winter runs with slower currents and some depth. Avoid the fast...
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Lower Madison water temperatures have dropped with the early arrival of wintery weather. The Lower tends to fish pretty well into the late fall. The trout are fairly opportunistic this time of year and the bigger fish will be on the hunt for sculpins and crayfish. There are...
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Gallatin fishes will in the late fall. Trout are stacking up in the slower and deeper runs in preparation for winter. You might still find a few baetis hatching on cloudy days with some luck. Otherwise focus on nymphing the larger runs with moderate current speed. Stick to 5X...
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: Fishing remains solid on the spring creeks. There are still some good hatches of baetis, especially on bad weather days. Keep in mind that the creeks are important spawning tributaries and there are still brown trout actively spawning so take care to avoid the shallower riffles...
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Stillwater is running cold with the early arrival of winter. Target the slower runs with some depth for trout that have moved into winter holding water. Later in the day is better once water temps have risen. Slow nymphing through the hearth of larger runs is your best bet...
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions:The Boulder is at late season lower flows. Wade fishing is the main option at these flows. Morning water temperatures are cold and it takes the fish some time to wake up so there is no need for a super early start. Cloudy days can produce some baetis action with a chance for dry...
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions:The Jefferson is a decent fall option now that water temperatures have cooled. Flows are still much lower than average but should continue to rebound a bit as irrigation winds down and some more water returns to the river. Fishing should continue to improve as we move further into...
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The East Gallatin has been fishing well as of late. Flows are low which is typical for fall and the fishing is on the more technical side. The fall baetis are still lingering on cloudy days. Be careful to avoid brown trout redds when wading as some of the browns are still...
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions:The Missouri near Townsend is an option as water temperatures cool. Don't expect high fish counts on the upper river but persistent anglers can hunt for a few nice trout that wander up the river from the lake below. Streamer fisherman may catch more walleye than trout on this...
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Ruby is flowing at nice flows for this late in the season below the reservoir. Water temperatures have cooled and fish can be found in deeper runs with modest current as they prepare for the coming winter. There are still some actively spawning browns so take care to avoid...
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: Lakes aren't our favorite options this time of year. Many fish move out of the reservoirs into the fall to enter the rivers. Unless you are an ardent stillwater angler the window for lakes is winding down. The Month Ahead: Ice is already forming on some lakes depending on their...
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: The smaller streams are a winding down fast as the water temperatures drop. The mountain streams are already pretty cold so if you are targeting them hit the afternoon on warmer days. There are better options at the moment. The Month Ahead: Fishing will continue to slow as water...