May has started off very promising with a great late spring moisture push in the area mountain ranges. This was much needed and has all of us very excited for the season to get up and running. The next few weeks vary from highs in the 60's to 40's and a mixture of snow/rain. We are starting to see runoff kick up on area freestone rivers, this is a great time to focus your attention on the tailwaters and stillwaters. Keep an eye out for cold fronts moving in that can slow down the runoff and give you a great window for fishing the area freestones. Hatches of March Brown's, Baetis and Mother's Day caddis are still prevalent and we are seeing fish rise. This can be an exciting time to fish the Madison on both the upper and lower stretches of the river. Stop in the shop for up to date information and for all of your fly selection needs.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Very Good
Spring has arrived in Montana and fishing conditions are changing rapidly. This is a very exciting and dynamic time of year to target Montana waters. Conditions can change by the day and even by the hour so paying close attention to weather and flows is a huge part of the late spring fishing game...Read more
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: The runoff has started on the 'stone and will likely continue through most of June. There are better options in the area to spend some time on the water. The Month Ahead: The river will be blown out for most of June but late June should provide some epic action just in time for...Read more
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Upper is still below the average flows but we are seeing more consistent fishing patterns. The Upper provides consistent action although there have been some windy days to contend with recently. The best fishing is in the slower water which is sometimes hard to find on the...Read more
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The Mother's Day Caddis hatch has arrived on the Madison! The Lower has been a consistent producer recently and should hold form throughout the spring. The Lower tends to get better and better until water temps finally get too warm at the end of June. Flows can fluctuate but...Read more
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: The Gallatin has began it's runoff season and will not be a great option for a few more weeks. There are better options in the area to focus your attention on. The Month Ahead: The Gallatin will continue to be in run off mode for a few more weeks. Other fisheries will be better...Read more
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The spring creeks are a great spring option and early summer option and this is arguably the best time of the season to target these famous fisheries. All of the spring creeks are now open and fishing very, very well. The fish are fresh and still haven’t seen a lot of flies...Read more
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Stillwater River is starting to rise and will more than likely be shot for a few weeks with these warm temperatures being more consistent. The Month Ahead: Runoff will begin mid to late May bringing tough conditions until it subsides in late June. Long Term Fishing Forecast...Read more
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: The Boulder has started it's runoff season and will need a few weeks before it clears up enough to fish. The Month Ahead: The Boulder runs off a bit later than the Yellowstone because of the high elevation snowpack. Run off will continue until late June but if flows are stable...Read more
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Jeff will be up soon but has been dropping and fishing well in this window before true runoff begins. The Jeff also drops and becomes fishable for good earlier than some other rivers. For now, watch the hydrographs and look for windows when the flows have been stable for a...Read more
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Poor
Current Conditions: The water on the East is in full run off right now. It always starts to runoff early due to a lower elevation snowpack than other fisheries. Flows need to drop well below 100 cfs before any decent wade fishing can result and below 50 is better if you are accessing from bridges...Read more
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The Missouri near Craig and Wolf creek is a great option this time of year. When flows are on the rise it is mostly a nymphing game but if flows are stable good dry fly fishing over the baetis hatch can occur. For nymphing san juan worms and hot bead sow bugs are hard to beat...Read more
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Ruby is a good option right now with runoff beginning on area freestone rivers. Keep an eye on the hydrograph to ensure it's below 350 cfs for wading. This can be a great time to swing streamers and target larger fish. Worms, caddis patterns The Month Ahead: The Ruby should...Read more
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: Ice is off most of the lower elevation lakes and fishing has been good slow stripping leaches and damsel fly nymphs. Water temperatures are still cold so concentrate on deeper water and make sure to keep your retrieve speed slow. The Month Ahead: Lakes always fish very well in...Read more
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The smaller streams in higher elevations are tough in May but some of the lower elevation streams can fish quite well. Get out and explore some blue lines around the state. The Month Ahead: As run off subsides small stream fishing will become very, very good in late June and...Read more
