We are on the downhill side of our spring fishing season with an eye on runoff season just around the corner. Even with runoff impending, 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 hatches of Blue Winged Olives and the potential for early season caddis hatches. The famous Mother's Day caddis hatch is around the corner as well.
Be sure to read our 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
For the next several weeks to find the best fly fishing in Montana, local knowledge of current conditions is crucial. Be sure to check these reports regularly as we will do our best to update them as much as possible. Weekend forecast looks good for all local options and the Missouri River to have a...
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Fair
Flows have stabilized on the Yellowstone and could drop even more by the weekend making the Yellowstone River a nice option for local anglers. However, if the air temp hits 70 degrees Friday or Saturday (although not forecasted), flows could bump. We are officially in Day to Day Mode on the...
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Good forecast for the weekend for consistent. Weather looks to be ideal for a variety of ways to catch fish--nymphs, streamers, and possibly some Blue Winged Olives. Flows on the Upper Madison this week are hovering in the normal range and the river hasn't seen the bump in flows that many of our...
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Shaping up for an ideal weekend forecast that could bring a solid hatch of BWOs or possibly even a few very early Mother's Day caddis on the Lower Madison. Flows on the Lower Madison are slightly above average but have leveled out some. As the daytime high temps slowly increase expect Cherry Creek...
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Good
Flows have dropped on the Gallatin River near Big Sky and Bozeman. The river could very well come back into shape very nicely by the weekend as it can drop back down to normal flows and then the Gallatin can become a another good local option. Nymphing has been most productive for the majority of...
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Good
The two main creeks we fish are Armstrong's and DePuy's spring creeks near Livingston and Bozeman, Montana. The next several days should be ideal on the creeks---scatterd clouds or overcast skies and showers is an ideal forecast for prolific hatches of Blue Winged Olive mayflies. These creeks are...
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Stillwater River is low and clear but the nymph fishing has been good in the deeper pools. The water temperatures are still extremely cold over here so it is very important to focus your attention on the slow, deep, winter holding water. If you find one fish there is a very good chance that...
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Good
The Boulder River near Big Timber and half way to Billings is slowly on the rise but with the cold weather in the forecast, things will most likely drop and clear again. The water is still cold and many fish remain in the winter holds. They are a bit spooky but nymphing has been solid. Fly selection...
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
The Jeff is pretty hit or miss right now. This is not the place to go if you are looking for big numbers of fish but you always have the chance at a true trophy on the Jeff. If you are looking to throw streamers and swing for the fences then this would be a pretty good bet. The nymph fishing has...
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Fair
The East Gallatin is the closest river to Bozeman and can be a very good option for fly fishing for the next few weeks. Nymph fishing on the East has been good lately. The East tends to muddy quite a bit this time of year but with the lack of low elevation snow this year it hasn’t been too bad. San...
Missouri River Fishing Report
- Very Good
BWO Bonanza on the Mo right now. These mayflies emerge best on overcast, rainy or drizzly days--Most Missouri River BWOs are size 14 or 16 and hatch between Noon and 3 pm. BWO nymphs can be active much earlier, which is why a tandem nymph rig can be very successful until mid day or later when adult...
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Good
The Ruby River could fish very well for those willing to give it a try....but remember access is tough. The flows are good for the adventuresome walking and wading angler. The Ruby is a nice option in the spring. The smaller valley doesn’t produce as strong of winds as the Madison and the dam...
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Good
The ice is off many of the lower elevation lakes, while some higher lakes are still frozen solid. The fish are hungry but the cold water temperatures and lack of hatches will keep them a bit deeper for now. Choose a sinking line or a longer leader with some weight to get down to the fish. Basic lake...
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Good
Check current regulations as not all small streams are open just yet. Visit Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park for current regulations. The smaller streams around Montana can be options, but check local regulations, spring creeks such as DePuy's and Armstrong's and the larger waters like the Madison...