The fishing has really picked up over the past few weeks. Runoff is now over and rivers are slowly compressing as the lingering north facing snowfields continue to melt. Early summer hatches are beginning to tail off although there is still nice action on caddis and some lingering pmds. The late season hatches such as tricos, the nocturnal stone and callibaetis on stillwaters are ramping up. Hopper fishing hasn't quite arrived yet but should occur soon as the hopper nymphs begin to molt into flying adults. River flows are steady and holding decent temperatures for August fishing.
Southwest Montana Fishing Reports Overview
- Very Good
Flows are continuing to drop as the lingering snowpack ebbs. The cool spring and early summer has resulted in slightly higher than average flows on most of our fisheries which should produce an exceptionally great summer. With so many waters fishing well anglers will be spread out and have lots of...Read more
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: The flows have continued to drop post runoff. Clarity is also ideal for fishing and is in the "green range". Note that clarity can turn muddy quickly on the Yellowstone if thunderstorms the night before strike in the upper reaches so pay attention to hydrographs on the Upper...Read more
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: **8 Mile to Ennis lake is currently in hoot owl restrictions no fishing after 2pm. The Upper Madison is still producing great days of fishing. Early streamer fishing has been solid but short lived as the day progresses. Attractor patterns have started to produce while floating...Read more
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Lower is in hoot owl restrictions from the dam to the confluence of the Jefferson River. The lower is running hot and will continue to for the next few weeks. Best to leave the lower alone until September comes around. The Month Ahead: Keep an eye on water temps in the near...Read more
Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: There is a hoot owl restriction on the Gallatin from the mouth to Cameron Bridge Road. The Gallatin is fishing very well! Nymph rigs have been the most consistent ways to fish. Attractor dries area a good choice this time of year. Think a chubby with a dropper perdigon to keep...Read more
Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: PMD hatches have started to slow on the spring creeks. We are starting to see the terrestrial bite start. Ants can be the right move this time of year. Long leaders and perfect presentation is key to trick these wary foes. The creeks were breached with flood water in early June...Read more
Stillwater River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Stillwater has finally started to recede and drop to average flows. Nymphing will produce the most takes with large stonefly imitations. Attractor patterns and hoppers should begin to produce in afternoons. The Month Ahead: The hopper season should be very good this summer...Read more
Boulder River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Boulder is still running higher than average but fishable. Attractor patterns have worked well in the afternoons but nymphing has still produces the majority of the fish. Large attractor dries with a rubberlegs should do the trick most of the time. The Month Ahead: The...Read more
Jefferson River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The Jefferson has gone to a river-wide hoot owl restriction. So get out early and remember no fishing past 2pm. The Jeff has been fishing well but don't expect big numbers of fish. Larger than average fish patrol the Jefferson river which means you could land a fish of a...Read more
East Gallatin River Fishing Report
- Fair
Current Conditions: The East Gallatin has gone into hoot owl restrictions from the confluence of the West Gallatin River to the Rocky Creek and Bear Creek. So get out early and be off the water by 2pm in that particular stretch. Some PMD's are still around but fish have started to look up for...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 for the dry fly enthusiast! Trico hatches and spinner falls are the name of the game. The weeds will start to be an issue for the nymphing angler but if you find faster moving water, you can still be...Read more
Ruby River Fishing Report
- Good
Current Conditions: The Ruby is in hoot owl restrictions from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Duncan District Road crossing.The Ruby has dropped and cleared to produce some great fishing. Early nymphing can produce great results but be prepared to move to a dry fly as the day moves...Read more
Montana Lakes Fishing Report
- Very Good
Current Conditions: This is a great time to hit the area lakes! Slow stripping leeches and finding hatches of Callibaetis can be extremely effective. The reservoirs are a great way to add some variety to your trip to Montana. The Month Ahead: Lakes can fish well into August and early September...Read more
Small Streams Fishing Report
- Red Hot
Current Conditions: The smaller streams are a great option this time of year to get away from crowds and hot weather. The higher elevation streams are in peak form and make for a great day of dry fly fishing. The Month Ahead: Fishing will continue to fish well through out late summer and early fall...Read more
