Category Archives: Fishing by Time of Year

Fishing Yellowstone Park: A Seasonal Primer

Grand Prismatic is one of Yellowstone's most spectacular sights

As a fishing guide in Yellowstone National Park , I am often asked questions like, “Where can I fish close to West Yellowstone in August?” or “What rivers near Gardiner fish well in early June?”. I pick these examples because, frankly, you would be very disappointed with the answer to each one...Read more

Fall Run Browns On The Madison River

For myself and many other local anglers, Montana’s fall run of Brown Trout is the most anticipated event of the year. Large, lake dwelling trout begin moving into the river systems during late September and October and are accessible to fly anglers during this pre-spawn period. Productive fishing...Read more

Fishing Yellowstone Park in October

Fly Fishing Yellowstone National Park in October

October is when we really see the seasons shifting here in Yellowstone Country. While we typically get at least some warm, Indian Summer days, chilly weather and sub freezing mornings become the norm. October is the definitive big fish time in Yellowstone National Park . Migratory fish are moving...Read more

Fishing Yellowstone Park in July

Simply put, July is a prime time to fish in Yellowstone National Park . As run-off subsides early in the month, anglers have a chance to target fish that have not seen flies since the previous fishing season. Both water levels and temperatures are at prime levels and the hatches are both thick and...Read more

Montana's Mother's Day Caddis Hatch On The Madison And Yellowstone Rivers in May

The annual Mother’s Day Caddis hatch in early May is one of the most anticipated events here in Southwest Montana. While it may not be quite as famous as the Salmon Fly hatch, the fishing can be every bit as good, if not even better. The sheer number of bugs that take to the air during the peak of...Read more

April and May Hatches On The Yellowstone River: Spring Fly Fishing in Montana at its Best

Spring is unquestionably the most underrated time of year to fish the Yellowstone River. As water temperatures rise, the trouts’ metabolism begins to increase, putting them on the hunt for food. Fishing pressure is low during spring, and most trout on the ‘Stone haven’t seen a fly in months. While...Read more

New Options for Spring Fishing on the Madison River

Fishing regulation changes for 2016 have opened up some great new options for anglers on the Madison River. Previously, much of the river was closed between the end of February and the 3rd Saturday in May. Now, the entire river from Hebgen Lake to the Missouri River, nearly 100 miles of productive...Read more

5 Great Rivers For Spring Fishing In Montana During March, April and May

Montana spring fishing on Depuy Spring Creek

Early Spring (late March thru early May) is the most underrated time of year to fish in Montana. The trout are hungry after a long winter and have not seen a fly in months. Low water levels have fish concentrated in specific areas and crowds are sparse. While visiting anglers have discovered our...Read more

Winter Fishing Options Around Bozeman

One of the factors that makes Bozeman, MT such a great trout town is that the surrounding waters offer great fishing 12 months out of the year. Mild winter days offer anglers some prime opportunities to catch trout with very predictable fishing and nonexistent crowds. Winter is the time to...Read more

Fishing in Montana After Runoff

Some of the best fishing of the year occurs just after runoff subsides. Post runoff fishing can be very good for a variety of different reasons. First, trout have not been fished to in several weeks; it is hard to fish when you are dodging floating debris! Second, water temperatures are hitting the...Read more