Waters We Fish
The Madison River
The Madison River is a renowned tailwater trout fishery that stretches over 140 miles from its source in Yellowstone National Park to its confluence with the Jefferson where it becomes the Missouri River. It supports a population of trout with a steady food supply of mayflies, caddis, and assorted stoneflies. The Madison is known for good numbers and a few very nice sized fish. The river varies significantly along its course: the Upper Madison features fast, boulder-strewn currents giving this section the nickname “The 50-Mile Riffle”, while the Lower Madison slows into broader, shallow flats defined by weeds and depth drop-offs. With public access points scattered throughout and a range of conditions, the Madison offers practical options for wading or floating.
The Gallatin River
The Gallatin River runs begins in Yellowstone National Park and flows over 100 miles to its junction with the Missouri River near Three Forks. It is a medium-sized freestone river that sustains a healthy population of trout. The Gallatin is best known for good numbers of smaller and medium sized fish. The river’s character shifts along its path: the Upper Gallatin rushes through narrow canyons and steep, rocky gradients, earning a reputation for fast water and technical fishing, while the Lower Gallatin widens into a slower, meandering flow with gravel bars and deeper pools. With numerous public access points throughout its course the Gallatin provides some of the best wade fishing opportunities around, with float fishing being a great option as well at times.
The Jefferson River
The Jefferson River is an often overlooked trout fishery. The river forms at the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers and joins the Madison to form the Missouri River near Three Forks. It boasts a lower trout population than other rivers, which dissuedes many fishermen from giving it a try. However, on the right day the Jefferson can fish very well, with decent numbers and some very good sized fish. The river flows through agricultural country and invokes a feeling of “Old Montana” as ranchland, abandoned mines, and snow capped peaks define the scenery. The Jefferson is best fished floating, and is a great option for anglers seeking trout in a quieter, less-traveled river system.
The Yellowstone River
The mighty Yellowstone River runs for nearly 700 miles, and is the longest free-flowing river in the country. The “Stone” is beautifully scenic and a celebrated trout fishery. The 60-some mile section from Emigrant to Big Timber offers a great variety for anglers. The river sustains a robust trout population, supported by a steady diet of mayflies, caddis, and various stoneflies. The river’s character shifts through this reach: above Livingston, from Emigrant downstream, it cuts through tighter valleys with fast, rocky runs, while below Livingston toward Big Timber, it widens into broader, sweeping channels with gravel bars and deeper pools. The Yellowstone is a huge river, as is best fished floating.
The Missouri River
The Missouri River tailwater from Craig to Cascade is a prized trout fishery spanning roughly 35 miles below Holter Dam. This section sustains one of our states largest trout populations, bolstered by cold, clear water from the dam and a rich food base of mayflies, caddis, and several other insects and aquatic invertebrates. The river’s character remains fairly consistent through this stretch: it flows as a broad, steady tailwater with deep runs, gentle riffles, and weed-lined channels, shaped by the dam’s regulated releases. With numerous public access points and stable conditions, the Missouri from Craig to Cascade offers practical opportunities for wading or floating anglers targeting trout in a highly productive and accessible river system.
Other Waters
In addition to these major rivers, we also frequent a variety of smaller rivers, creeks, and lakes throughout Montana, each offering unique trout fishing opportunities. These waters are often tucked away in rugged foothills or quiet valleys. From tight, brush-lined streams with fast riffles to serene alpine lakes with deep drop-offs, these lesser-known fisheries provide diverse conditions for wading or small-craft angling. With access to these hidden gems, we cater to anglers looking for solitude and the chance to target trout in intimate, off-the-beaten-path settings.
The Seasons
Spring
As winter fades and the days grow warmer and longer, spring offers crisp, beautiful days on the water. Spring fishing is defined by solitude, unpressured fish, and something a little different each day as conditions constantly change. The Spring fishing season often starts in the first warm days of March and offers opportunities through May. In this window, the season’s first major hatches come into play. Blue-winged olives, March browns, and Skwala stoneflies emerge, offering exciting dry fly opportunities when conditions align. “Conditions” are especially relevant, and can make or break a day of Spring fishing – so some flexibility from all parties is helpful. While some waters get high and off-color, many tailwaters, spring creeks, and lower-elevation rivers do remain consistent for a safer option. While not guaranteed, the larger freestone rivers can be a rewarding option for the gambling angler in the spring. It’s a season of exploration and reward — when a chilly, overcast day might just produce the best hatch, or catch, of the year.
Summer
Summer is the quintessential time to fish in Montana. The combination of great fishing and T-shirt weather makes Summer the most popular season to be on the water. As runoff recedes, freestone rivers clear and stabilize, opening up miles of productive water. Water temperatures reach the “sweet spot” for optimum insect activity which makes the fish happy and active. Hatches of PMDs, caddis, and numerous stoneflies like the famous salmonfly offer exciting hatch-based fishing action. August into September brings the hottest time of the year, and on drought years the rivers can get hot pushing the best fishing to early mornings and evenings. Terrestrial insects like hoppers, ants, and beetles become a staple, providing explosive takes on the surface. It’s a season of early starts, floating big dries, and soaking in the long Montana sunsets at the end of a day well spent.
Fall
The air is crisp, the aspens and cottonwood trees are plumed with fall foliage, and the trout are hungry trout on a day of fall fly fishing in Montana. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop the summer crowds begin to thin, leaving stretches of water a little quieter for those still chasing fish instead of elk or warmer weather. The fish sense the coming of winter and can feed aggressively, especially Brown Trout as they prepare for their fall spawn. Hatches of Blue-winged olives and midges provide some of the best dry fly fishing on overcast days, while streamer fishing picks up in a big way with big fish chasing down bold patterns. It’s a season of change - as each fleeting, precious day on the water marks one day closer to the long winter ahead. Year in and year out we all find ourselves wishing autumn lasted just a little longer.
Winter
Cold air, quiet rivers, and solitude define winter fly fishing in Montana. Most river-goes have traded in their fly rod for skis, or flown south someplace warm. Winter fishing is for the hardy angler willing to trade comfort for calm, as most days you’ll have entire stretches of river to yourself. The fish slow down in the cold water, but they still need to eat - and on the right winter day the fishing can be lights out. Midges become the primary hatch, offering subtle dry fly opportunities on the right kind of calm, overcast day. Sub-surface nymph fishing is the go-to tactic, with small flies and slow, deep drifts producing the best action. Wintertime can be a fun time to throw streamers to trout that haven’t seen a big meal in months and might just make a mistake. Tailwaters and spring creeks shine in the winter months thanks to their stable water temperatures, but freestone rivers can pleasantly surprise us on the right day. It’s a season of sleeping late, bundling up, and making the most of the simple satisfaction of a fish in the net when no one else is around.
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