Current SW Montana Fishing Report
The Gallatin River
The Gallatin River is located just west of Bozeman and is known for it's abundance of fish and it's unbelievable scenery. Starting about 70 miles south of Bozeman and flowing North following U.S. Highway 191 most of its length, the Gallatin has easy access and is a great choice for wade fishing all year long.
Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
05/23/2011 The Gallatin is pretty dirty for now with flooding around Greek Creek. Probably a good time to stay away from the river and do a little hiking.
The Lower Madison
Starting below Ennis Reservoir and running north for approximately 35 miles to its confluence with the Missouri, the lower Madison provides both excellent wading and floating opportunities.
Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
05/24/2011 Although the Lower Madison has a bit of color in it and only about a foot and a half of visibility, we got a great report from one of our guides on a day off who fished it yesterday and had excellent fishing. According to him, the river seems a bit dirty, but the fish ate well most of the day. Sounds like caddis pupa, worms, and crayfish were the flies of choice. The river may get dirtier in the next few days as Ennis Lake is starting to get dirty from the top end, but you should still have a window of some good fishing over the next few days.
The Upper Madison
Known as the 60 mile riffle, the world famous Upper Madison is a large shallow rocky river originating in Yellowstone Park and flowing through Hebgen and Quake lakes then north to the town of Ennis.
Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
05/23/2011 The whole river is back and open again and despite the fact that there are is only about 8 to 10 inches of visibility, the river is fishing fairly well. Below the West Fork, it is a bit more off color, but as long as the flows don't jump dramatically, the fishing should remain decent for a little while. If you go, you'll want to be thinking bigger stuff along the banks as the fish get pushed there as the water rises. Also, don't forget your caddis pupa and emergers as there have been plenty of bugs around to get the fish thinking that way.
The Yellowstone River
As the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states, the Yellowstone is the largest freestone river in our region. Beginning its journey in Yellowstone Park, this river flows north out of the park to the town of Livingston before heading East across the state. Because of its size, the Yellowstone is best fished from a boat although wade fishing is possible.
Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
05/23/2011 Toast! Current run off levels have made the river unfishable for the time being. Check back regularly for updates. The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks remain an excellent choice.
Fishing conditions, photo and strategies credited to The River's Edge Fly Shop - Bozeman, MT
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