Current SW Montana Fishing Report
They're out there - GO GET 'EM!
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
06/04/2011 The Gallatin River has been steadily droping for the past few days due to our cooler weather and while it is still very muddy below the Taylor's Fork, it is definitely fishable above the Taylor's Fork and up into Yellowstone Park. The river is high, but running mostly clear as of this morning so it may be a great option. Remember that if you fish the Gallatin in the Park, you will need a Yellowstone Park Fishing License.
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
06/04/2011 Water levels have come up over the past twenty four hours and with rising water has come more turbidity. There is still about a foot of visibility along the banks and around the moss beds so concentrate your efforts in these areas. You might still take a fish here and there along the bank using adult caddis imitations especially early and late in the day.
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
06/04/2011 The Upper Madison continues to be a bit of a bright spot for fishing in our area at the moment. The river is up a bit, but fairly clean and fishing pretty good. You'll want to concentrate on the banks with the flows right now. Nymphing with San Juan Worms, girdle bugs or streamer fishing tight to the banks has been productive. If it gets warm look for the river to get more color in it from the West Fork and some of the other smaller tributaries, but for now, it is a good option.
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
06/04/2011 Due to colder than normal nights in the headwaters of the river the Yellowstone continues to run at below average flows for this time of year. 8,250 cfs is still alot of water but there remains a foot or so of visibility above Livingston and fishermen have reported catching fish on big streamers fished off of the banks. The river is pretty much toast once you get below town and for sure below the Shields River which is presently above flood stage. The "Stone" will change quickly if we get a few warm, sunny days in a row so make sure to check on conditions before you head out.
Montana's Spring Creeks
These fee fisheries located in the Paradise Valley near Livingston provide challenging fishing to selective trout. These creeks are ideally suited to anglers looking to test their skills and knowledge.
Current Conditions & Fishing Strategy
06/04/2011 Spring Creek rates are $75.00 through June 14th. We have had reports of a few PMD's showing. These are the early infrequens which are a good size #16 and probably more like a #15. The baetis are pretty much over but there are still a few midges around and some caddis especially on the lower end of DePuy's. The dry fly fishing has been a little slow but with the arrival of the PMD's this should change that. This is a good time to be on the creeks because of all the high and discolored water on the rivers and the rates are still at $75.00. Good bargin!
Fishing reports courtesy of The River's Edge in Bozeman, MT (www.theriversedge.com) photo credit to www.montanaangler.com.
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