There is something ineffably enthralling about the way the landscape unfurls around you as you stand by a meandering river, the solitude broken only by the soft hum of the river and the rhythmic swoosh and splash of your casting line.
Now, while there are plenty of places you can go fly fishing, one great destination is Montana. Montana’s rich and diverse waters are a veritable treasure trove of adrenaline-spiking adventure and idyllic serenity – an unparalleled pantheon in the world of fly fishing. From the fabled Madison and Yellowstone rivers, known for their incredibly diverse fish species, to the broad expanses of the sparkling Flathead Lake, every nook and cranny of Montana’s stunning landscape paints a unique fly-fishing portrait.
In this article, I will share insights into the Montana fly-fishing experience, including what to expect, where and when to go, understanding the nuances of fishing in different water types, what to prepare, the regulations to keep in mind, and the costs associated with the experience. Join me as I delve into the heart of Montana’s fly-fishing world, each ripple in the water a new tale to tell.
Best Months to Go Fly Fishing in Montana
When it comes to planning your ideal fly fishing excursion in Montana, timing is an important piece of the puzzle. The beauty of this state is that there’s no month where fishing isn’t possible. However, there are periods when conditions are better than others, making the experience truly sensational.
The prime season starts in late Spring and extends through the Fall. Let me break down the timeline in a bit more detail.
Spring
During May and June, the ice from winter has finally melted, ushering in the spring runoff. Though runoff can make some rivers turbid and challenging to fish, it’s a boon for others, offering ample water for trout and other species to thrive.
In late spring, rivers like the Bighorn and Lower Madison are high on the list, as they tend to clear earlier than others in the state.
Summer
Summer days are warm and long, providing you with plenty of daylight to enjoy a full day on the water. During July, August, and early September you’ll also get to enjoy the dry fly season. An abundance of hatches during this period makes the trout surface for feeding and gets fly fishers’ heart rates up! The Yellowstone River or Gallatin River are sublime spots to make the most out of the dry fly action in the summer.
Autumn
The months of September and October can provide some extraordinary fly fishing opportunities. Fall presents a decrease in angling pressure, and with the beginning of the brown trout spawn, anglers can have fantastic days on rivers like the Missouri and Blackfoot.
Winter
For those who can’t resist the call of the river during the frosty winter months, fishing is still an option. Places like the Bighorn River or spring creeks offer good fishing opportunities. Anglers must gear up warmly and adjust their techniques, but the tranquility of winter fishing can be a reward in itself.
Top Fly Fishing Destinations in Montana
Montana is a true fly fisher’s paradise. The sheer diversity of its fishing destinations is simply unparalleled. Each location holds its own unique charm, challenges, and, most importantly, fish! Here are a couple of different fly fishing destinations to check out in the state.
Montana Rivers
Montana is full of rivers, but three in particular stand out for their fly fishing opportunities. The table below breaks down what each one offers.
| River | Description |
| Madison River | The Madison River offers clear waters and a variety of fish species, including the rainbow trout and the brown trout. Float fishing or wade fishing, you are never disappointed. |
| Blackfoot River | The Blackfoot River is another treasure trove teeming with cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Bear in mind that the Blackfoot is a freestone river and can be quite volatile. Yet, it’s exactly this ‘wild’ spirit that makes every fishing trip an adventure. Not to mention, it’s hard to beat those majestic canyon views! |
| Clark Fork River | If you want a change of scenery, head over to the Clark Fork River. It boasts a population of trophy-sized trout and is an excellent spot for dry fly and nymph fishing. Plus, you might even catch sight of some bighorn sheep or osprey during your fishing escapade. |
Ranch Waters
If you prefer solitude while fishing, Montana’s ranch waters are where you want to be. Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge offers privately guided fishing on two spring creeks, two lakes, and a mountain freestone river. The privacy combined with an opportunity to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout makes it a fly fishing haven.
Spring Creeks
Speaking of spring creeks, Armstrong Spring Creek and DePuy’s Spring Creek come to mind. These areas offer magnificent sight-fishing opportunities. The crystal-clear, slow-moving waters require a more strategic, subtle approach. It’s you and the trout, a game of skill and patience, making every catch profoundly rewarding.
Lakes
Hebgen Lake and Canyon Ferry Lake are two of Montana’s premier still-water fishing destinations. These lakes offer the chance to hook large trout without much disturbance. Sight fishing at Hebgen Lake for “gulpers” (rainbow and brown trout feeding on Callibaetis mayflies) is an experience every fly fisher should have.
Yellowstone National Park
Last but not least, fly fishing in Montana would not be complete without experiencing Yellowstone National Park. Any place that bookends a fishing trip with the awe-inspiring beauty of geysers and waterfalls is a must-visit. The Yellowstone River, Slough Creek, and Lamar River are famed fishing spots in the park. Just make sure to check on any required permits and catch limits before you go.
Pros and Cons of Various Fly Fishing Locations in Montana
I’m here to offer some insider knowledge about the idyllic fishing destinations this state offers, and not without mentioning the flip side of the coin as well.
Rivers
Montana’s rivers, like the Madison, Blackfoot, and Clark Fork, offer a diverse bounty of fish species from rainbow trout to brown trout. The shifting currents and water depth require a distinct fishing strategy, ensuring an exciting experience each time your line hits the water. However, the popularity of these rivers can result in overcrowding, particularly during peak fishing season.
Ranch Waters
What comes to mind is the serene and private fishery at places like Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge. Ranch waters offer a uniquely tranquil experience, often giving you unfettered access to the water and the fish therein. The potential downside? This exclusivity comes with a heftier price tag, which may not align with everyone’s budget.
Spring Creeks
Spring creeks, such as Armstrong Spring Creek and DePuy’s Spring Creek, require a bit of fishing flair. The calm, clear waters are often alive with abundant insect hatches, tempting the finest trout to the surface. But don’t let this abundance fool you. These spring-fed streams can prove challenging even for the most experienced anglers due to their cunning trout and slow-moving waters.
Lakes
Now, when it comes to lakes like Hebgen and Canyon Ferry, there’s nothing like the thrill of hooking a massive trout from the deeper pockets of these waters. It’s an angler’s dream! The drawback? The fishing is significantly more seasonal compared to other options. Once the winter sets in, these lakes can get hefty ice cover, limiting access for many months.
Yellowstone Park
Lastly, fishing in Yellowstone Park is a uniquely Montana experience. Imagine casting your line surrounded by lush wilderness, roaming wildlife, and a backdrop of stunning geysers. It feels almost surreal. However, fly fishing here comes with a list of regulations to protect the environment and fish species within the park. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these rules before setting out on a fishing exploration.
Preparations for Fly Fishing in Montana
Embarking on a fly fishing expedition in Montana is wonderfully exciting—but before you set off, make sure you not only feel ready but truly are prepared. Essential preparations involve:
- physical conditioning
- gear selection
- honing fly fishing techniques
- securing navigation and safety equipment
Let’s take a closer look at each of these points of preparation.
Physical Demand
You’ll be walking, wading, casting, and, of course, wrestling with potentially large fish. Strengthening your legs and core will provide stability in the water and minimize fatigue. So, don’t skimp on the physical conditioning before your fly fishing trip—engage in activities such as hiking, swimming, or cycling to build your endurance.
Gear Selection
Now, the gear you select will depend heavily on the time of year and the specific fish you’re hoping to catch. As a general rule, though, a 9-foot rod that can handle 4-6 weight lines would work well for most Montana fly-fishing situations.
Don’t forget a quality, comfortable wading boot and fishing vest to keep your essential tools within reach. Clear and polarized sunglasses are also important—you’d want to protect your eyes and they often help in spotting fishes beneath the surface.
Honing Fly Fishing Techniques
Regardless of whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, spend some time before your trip practicing casting, presenting, and retrieving. There are numerous tutorial videos available online that provide step-by-step guides on how to improve these skills.
Safety
A good map or a GPS device is recommended especially if you’re braving lesser-known territories. Familiarize yourself with local wildlife and plan how you’d react to potential encounters. Carry a first aid kit to treat possible minor injuries, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
Types of Flies Used in Montana
When it comes to fly fishing in Montana, your choice of flies can make or break your fishing expedition. The variation of insect hatches in this state requires us to be versatile and well-prepared with an array of flies in your tackle boxes.
Generally, Montana is lush with aquatic insects, rendering the use of small pattern flies effective. However, the type of fly you choose to use largely depends on the season and location of your fishing expedition.
Let’s go over what types of flies make sense for each season in the state.
Spring Flies
During the spring months, I’ve found that Blue Winged Olive (BWO) patterns, like the classic Pheasant Tail Nymph or BWO emergers, are impactful, not to forget the midge patterns like Zebra Midge.
Summer Flies
As for Summer, you’ll want to be equipped with Pale Morning Dun (PMD) patterns and caddis flies such as the Elk Hair Caddis. Stoneflies are also common during this season—particularly in the Blackfoot, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers—so carrying a few patterns, like the Rubber Legs and Chubby Chernobyl, could prove fruitful.
Fall Flies
Fall ushers in a trophy season in Montana waters, and patterns like the BWO, midges, and terrestrials will often do the trick. Moreover, streamers like the Woolly Bugger and the Muddler Minnow can be particularly rewarding during this season.
Winter Flies
During winter, the fish aren’t as active. However, you can still get some bites with patterns like midges and small nymphs.
Montana Fly Fishing Regulations
When you fish in any location, it’s important to make sure you’re adhering to regulations and obtaining any necessary licenses. Let’s go over some of the different regulations in Montana surrounding fly fishing.
Licensing Requirements
A fishing license is required for all individuals 12 years of age and older. Montana provides both temporary (2-day and 5-day) and seasonal licenses, with discounts for Montana’s residents. You can buy your license online or at most outdoor supply stores across the state.
Catch and Release Regulations
Responsible fishing practices, including catch and release, are essential for maintaining the health of our fisheries. In certain waters, such as portions of the Big Hole River and Bitterroot River, there are strict catch and release requirements for specific species like Arctic Grayling and Westslope Cutthroat Trout, ensuring their populations remain healthy for generations to come. Always check the latest regulations for the waters you’re fishing.
Site-Specific Regulations
Montana has specific regulations for different bodies of water. Some rivers, like the Madison River, have designated ‘artificial lure only‘ stretches – so save your salmon eggs and worms for another location. Notably, in many areas of the Yellowstone National Park, only barbless hooks are permitted when fly fishing.
Off-Limits Areas, Species and Sizes
It’s also important to know that there may be off-limits areas for fly fishing or certain species that you’re not allowed to catch. On some rivers, for instance, bull trout fishing is strictly prohibited due to their status as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
It cannot be stressed enough how vital it is to become familiar with the different species of fish in Montana so you know what you’re catching. Additionally, some stretches of the river may be closed to fishing at certain times of the year to protect spawning fish, so always check the specifics.
Go on a Fly Fishing Adventure in Montana
Montana has a rich variety of water bodies, each offering unique opportunities for fly fishing, from the tranquil ranch waters to the powerful currents of world-famous rivers. Just remember before you go to get up to date on the area’s regulations, make a checklist for equipment, know your flies, and, most importantly, value the environment no less than the fish.
With that said, if you’re going to plan a fly fishing trip to Montana, you’ve got to have the right gear. Head over to Jesse Brown’s Outdoors to pick up all the supplies you need for a successful trip.
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