If you’re planning a Montana fly fishing trip this summer, here’s what we’re seeing right now on some of the state’s top rivers.
According to Alex Hepworth at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, May started off with excellent fishing conditions across the Yellowstone, Stillwater, and surrounding freestone rivers before runoff arrived.
Early in the month, anglers found consistent dry fly action during strong March Brown hatches. Fish were feeding selectively, and success often came down to making an accurate cast directly into a trout’s feeding lane.
The go-to setup was a 10 to 11-foot leader in 3X or 4X tippet. Productive flies included Parachute Adams, Parachute Hare’s Ears, and Purple Hazes in sizes 12 through 16.
For anglers looking to move bigger fish, streamer fishing was also producing. Alex was fishing a 5-foot section of 15-pound fluorocarbon with heavy sinking lines. Top flies included Dungeons, Goldies, Kill Whities, and Bangtails, with white and yellow proving especially effective.
As temperatures climbed later in May, runoff arrived quickly and many freestone rivers became high and off-color.
One bright spot during runoff was the Shoshone River near Cody, Wyoming. Nymphing deep under an indicator was the key. Alex was fishing roughly eight feet from the indicator to the bottom fly, along with two BB split shot and barrel swivels to get flies down quickly.
The most productive patterns were Caviar Scuds, Rainbow Scuds, UV Yum Yum Scuds, Wire Worms, and San Juan Worms in red and purple.
Now as we move into June, conditions have improved significantly.
The Boulder River and Stillwater River are fishing extremely well. Water remains high, but visibility has improved enough to make these rivers very productive.
The key right now is targeting fish along the banks. High water has pushed trout out of the faster currents and into softer holding water near shore.
Alex has been finding success nymphing approximately nine feet deep with two BB split shot and a two-fly setup. His top flies have been Wire Worms, San Juan Worms, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and Frenchies with pink beads.
If you’re heading to Montana in the coming weeks, don’t overlook those softer bank-side seams. The fish are there, and they’re feeding.
For current conditions, guided trips, lodging, and trip planning, check out Montana Fly Fishing Lodge. We’ll keep bringing you these on-the-water reports throughout the season.
