Seasons
November-March | April-June | July | August-Mid September | Mid September-October
November-March
Winter months in Montana are technically considered the off season. But this doesn’t mean that some of the best fishing of the year can’t be found despite that. Tail waters, uncrowded rivers, very little fishing pressure, and the presence of midges throughout the winter mean the trout are almost always feeding. It’s primarily nymphing here in the winter, but on warmer sunny days, trout can be found sipping the tiny insects off the surface. The temps can vary greatly through the winter months in Montana, anywhere from well below zero to 50 degrees and above. The true Montana biathlon can only be accomplished during these months, skiing fresh powder in the morning, and an afternoon on the river once the sun takes the morning chill off the air. During the winter months, dressing in layers is essential. Gloves, sunglasses, warm hats and double layers under your waders are necessary. The Gallatin, Ruby, Madison, and Missouri are all very productive winter fisheries.
April-June
Once Mother Nature eases her wintery grip, April, May and June bring big changes to Montana’s rivers. Depending on the winter’s snowfall and the spring temperatures, Montana river’s can be gin clear, a steady stream of mud or anything in between. The Missouri River produces monster rainbows this time of year, some reaching over 27 inches. GVO’s outfitter, Aaron, has one of the few US Coast Guard Commercial Captain’s licenses in the state allowing you to reach water that others can’t. This opens up opportunities for more fish. April is generally safe from the mud and the fishing is excellent. The fish are extra hungry for midges and blue-winged olives after the long winter months. May and June can be a runoff gamble on the Gallatin, upper Madison, and Yellowstone. But tail water rivers such as the lower Madison and Missouri are generally sure bets. Early May turns the attention of anglers around the world to our neck of the woods. The Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch is a not to miss if you’ve never seen it. The Caddis are heaviest on the Madison and Yellowstone and the fishing can be extremely productive on the surface. Spring months can bring temps as high as 90 or as low 20 degrees. It’s best to be prepared for all weather conditions when packing.
July
By July, spring’s off colored waters are simmering down and the salmon flies are starting to show their faces. Salmon flies are the second largest hatch of the year. Tipping the scales at two- inches long, these guys are some of the most fun dry-fly fishing to be found. The Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin are all very productive salmon fly fisheries. Stone Flies and PMDs also start crawling out of the woodwork around this time of year, as well as some terrestrials and the spruce moth. There is plenty of dry-fly fishing to be had in the month of July. Be prepared for cooler weather, as the temp can dip down to the 50s from time to time. Though more often than not the mercury remains high and it’s in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s. Be sure to pack a raincoat, as afternoon showers are likely.
August-Mid September
By August, all rives are running clear and fishing consistently well. August is also prime hopper season. Hopper fishing can be incredible with activity all day on the large dries. Other terrestrials, such as beetles and ants, can also be very productive. You might as well trail an ant off the back of your hopper, think of it as insurance. August is consistently the warmest month in Montana. Be prepared for a 100-degree day or two and bring your swimsuit, the cool waters feel amazing on a hot August day. The Yellowstone, Gallatin, Madison, and Missouri all fish well during August.
Mid September-October
If we’re lucky enough to have warm weather, the hoppers are still hanging around as fall starts to set in and the browns are starting to move. On a cloudy day, streamer fishing can produce some huge browns, fiestier than ever this time of year. This time of year also makes the most of GVO’s USCG Commercial Captain’s license, allowing access to some of the biggest browns in Montana. The Missouri with a motor is the place to be as the days start cooling down. In addition to hoppers and streamers, dries of all kinds can be found during this time of year and nymphs are always productive, regardless of the time of year. Weather this time of year can be just as unpredictable as the spring with day time temps ranging from 80 degrees down to 30 degrees. Better safe than sorry when packing for this time of year.