Duck Lake. Missouri River. Love Montana? Nailing down the specifics on this run is tough, but if you hit it right you might catch the brown trout of a lifetime. Looking for something a little bit different? We recommend a well-stocked fly box for success. The state of Montana provides many access points throughout this section. 1. Here you can fish such famed waters as the Lamar itself, Soda Butte Creek, or Slough Creek. These crystal clear lakes offer sight fishing opportunities to cruising trout although most fishing is done subsurface. Best Ranches in Montana, United States: See traveler reviews, candid photos and great deals on ranches in Montana on Tripadvisor. Evening caddis hatches can be fantastic as well. Cool rainy weather can be a good time to fish this lower section. If you take the time to drive up the gravel road there a few miles, you will discover two of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Montana. The Ruby River has two distinct sections, the upper and lower. People don’t really go to Glacier to fly fish. The good news is that the Gallatin is a premier dry fly river. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. Bring a heavy rod and big streamers for the bull trout. No matter what town in Montana you are visiting, we can design and facilitate an ideal fishing adventure. Fishing the Bighorn River is a bit of an undertaking. Due to the river’s large size, float fishing is probably the best bet although walk and wade anglers can find fish as well. There are also places to go swimming and fishing. The good news is that this river also features phenomenal mayfly and caddis hatches along with some stoneflies. If you want to fish on Yellowstone Lake, remember you have to kill all lake trout caught. Anyone who is already in the vicinity owes it to themselves to spend at least a day or two here. A ten foot three weight or four weight is an excellent choice as long as the wind is not blowing too strong. This section gets crowded and has special regulations on float access so check the current regulations for more info. Livingston is certainly worthy of being in the top three best places to live in Montana. The far upper river is much like a spring creak. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is responsible for making and enforcing fishing regulations. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Don’t get too focused on your fishing. Do yourself a favor and fish the fall run on the Madison River sometime. Tan and olive caddis in size 14-18 should cover most situations. Access is excellent all the way from the Yellowstone National Park Boundary down through Paradise Valley and beyond. Canyon Ferry Lake boasts a 122 kilometre shoreline that is home to boat ramps, day-use areas, camping grounds and marinas. This, along with Rock Creek, is a favorite with wading anglers. Gulpers can be found cruising here just like on Hebgen Lake. With its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park (see #21), the Yellowstone River flows north out of Wyoming and into Montana as a world class blue ribbon fishery. The best time to target them is during the annual salmonfly hatch. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: The Smith River is one of the most amazing fishing spots in Montana… if you’re lucky enough to get there. Known for some of the best trout fishing in the country, Missoula is home to the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and the Big Blackfoot rivers. Read more about my recommended fly rods and other accessories at my RECOMMENDED GEAR PAGE(Links to Page). The clear rivers and streams are fed by runoff from the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, an ideal environment for trout and salmon. Rainbow and brown trout are your main targets although cutthroat and grayling can be found as well. Large rainbow and brown trout are common although hooking and landing them can be challenging. Unlike other Montana rivers, anyone who wants to fish the Smith River needs a permit. It is a further drive from places like Bozeman than the Madison or Gallatin. Stop by a park visitor center to get a current copy of the regulations. Luckily, hunters have reached a general consensus on some of the best places to hunt for different types of game, offering newcomers great tips and tricks that make picking the best spot easier. Add a name or favorite quote. Yellow sallies are also plentiful. Depending on the time of year and flies you are throwing, you might be able to go heavier. A recent article on movoto.com revealed that Montana, aka “The Last Best Place”, has some incredibly amazing towns in the state that are also dubbed the best places to live in the treasure state. Hebgen Lake is a special trout fishery. Overall numbers of trout begin to decline as you head downriver from Livingston although there are some large trout and even a few sections that still have high densities. The majority of anglers head for the upper river immediately below Clark Canyon Dam. The rainbow trout are normally measured in pounds there with ten pound fish a distinct possibility. Montana is a giant state, and trying to decide where to go hunting can be overwhelming. Located in Montana’s Northern Rockies, the City of Missoula is home to plenty of blue-ribbon trout fishing, kayaking adventures and nearby hiking trails. This classic freestone is close to Missoula. Once the river exits the National Forest, access becomes quite difficult with less than cooperative landowners. Callibaetis and midges are the main bugs here. The fish are a bit more willing here than on some other Montana Rivers. Fort Peck is one of the most popular fishing spots in Eastern Montana, but there are some other great waters worth exploring. Fall can arrive early in the Rockies, but warm Indian summers are also possible. You will find rainbow, brown, and a few cutthroat trout here. Although these are mostly all privately owned making access somewhat pricey, the fishing is worth the price of admission. Bass are generally found near some kind of cover - shady spots under weed beds, over-hanging trees, logs, brush, stumps, rocks and rocky points. The second largest of Montana’s cities is Missoula, the home to the sprawling campus of the University of Montana. For the lakes, make sure you bring callibaetis and trico patterns as well as some leech and crawfish patterns. This river is famous for its dry fly fishing so come prepared to sight fish to big trout. The river forms at Three Forks where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin River’s come together. Upstream of that, low flows due to irrigation can wreak havoc on the trout numbers. These gulpers are feeding on callibaetis mayflies as well as tricos depending on what’s hatching. Small nymphs and light tippets are the key to success here. Let’s take a look below at some of the many towns an angler must visit while in Montana. From huge Striped Bass in Boston Harbor to Quincy Bay’s famous Flounder fishery, Boston has great angling right on its doorstep. Once it enters Montana, it flows through Hebgen Lake. This area is called the “50 mile riffle,” and it’s nice and wide and shallow. Summer pale morning duns in size 14-16 along with evening caddis in 14-18 will keep the dry fly connoisseur happy all day. If you get the opportunity, make an effort to hit the salmonfly hatch here. There are lifetime’s of fly fishing opportunities within an hour of Bozeman, MT. Only a small sliver of Yellowstone National Park is actually in Montana. The Gallatin is another great trout river with its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park. Fort Peck is one of the most popular fishing spots in Eastern Montana, but there are some other great waters worth exploring. The Yellowstone cutthroat trout are plentiful here and will often rise to a well-presented dry fly. Also, keep an eye out for the grizzly bears that call the park home. Here’s a LINK to my store -> River Traditions, “This site is owned and operated by River Traditions LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Michigan, USA. Bring light rods, long leaders, and fine tippets for these educated trout. The famous $3 Bridge wade access is always crowded, but there is good reason. The trout grow large here. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! It’s open for fishing from November 15 to September 15, so you can try for your catch of the day almost anytime. A particularly good plan is to fish the lake in the morning until the winds pick up. Stay at the Holter Campground below the dam which offers a boat ramp to launch your boat. Green drakes in late June and July are a special treat as well. The fishing is good all year long here, though the summer months are the best and the most popular. It has information on individual local chapters and can be found here: There are many excellent fly shops across Montana. Plan to fish several days and make a trip of it. Missoula, Montana. The Madison is sometimes called the 50 Mile Riffle. Rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, and lake trout are all found in Yellowstone along with grayling and mountain whitefish if you know where to look. Even better, take a break during the heat of the day and fish the evening hatch once other anglers have left the river. Expect cutthroat and rainbow trout in the upper reaches with a transition towards rainbow and brown trout in the lower stretches of Rock Creek. That is because float fishing is not allowed on a majority of the Gallatin River so waders will have the river to themselves as far as the fishing is concerned. Situated on the Yellowstone River, it is only an hour by drive to Yellowstone National Park. The river contains rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout. The Nelson Reservoir, which is close to Malta, is full of perch and walleye as well as some lesser known species. To be able to float the Smith River, you have to enter a drawing for a permit and hope you get one. During summer, lunkers seek haven in the deeper, cooler waters, so the fishing is often better at night. Native Yellowstone cutthroat abound here and are normally easy to catch. The narrow stream presents its own challenges but plenty of fish make the effort worthwhile. The Best Places to Go Fishing Along the Florida Keys. So in no particular order, here are our picks for the best fishing cities to visit in the US this coming year. This is a textbook, boulder-strewn river with a bit of whitewater mixed in. If you are interested in local fishing clubs in Montana, check out the state’s Trout Unlimited page. Originally explored by Lewis and Clark, the Missouri River has a long history as a major gateway to the western United States. These streams make a great day trip if you are staying in Livingston or Gardner and fishing the Yellowstone River. These non-native fish have significantly affected the native cutthroat population and the Park Service goes to great lengths to remove as many lake trout as possible. The same goes for the spring creeks as well where three or four weight rods are best unless it is unbearably windy. This is one of the only places in Montana where it is legal to do so although there are some limitations. The big treat here is that you can also fish for bull trout. This river is not as pressured as some Montana waters although does get its fair share of anglers. The clear, cold water in the lakes and rivers is a perfect habitat for trout and other freshwater fish. Two Medicine Lakes at Glacier National Park holds a nice variety of brook trout and rainbow trout. Tricos in late summer into the fall bring some of the most technical fishing of the year on this trout stream. Montana is known for its beautiful National Parks Glacier Park and Yellowstone Park. Best Places to Fly Fish in Montana. However, once you arrive at this jewel and are blown away by the scenery, think about how nice it would be to fly fish in such amazing surroundings. Come prepared for true winter fishing conditions. Make sure and bring plenty of flies to match a variety of hatches. My buddy and I were on a weeklong camping trip to Yellowstone National Park. Backpacking or a horse pack trip is the best way to fish the South Fork of the Flathead. Not too small and not too big, this just right stream provides lots of access as it flows through many miles of National Forest land. All bull trout caught are strictly catch and release. In the 1980s, Ashley Lake yielded a state and world record hybrid rainbow-cutthroat trout. Early season fishing during the skwala hatch is particularly good. This is one of the best rivers in Montana for wading anglers. Salmonflies, golden stoneflies, and yellow sallies are found on many streams and rivers. Another of Montana’s world famous fly fishing destination rivers, the Bighorn begins in Wyoming before it flows north into Bighorn Lake. The Madison River begins in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon rivers. Consider streamer fishing on the upper Jefferson if you like targeting large brown trout in tight structure. Fishing to these risers out of a drift boat with callibaetis or trico imitations provides consistent action as long as the wind is not blowing too hard. You will also probably hook some large mountain whitefish if you choose to fish nymphs. The city’s downtown is also the arts and culture hub for the area, with a number of bookstores, concert venues, … Movoto Real Estate Group compiled a list and narrowed it down to 11 of Montana’s best towns to live in–their choices may, or may not, surprise you. Will you be doing any fishing this year? You can visit their website here: On their website, you can find information about fish stocking, regulations, and buy your fishing license. In fact, the Flathead National Forest might be one of the nation's best sleeper spots for trophy whitetails. Canyon Ferry Lake is the third largest lake in Montana, at 14,200 hectare. Head out to fish the Madison River for the afternoon. 2. The outdoor opportunities are endless, from fishing to hiking to biking and great parks it … Missoula and West Yellowstone are two … If you are planning on spending a lot of time on streams like the Gallatin or Rock Creek, a longer rod might be a good idea for the extra reach. The Big Hole River is also one of only a few places in Montana where you can catch native grayling. Known for jumbo sized brown trout, the Beaverhead is a surprisingly small river considering the size of the fish that live there. It provides a winter and summer habitat for many large rainbow and brown trout that move in and out of the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park to spawn. River Traditions LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com”, http://fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations/default.html?id=fishing#fishing, Bead Head Pheasant Tail Nymph, Size 14-20, Terrestrials such as beetles, hoppers, and ants, mid to late summer, Callibaetis, nymphs, emergers, duns and spinners, size 14-16, Trico, both duns and spinners, black and olive, size 20-26. Missoula used to be a hub for rail travel, and you can still see the historic and preserved railroad stations around town. Floating is another good way to enjoy this beautiful trout stream. The river provides epic fishing for native cutthroat trout along with some rainbows. Golden Stonefly Nymphs, June and July, size 4-6 By Field & Stream Online Editors. Rainbows become more common as you head downriver, especially as you enter Paradise Valley. As a tailwater, the Bighorn fishes very well on standard tailwater patterns. Wade into crystal clear lakes or pebble-filled trout streams. The state’s enlightened stream access laws are angler friendly making it easy to find a good place to fly fish. It can be overwhelming with all of the great options to decide where to spend your time if you only have a day or two to enjoy fly fishing in Bozeman. Learn more at: http://www.alwaystravelwithfishinggear.com/p/blog-page_2.html. They’re popular, easy to find, and beautiful. We are fortunate as anglers in Montana to be surrounded by some of the best fly fishing rivers in the world.From the famous tailwaters boasting trophy fish and some of the highest fish per mile counts in the country to our many freestone rivers filled with wild trout, Montana truly is the last best place for a fly fishing trip. Ever since that first magical trip, I always try to make time to fish some of the best water in Montana anytime I am close. The large rainbow and brown trout along with an occasional mountain whitefish will keep you entertained for days. Most of the snow from the previous winter has melted out and river flows are low even on a big water year. Browns will ravenously attack hoppers for most of the summer into early fall. The northeast corner of the Park is also a treat. The impeccably decorated and furnished bed and breakfast was officially opened in the middle of 2011. 1. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Located in the northwestern part of the state, near Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a … Head Hunters Fly Shop in Craig – http://www.headhuntersflyshop.comBlue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone – http://blue-ribbon-flies.comMadison River Fishing Company in Ennis – https://www.mrfc.comThe Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop in Missoula – https://grizzlyhackle.comSteinmetz Outfitters in Helena – https://steinmetzoutfitters.com/app/, A PERSONALIZED fly box make a perfect gift. But don’t get too attached to the fish you hook—it’s catch and release only. With the famed Madison River in Montana such a short drive away, we made certain that we took time to fish it. Standard attractor dry flies are often the best approach on this fine trout stream. Of course, the Yellowstone River within the National Park is a must fish. “ As former Alaskan fishing guide I would highly recommend Paul and all the crew at State of Mind Fishing Charters for an unforgettable fishing experience on Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana. The earthquake set off a huge landslide that dammed up the Madison River and created the lake. The sheer volume of incredible trout water guarantees that. Check out Rock Creek for great blue ribbon fishing. Wet a line in the most productive towns in the country. Because these are spring creeks, they are extremely nutrient rich. As with all large lake fishing, a fishing boat is pretty much a necessity, preferably one with a motor. 3) All you need to know about Montauk. The best fishing usually coincides with the worst weather in mid to late October. The scenery here is spectacular. Here are a few of the flies you shouldn’t leave home without. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Since this is often ambiguous, it is best to stay in the actual stream if you choose to fish through private water to avoid problems. Fishing huge dry flies among the standing dead trees can be epic. Many of the large trout in Ennis Lake migrate upstream to spawn. If you are looking for the famous Yellowstone cutthroat trout, keep your fishing closer to Gardner. For most of your fishing in Montana, a standard fast action nine foot five weight fly rod is best. The fishing can be pretty good as well. All those big lake fish head up into the Park waters starting in late summer. However, if you want to target those cruising gulpers, then a four weight might be best. That is really the point though. Because it is not close to other famous Montana waters, a trip to the Bighorn is a dedicated single destination trip unless you have an abundance of time. Located in the southwest portion of Montana, the Bitterroot River is conveniently located reasonably close to Missoula. Tucked down away in the south-west of Montana is the Park County city of Livingston. A float tube or canoe is probably best. Use streamers to target the brown trout in the river. Here, brown trout dominate and access is tough. Then the Bighorn is for you. Another lake located on the Madison River, Ennis lake also offers some great fly fishing. Bring a variety of leaders and tippet material. The low pressure can also be attributed to the more remote nature of this river. But, if you’re not into river fishing, other bodies of water, like Lake McDonald, are filled with very healthy populations of cutthroat and some very large lake trout. Fish rose until we couldn’t see anymore. Where to Fly Fish in Bozeman, MT. That said, it can provide memorable fishing opportunities if you take the time to fish it. This makes it ideal for fly anglers. If it is windy and you are fishing big water, a six weight might be a good idea to bring as well. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, or just lounging on the shores with a picnic, the perfect lake is never far away when you live in Montana. Leeches and crawfish patterns fished on sinking lines are best if you want to get down where the big trout are. Rainbow trout are the main quarry on the Bitterroot although some cutthroat and brown trout can be found as well. This river holds an incredible 6,000 fish per mile, many of which are 20 inches of longer. Looking to catch good numbers of trout? Top 10 Places to Retire in the USA for fishing. Though they’re a less common catch, you could also end up with a cutthroat. The fish are quite spooky at times and so the ability to have a lighter presentation is ideal. Many grizzly bears call the wilderness home so take appropriate bear precautions. A boat is the best way to fish this lake although some of the shoreline is accessible. With good hatches, the dry fly angler will particularly enjoy this river. The Jefferson River is one of the three main tributaries of the mighty Missouri River and also happens to be the least fished. The only natural lake on the Madison River, Quake Lake was formed by a strong earthquake in 1959. Bozeman is located in the southwestern part of Montana and is a great place for those seeking clean, fresh air... Whitefish. Stay in Cooke City Montana and make the short drive into the Lamar Valley. One of the most popular lakes in Glacier National Park also happens to be a great fishing spot. Don’t forget some spruce moth patterns as they are particularly plentiful on the Gallatin. Try night time mousing for huge rainbow and brown trout with guide Bryan Allison. There’s an abundance of trout in this river, and the summer dry fly fishing is excellent. It also happens to be the longest free flowing river in the contiguous United States. If there was only one place to recommend fishing in Montana, that would be Yellowstone River. A nearby option that runs under the radar is the Blackfoot tribal lands on the east side of Glacier National Park. The following are the best of the best, but don’t forget to get off the beaten path and find those hidden gems as well. Twelve to fifteen foot leaders ending in 5x tippet is typical on several of these waters. As with most cutthroat trout, standard attractor dry flies from size 8-16 are best. The rainbow and brown trout here can grow to large sizes. Thank you! The Nelson Reservoir, which is close to Malta, is full of perch and walleye as well as some lesser known species. Best Montana Fly Fishing Rivers. On the lakes, sinking line will help in the deeper water. 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Probably the best section is closer to Missoula below where Rock Creek and the Blackfoot River adds cool water into the river during the heat of summer. Cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout make up the majority of the catch on this river. When these fish are in Hebgen, they provide opportunities for sight fishing cruising risers on calm days. Most of Montana’s best trout streams eventually find their way to the Missouri. If you are one of the lucky few, then you get the privilege of a multiday float trip through some of the most beautiful scenery around. While the park stretch is well worth exploring, the best fishing in Montana occurs further downstream. Below its junction with the East Fork of the Gallatin, float fishing is allowed. Where better to kick off the list than one of the nation’s oldest and largest port cities? We recommend serious anglers stick to the Madison or Grayling arms of the lake. The next morning, we returned and changed tactics. If you love rainbow trout, you’ll love Duck Lake. From half-day to multi-day trips, you can find countless ways to spend a week on the waters of Montana. This upper section is like a giant spring creek. The Gallatin is a fast flowing river with a high gradient. Check. It is probably the best fishing of the year. Pale morning duns size 14 and 16 hatch on most Montana rivers and streams. The landscapes, besides being stunningly beautiful, are relatively undeveloped - the nation’s fourth-largest state only has a population of 800,000. Check out the lakes there for potentially enormous trout. Montana: What You Need To Know Living in Montana gives residents access to some of the best trout fishing in the country, massive mountains and wide open prairies. As boat traffic can be heavy in other areas of the lake. The best way to find success on this river is to hire a guide and float. Access is difficult but the fishing can be good to excellent for adventuresome anglers. The banks are generally overgrown and impossible to navigate. Most of the best lake fishing east of the continental divide in Montana is located in the various reservoirs created by dams. Montana may well be the very best state for the fly angler. The run gets stronger as you get deeper into fall. Some of the best places to live in Montana include Billings, Bozeman and Missoula. The Park itself could keep a fly angler busy for the rest of their life. Written by Brad Lane Nov 28, 2019. While there are many great places to fly fish on the Missouri River, some of the best fishing is in the stretch below Holter Dam. Nights are becoming longer and temperatures staA description of the fly fishing, weather and hatches and angler can expect in Montana for the month of September. The history of fishing the Clark Fork River is one of a dead river due to runoff of mining waste. The first day was tough as it can often be on new water, but the evening hatch more than made up for it. The short tailwater below the lake is excellent, but our favorite fishing is downstream of Quake Lake. More Fishing. Streamers can also sometimes attract those big browns. 8. Thankfully, this issue has largely been addressed through ongoing Superfund cleanup efforts and the river is being revived. Don’t plan your 2016 fishing treks without exploring this book. Because the river flows through wilderness, you will have to walk to get to the stream. If you are dry fly fishing, then you will probably want long leaders on many rivers and lakes. Boston, MA. Montana is home to some of the best fly fishing rivers, spring creeks and lakes on Earth. A boat or float tube is ideal to get you out to where the fish are. Brown drakes can also be found hatching about the same time. The amazing diversity of wild trout waters ensures that there is destination to match nearly all interest and skill levels. January 9, 2008. For campsites with a view, the best campgrounds in Montana are within eyesight of glacial lakes, snowy mountains, and trout-filled rivers, nestling into the many state parks, national forests, and special places across the state. The Gallatin is great for beginners, especially from June through August. Angling pressure is lower here which probably helps. If you’re a lucky lottery winner, you’ll be catching brown and rainbow trout that average 14-16 inches long. Their willingness to attack dry flies is what makes the cutthroat an angler favorite. Bull trout can be found, but most of the fishing here is for native cutthroat trout. Whitefish are also present as in most Montana rivers. History lovers might also want to check out the iconic Caras Park Carousel, the Missoula Art Museum and the iconic Roxy Theater. Evening caddis and mayfly spinner falls in the summer are worth staying out late for. Terrestrial fishing in mid to late summer can be awesome. That’s close enough for us though.

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