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
11-3 The lower is traditionally a very good fall river and this year has been no exception. Some anglers have had very good streamer fishing while others have been nymphing up some nice fish as well .Dry fly fishing has been nonexistent .The fish in the lower tend to stack up a bit in the cooler months so if you catch one there may be quite a few in that spot. There are a lot of fish spawning in the canyon so watch where you step . There are not many hatches going on rite now , so fishing an attractor is a good idea . Eggs and worms work well with a small bead head fallowing behind .
Recommended Fly Patterns
Nymphs:
Tailwater Tiny, Black or Red Copper John, Red Headed Stepchild, SJ Worm, Bubbleback Pheasant Tail, Otter's Soft Milking Egg
Streamers:
Clouser crayfish, big horn bugger, JJ special, brown bugger, Crazy Dad Crawfish.
Dries: Para Variant, Para Adams, BWO Parawulff
Lower Madison River Flows
Below Ennis Lake:
Average Flow: 1870 cfs
Current Flow: 1280 cfs
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Lower Madison Water Contacts
River-Gal Shuttle Service
Bonnie 406-685-3500
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
11-3 The upper is a very good late season option ,there has been a lot of fish between the lakes taking everything from eggs to streamers .The Madison valley section is another good fall stretch of river .In the fall the crowds are gone and just the hardcore guys are fishing Streamer fishing is great with large articulated sculpin patterns .There is some dry fly fishing although it's not very consistent .The nymphing has been good with worms, eggs and small midge nymphs .Another bonus to fishing the late season on the upper is the reduced water flows (if your wading).
Recommended Fly Patterns
Nymphs:
Brown/yellow rubberlegs, Black/Orange Crystal Rubberleg, Bubbleback Pheasant Tail, Lightning Bug Black, Pearl Spitfire
Streamers:
Olive and White Zonker, Kiwi Mudler,
Black Bugger, Silveys sculpin leech.
Dries:
Para Adams, CDC Lowrider Olive, H & L Variant, Ride-Right BWO.
Upper Madison River Flows
Kirby Ranch:
Average Flow: 1180 cfs
Current Flow: 673 cfs
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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
10/25 The fishing has been typical fall fishing on the yellowstone.It seems like every other day is a good day. When its good fish have been eating streamer well.There are a few fish eating dries in the foam pockets. The bugger bead combo is a hard one to beat this time of year.If the fishing is tough a double bead combo is a good choice.
Recommended Fly Patterns
Streamers:
Olive & White & Natural Zonker, Olive Wooly Bugger, Conehead Superflash Black, Heavy Metal Sculpin.
Dries:
Para Wulff BWO, Royal Wulff, Para Variant, CDC Baetis Emerger.
Nymphs:
Rubberlegs Brown/Coffee, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail, CDC Bubbleback Olive, Lightning Bug Black
Yellowstone River Flows
Corwin Springs:
Average Flow: 1500 cfs
Current Flow: 1220 cfs
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Livingston:
Average Flow: 2010 cfs
Current Flow: 1660 cfs
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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
10-31 With the nice weather we have had for the past week the fishing has been great. Although the dry fly fishing has been pretty good here and there most anglers are focusing their attention on streamer fishing .The streamer fishing is great this time of year On most stretches of the river .The lower stretches of river are a popular spot for streamer fisherman to target due to the chance for a larger than average fish. Nymphing with an egg fallowed by a midge or a small mayfly nymph.
Recommended Fly Patterns
Nymphs:
Explosion Stone Purple, Double Bead Stone Hares Ear, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Black Copper John, and Master Baetis.
Streamers:
Black Bugger,Copper Zonker,White Bow River Bugger,Jrs Ch stramer black.
Dries:
Royal Wulff, H & L Variant, Para Adams, Para Wulff BWO.
Gallatin River Flows
Gallatin Gateway:
Average Flow: 438 cfs
Current Flow: 388 cfs
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Gallatin Water Contacts
Please contact us for more information 406.586.5373