The Gallatin River stream flow today is 1,000 c.f.s. at Gallatin Gateway, that is the highest flow on record for today’s date.

Recent warm weather and the associated low-elevation snow melt has had the Gallatin River on the rise over the past few days. The river’s volume has nearly doubled in that time, peaking at more than 1,000 cfs today at Gallatin Gateway. As a result the river is muddy, with just a few inches of visibility throughout most of the river. Anglers will find improved clarity above the mouth of the Taylor Fork.

These conditions are not unusual for mid-April, and are often followed by a short window of improved clarity and excellent fishing prior to the onset of full runoff. In fact the short-term forecast for southwest Montana is calling for cooler temperatures in the coming days, and perhaps improved river conditions. Water clarity will be day to day from now until runoff hits – call the shop for current conditions and be sure to stop by for the best selection of proven patterns. Wild Trout Outfitters is your Gallatin River fly shop.

Regardless of water conditions, keep in mind that the fish still have to eat. If you arrive to find the river muddy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t have a productive day of fishing. Our top guides prove this time and time again. Stonefly nymphs, worms, and eggs have been producing and will continue to do so through runoff. Baetis nymphs, emergers, and duns will be of importance during periods of improved water clarity over the next couple of weeks. As for where to look… focus on the soft water – think inside bends, eddy lines, and structure along banks.

The Madison is flowing at 1,210 c.f.s. at the Kirby Ranch ( just above the West Fork ) this is 216 c.f.s. above the 25 year average for this time of the year.

The upper Madison is fishing very well. Unlike our area freestones, the Madison is fairly immune to any runoff this early in the season. The river has been seeing moderate fishing pressure and anglers are spread out all the way from Ennis Lake to Quake Lake. April is an excellent time to experience the Madison with relatively light crowds and good fishing.

Midge hatches are still going strong and baetis have been increasingly important on calm, overcast afternoons. The best dry fly fishing has been occurring from the West Fork to The Slide. Nymphs are accounting for the bulk of the catch with stoneflies and baetis being good bets on any given day and of course worms, eggs and the like are taking more than their fair share of fish. The streamer bite has been hit or miss, with mid-afternoon providing the best action. Dead-drifting smaller streamer patterns has been productive at times, try patterns such as Bow River Buggers, Sparkle Minnows, and Zonkers trailed by a San Juan Worm or #18 Pheasant Tail.

The Madison will continue to be our most consistent fishery over the next couple of months as we enter runoff. Our guides are out daily and their calendars are filling quickly – give us a call or drop us a line to secure your date.

The Yellowstone River is on the rise at 3,720 c.f.s. near Livingston, and that is 1,960  c.f.s. above the 90 year average.

Much like the Gallatin, the Yellowstone River is on the rise and is off color. With well under a foot of visibility this probably isn’t the best option for most folks right now. That said, anglers looking to swing for the fence just might connect with a giant brown sitting in three feet of water along the bank. Reduced water clarity tends to embolden even the biggest, wariest fish in the river. But the more likely scenario is a thorough skunking and a sore shoulder from casting a streamer all day. Expectations are that the river will stabilize and clear prior to full runoff, with many anglers hoping for a fishable Mother’s Day caddis hatch – there have already been sporadic reports of a few caddis bouncing around in Paradise Valley.