GALLATIN RIVER FISHING REPORT
The weather in South West Montana (BIG SKY) this winter has been very good for the people here to play in the snow. Above average snowfall in the Gallatin mountain range so far this winter has our snow pack at 124%. So that’s pretty good for this time of year, (their is still a month and a half of winter to go) . That’s nothing but good news for us and Mr Fish as well.
Montana’s spring conditions usually start to settle in and the rivers fish better and better. Mid-March and April the days are getting longer and warmer making water temps rise which brings the River to life. More hatches and food for Mr Fish. For the Fly Fisherman this means Nymphing for the most part . The dry fly action can be HIT or miss depending on the day. The pre spring runoff streamer bite really starts to ramp up in Mid-March and April.We offer Walk Wade trips during the winter most of the time , drift boat trips are still available. The lower Madison and parts of the upper Madison start to open up. The Yellowstone river can also come into play as winter starts to turn into spring. The down side to the float trip is once you shove off , you are committed to fish the stretch, even if you are cold. The river’s start to get shade by 5 o’clock or sooner (depending on the float) right now so the full day float option is not for everyone.
The Gallatin has been fishing very well, you want to stay with your smaller bugs right now. Your favorite midge pattern in a variety of colors will do most of the damage. I have been using some atractor patterns in front of the midge and baetis patterns. Purpled death # 14 & 16, Yellow Robbin # 16, King Prince # 12, Rainbow Warrior, RED and Pearl # 16, Copper John Yellow #16.
So if you’re here on a ski trip and you want to give your legs a break for a day. Try some winter fly fishing with Wild Trout Outfitters. We have all the equipment and the gear to make it comfortable and enjoyable.Be sure to give us a call or stop by the shop if you’re interested in booking a winter fly fishing trip with some of the top guides in Montana.
Dries: #18-20, Adams #18-20, Parachute Adams #18-20, Purple Haze #18-20
Nymphs: Pat’s rubber legs coffee/black#10, Purple death#14 & #16. Little Green Machine, Grey #18 , Pheasant Tail #16-20, Lightning Bug #16-18, CDC Emerger #14-18, Shop Vac #16-18, Serendipity (Red/Crystal) #16-18, Zebra Midge (Black/Red Ass) #16-20
Streamers: Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6, Home Invader #2-6, McCune’s Sculpin#4, Gonga #4. Be sure to have an array of colors represented in your streamer box including: white, yellow, olive, natural/tan, and black.
UPPER MADISON FISHING REPORT
Above average snowfall in the Madison drainage so far this winter has our snow pack at 125%. Fishing on the Madison River has been excellent, if you like to catch fish this is the place to hit a home run.The water around Raynolds Pass Bridge is getting a work out with people fishing there almost every day, so have a plan B to fall back on. Expect to see lot’s of Midge activity and trout eating on the surface on most days. The nymph fishing is even better, using all the regular Midge patterns, attractor patterns , and small rubber leg stone fly patterns.
So if you are on a ski trip and need your Fly Fishing FIX we can make it happen, just pick up the phone and call Wild Trout Outfitters and we will do what we do best (PUT PEOPLE ON FISH). Don’t forget to pinch your barbs down and practice catch and release, just love them and leave them in the river.
Dries: Adams #18 and #20, Parachute Adams #18-20, Purple Haze #18-20
Nymphs: Pats’ Rubber Legs #10, Purple Death # 16, Pheasant Tail #16-18, Soft-Hackle Lightning Bug #16-18, Lightning Bug #16-18, Shop Vac #16-18, Yellow Robbin # 16 and 18,, Hogan’s S&;M #18, Transitional Dun #16-18.
Streamers: Sex Dungeon #4, Circus Peanut #4, Barely Legal, Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6. Home Invader #2-6, McCune’s Sculpin#4, Gonga #4. Be sure to have an array of colors represented in your streamer box. Including white, yellow, olive, natural/tan, and E specially black.
YELLOWSTONE RIVER FISHING REPORT
The Yellowstone river has come into play as winter starts to turn into spring. Above average snowfall in the Upper Yellowstone drainage so far this winter has our snow pack at 118%. If you’re going to Float fish the Yellowstone River please be careful and make sure the boat ramps and the river is passable in between . The down side to the float trip is once you shove off , you are committed to fish the stretch, even if you are cold. The river’s start to get shade by 5 o’clock or sooner (depending on the float) right now so the full day float option is not for everyone.
Yellowstone National Park is closed for fishing Intel the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. This year that day is May 25, 2019.
Give us a call (800-423-4742) to discuss planning your own trip to fish Yellowstone National Park this spring,summer or fall.
Dries: #18-20, Adams #18-20, Parachute Adams #18-20, Purple Haze #18-20. Griffith’s Gnat #18 and #20, Midge#18 & #20 . Midge Cluster #16.
Nymphs: Pats’ Rubber Legs #10, Prince #12, CDC Pheasant Tail #16-18, Pheasant Tail #16-18. Lightning Bug #16-18, Copper John #14-16, CDC Emerger #14-18, Shop Vac #16, Serendipity (Crystal) #16-18.
Streamers: Sex Dungeon #4, Circus Peanut #4, Barely Legal, Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6. Home Invader #2-6, McCune’s Sculpin#4, Gonga #4. Be sure to have an array of colors represented in your streamer box. Including white, yellow, olive, natural/tan, and black.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK FISHING REPORT
Yellowstone National Park is closed for fishing Intel the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. This year that day is May 25, 2019.
Give us a call (800-423-4742) to discuss planning your own trip to fish Yellowstone National Park this spring,summer or fall.
Dries: Yellowstone Park is closed for fishing until the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend
Nymphs: Yellowstone Park is closed for fishing until the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend
