GALLATIN RIVER FISHING REPORT

Wild Trout Outfitters January 2, 2024 Fishing Report

The weather in South West Montana (BIG SKY)  this winter has been good for fishing. For the people here to play in the snow not so good. Below average snowfall in the Gallatin mountain range so far this winter has our snow pack at 60%.   (their is still over 4  month’s of winter to go) . The days are starting to get longer . Warmer temperatures allow  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 this part of the winter for the most part. Drift boat trips on the lower Madison and parts of the upper Madison starting in April / most years.  The down side to a float trip in the winter months is once you shove off , you are committed to fish the stretch. Even if you are cold.

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 be most productive. I have been using some atractor patterns in front of the midge and baetis patterns. Purpled JuJU # 18, Yellow Robbin # 16, King Prince # 12, Rainbow Warrior, RED and Pearl # 16, Copper John Yellow #16.

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.

Wild Trout Outfitters Fly Fishing Report 1-2-2024

Dries:

#18-20, Adams #16-20, Parachute Adams #16-20, Purple Haze #16- 18

Nymphs:

Purple JuJu # 18. Green Machine, Black #18 ,Green Machine, Red #18. Pheasant Tail #16-20. Lightning Bug #16-18, CDC Emerger #14-18 . Serendipity (Red/Crystal) #16-18, Zebra Midge (Black/Red Ass) #16-20. Pat’s rubber legs coffee/black#10,

Streamers:

Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6, Corey’s Grinch #6. Barely legal white olive#6 . 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

Fishing on the Madison River has been consistent

Below average snowfall in the Madison drainage so far this winter has our snow pack at 64%. Fishing on the Madison River has been consistent . 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:

Purple JuJu #18, Muskrat Love #18,  Pheasant Tail #16-18, Soft-Hackle Lightning Bug #16-18,.Lightning Bug #16-18, Hogan’s S&;M #18, Transitional Dun #16-18.

Streamers:

Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6. Home Invader #2-6, Olive Sculpin#6. Be sure to have an array of colors represented in your streamer box. Including white, yellow, olive, natural/tan, and Especially black.

Wild Trout Outfitters Fly Fishing Report 1-2-2024

YELLOWSTONE RIVER FISHING REPORT

The Yellowstone river will come into play when winter starts to turn into spring.

Below average snowfall in the Upper Yellowstone drainage so far this winter has our snow pack at 63%. 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 4 o’clock or sooner (depending on the float) right now so the full day float option is not for everyone.

Sculpin eating stone fly nymph on the Gallatin River

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:

Sparkle Minnow #4-6, Bow River Bugger #4-6. Home Invader #2-6, McCune’s Sculpin#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

Yellowstone National Park is closed for fishing until the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. This year that day is May 25, 2024.

Give us a call (800-423-4742) to discuss planning your own trip to fish Yellowstone National Park this spring,summer or fall.

Wild Trout Outfitters Fly Fishing Report March 1, 2022 Winter Rainbow Trout In Montana Wild Trout Outfitters May 9, 2024 Fishing Report