WILD TROUT OUTFITTERS – MAY 20, 2026, FISHING REPORT
GALLATIN RIVER FISHING REPORT
Current Conditions
The Gallatin River is in active runoff, with high, fast, off‑color flows below Taylor Fork and better clarity in the upper canyon. Daily melt cycles are driving fluctuations, but the river remains fishable in select stretches, especially above the Taylor Fork confluence.
Best window: Late morning through mid‑afternoon once temps stabilize.
Nymphs
Pat’s Rubber Legs #6–10 San Juan Worm (red/pink) #10–12 Mega Prince #8 Caddis Pupa #14–16 Perdigons #14–16 CDC Pheasant Tail #16–18
Streamers
Sculpin patterns #4–8 (olive, black, yellow) Bow River Bugger #4–6 Sparkle Minnow #4–6
Outlook
Runoff is here, but not fully peaked. Expect: • Best clarity above Taylor Fork • Soft edges and inside bends producing • Worms + stoneflies dominating • Streamers good on cloudy days
The Gallatin will remain day‑to‑day until flows drop in early June.
UPPER MADISON RIVER FISHING REPORT
Current Conditions
Flow: ~894 CFS (Cameron gauge) Clarity: Good with light spring tint Water Temps: Upper 40s → low 50s by afternoon
The Upper Madison is in excellent late‑spring shape. Stable flows, good visibility, and active fish make this the most consistent option in the region right now.
Nymphs
Pat’s Rubber Legs #8–12 Pheasant Tail #12–16 $3 Dip #16–18 Zebra Midge #18–20 Perdigons #16–18 Shop Vac #16
Dries
BWO Parachute #16–18 March Brown #14–16 X‑Caddis #14–16 Elk Hair Caddis #14–16
Streamers
Sparkle Minnow #4–6 Mini Sex Dungeon #6 Home Invader #4 Leeches (black/olive) #6–8
Outlook
• Best fishing 10 a.m.–4 p.m. • Stonefly nymphs migrating — big trout tight to banks • Caddis building daily • Streamer bite strong on cloud cover
The Upper Madison is the top choice for May 20.
LOWER MADISON RIVER FISHING REPORT
Current Conditions
Flows in the 1200–1300 CFS range with water temps in the low–mid 50s. Classic May conditions with caddis, BWOs, and early PMDs.
Nymphs
Caddis Pupa #14–16 Baetis Nymph #16–18 Perdigons #14–18 Red Neck #16 Firestarter #16
Dries
Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 BWO Parachute #16–18 Small Chubby #14–16 (dry‑dropper)
Streamers
Small leeches #6–8 Bow River Bugger #6
Outlook
Warm water + active bugs = excellent afternoon/evening fishing. Expect strong caddis activity on calm days.
YELLOWSTONE RIVER FISHING REPORT
Current Conditions
The Yellowstone is in full runoff. High, brown, and unfishable in most stretches.
Patterns to Prep for Post‑Runoff
Dries: Chubby Chernobyl #8–10 Stimulator #10–14 Elk Hair Caddis #14–16 Purple Haze #14–18
Nymphs: Rubber Legs #8 Mega Prince #8 Pheasant Tail #16–18 Lightning Bug #16–18
Streamers: Sex Dungeon #4 Circus Peanut #4 Sparkle Minnow #4–6
Outlook
Expect the Yellowstone to remain blown out until mid‑June.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK FISHING REPORT
(Opens May 25, 2026)
FIREHOLE RIVER
Current Conditions
Thermal influence keeps the Firehole warm and fishable early. Expect strong hatches and excellent action right out of the gate.
Flies
BWO #16–18 PMD #16–18 Soft Hackles (Partridge & Orange, Partridge & Yellow) #14–16 X‑Caddis #14–16
Outlook
One of the best opening‑week fisheries in the Park. Swing soft hackles in riffles and runs.
GIBBON RIVER
Current Conditions
Variable clarity depending on snowmelt. Some stretches fish well early; others run high.
Flies
Soft Hackles #14–16 Pheasant Tail #16–18 Small Attractors #12–16
Outlook
Hit‑or‑miss but worth checking on cooler days.
MADISON RIVER (INSIDE YNP)
Current Conditions
Classic early‑season fishing with caddis, BWOs, and soft‑hackle action.
Flies
Soft Hackle PT #14–16 X‑Caddis #14–16 BWO Parachute #16–18 Baetis Emerger #16–20
Outlook
Consistent early‑season producer. Great option for opening week.
SNOWPACK & RUNOFF OUTLOOK
Southwest Montana snowpack (NRCS SNOTEL): • Madison Basin: ~45% of median • Gallatin Basin: 25–60% of median
Low snowpack = • Earlier, shorter runoff • Earlier clearing on Madison • Potential low/ warm water later summer
BOOK A TRIP
Spring runoff changes fast — clarity, flows, and wind shift daily. Our guides are on the water every day and know where the best windows are.
Wild Trout Outfitters Big Sky, Montana 406‑995‑2975
