Southwestern Montana
SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA
ReportFrom the no-boating section down to Ennis Lake, terrestrial insect patterns work best during daytime hours, with caddis life cycle patterns taking over as best during evenings. Early in the day, try BWO life cycle patterns, then transition to caddis life cycle patterns later.
Rain showers have discolored the water slightly in the Gallatin and Madison Rivers from time to time. When discoloration occurs, switch to nymphing. Otherwise, stay dry using terrestrial insect patterns.
The river between Hebgen Lake and the Yellowstone Park boundary remains on a Hoot Owl restriction. Check the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website to find all Hoot Owl locations.
Gulpers on Hebgen Lake's Madison Arm provide some of the best fly fishing in the area. Tricos now make up the bulk of hatching mayflies, with some Callibaetis also active — all of which are attracting gulpers.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrials (hoppers, ants) | #10–16 | High | Midday through afternoon |
| Caddis (life cycle) | #18–20 | High | Evening |
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) | #20–22 | Moderate | Early morning |
| Trico | #22–24 | High | Morning (Hebgen Lake Madison Arm) |
| Callibaetis | #16–18 | Moderate | Morning to midday (Hebgen Lake Madison Arm) |
- EARLY MORNING (dawn–9am): BWO life cycle dry fly patterns on the rivers; Trico and Callibaetis gulpers beginning on Hebgen Lake's Madison Arm
- MIDDAY–AFTERNOON (9am–5pm): Terrestrial patterns (hoppers, ants) on the Madison from the no-boating section to Ennis Lake; switch to nymphs if rain discolors the water
- EVENING (5pm–dark): Caddis life cycle patterns take over as the top dry fly choice on the Madison and Gallatin
