Southwestern Montana
SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA
ReportTerrestrial insect patterns work best during daytime hours, with caddis life cycle patterns taking over as best during evenings. Rain showers have discolored the water slightly in the Gallatin — especially below the Taylor Fork confluence — and the Madison Rivers from time to time. When discoloration occurs, switch to nymphing. Otherwise, stay dry using terrestrial insect patterns; early in the day, try BWO life cycle and trico 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 are declining.
Brown and rainbow trout are migrating from Hebgen Lake into the Madison River within Yellowstone Park. Streamer fishing early in the day is the best strategy for encountering these trout.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrials (Hoppers & Ants) | #10–16 | High | Midday through afternoon |
| Caddis (adult & life cycle) | #18–20 | High | Evening |
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) | #20–22 | Moderate | Early morning |
| Trico | #20–24 | Moderate | Early morning |
- FIRST LIGHT TO MID-MORNING: Streamer fish for migrating browns and rainbows on the Madison inside Yellowstone Park; also work BWO and trico dry flies on rising fish
- MIDDAY TO LATE AFTERNOON: Terrestrial patterns (hoppers and ants) are the top producers on clear-water stretches of the Gallatin and Madison; switch to nymphs if rain showers discolor the water
- EVENING: Caddis life cycle patterns take over as the best approach — focus on the Madison and Gallatin during the evening hatch window
