Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation 11.2.22

Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation 11.2.22
By angelamontana

Posted: November 2, 2022

Please let us know if you would like to see your weekly fishing report included in this Montana fishing report compilation by emailing your report to us before the end of the day on Tuesday of each week here along with your business website/email address.

Please check the fishing regulations before fishing.

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Hell Creek Recreation Information (November 2, 2022)

Click here: www.HellCreekRecreation.com

Lake Elmo Fishing Infomration via FWP (November 1, 2022)

Seventy-five tiger muskies have been stocked in Lake Elmo. The fish were raised at the Miles City Fish Hatchery and range in length from 6-12 inches.

Tiger muskies are a sterile hybrid between Northern pike and muskellunge. These fish will provide a unique angling opportunity in a popular urban fishery, and serve as a biological control for species like suckers and carp. Tiger muskies are aggressive fish eaters, and can be very effective at controlling nongame fish species.

A variety of other sportfish were stocked in Lake Elmo this spring. As a reminder, you can only keep tiger muskies that are at least 40 inches in length!

For more info on Lake Elmo, please visit: https://myfwp.mt.gov/fishMT/waterbody/searchByID…

Cooney State Park Information via FWP (November 2, 2022)

Click here: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/cooney

Hauser Fishing Report by FWP (October 31, 2022)

The rainbow bite has been great, and fish are being caught from the Causeway Bridge and Riverside Campground while using wooly buggers, rapalas or nightcrawlers with a marshmallow. Trolling various crankbaits near York Bridge is also producing some nice rainbows. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Yellowstone River East of Billings Fishing Report via MT Fishing Addicts 2.0 (October 28, 2022)

Brandon S.: Night crawlers are always money or spinners.

Derek H.: Crawlers or cut bait will always get something to bite

Bitterroot River Fishing Report via Blackfoot River Outfitters: 3/5 (October 27, 2022)

BRO’s Tips of the Week:Wet and cold weather will be the norm through next week. You’ll be colder on the water, but cloud cover and precipitation can bring out better BWO and Mahogany action. Think dries and streamers for these last weeks of fall, and try occasional casts into shallower water in addition to the deep runs.

*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot.

7 Day Outlook:

Expect clouds, scattered rain showers, and snow next week. Highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s through next week will keep the water cold. Sleep in a bit and fish the river during the warmer part of the day. If you are floating please use extreme caution. This river changes rapidly and is known for producing fatal log jams. Give us a call for an updated obstruction report.

*There are currently several obstructions on the Bitterroot.

On the West Fork, take the left channel near High Bank – even though flows on the left are low, the right channel is impassible.

Darby-Wally: one big sweeper down just below Lone Pine requires a drag to the right on the Darby-Wally float. As of today, 7/29, there is also a tree blocking the river near the cliffs above Wally.

Wally-Anglers: flows over Sleeping Child dam are extremely low, producing dangerous conditions and a high chance of getting stuck.

More wood down around the Blodgett Park area will also require careful scouting and some possible dragging.

Veterans Bridge-Woodside: take the left channel below the bridge, as the right channel is blocked and requires a portage.

Tucker-Bell is currently un-floatable. Many blockages and portages in here. It’s not worth it.

Bell-Stevi: One new tree is down half a mile below Bell. Another tree about one mile downstream of Bell Crossing has already sunk one drift boat and will require staying far river left and doing a long drag. Lastly, one new tree is down as ¾ through the Stevi-Florence float. It is across the river and will require a drag to get around.

Our Recommendations for the Best Techniques and Patterns:

Look for Mahoganies, BWOs, and sporadic October Caddis to comprise the main dry fly action on these overcast and stormy days. Carry an assortment with the Sparkle Dun Mahogany, Booty’s DL Cripple, and Brindle Chute in size 14-16 along with the Rusty Plan B, Elk Hair Caddis #12, and a Parachute BWO #18.

For droppers, the Jig Pheasant Tail #14 and Frenchie will work for Mahogany nymphs, and an Olive Spanish Bullet, Perdigon, or Mic Drop Olive will work well for BWOs under the surface.

Nymphing is still a good option in deeper runs and on colder mornings. TJ Hookers, the Hot Bead San Juan, Two-Bit Hooker Mahogany, Prince Nymphs, Duracells, Spanish Bullets or Perdigons in #12-16 should all get eats.

Streamer fishing is still good out there, too. Flashier patterns like Precious Metals, Skittish Smolt, and Kreelex are getting chases, and the Peanut Envy, Dungeons, and Buggers will be good as we get more cloud cover.

See our staff pick fly selection here!

Goings on at World Headquarters in Missoula:

The new Online Store is live! Check it out!

Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs. WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR BRAND NEW LOCATION AT 275 N. RUSSELL STREET IN MISSOULA.

Missouri River Fly Fishing Report by Headhunters Fly Shop (October 31, 2022)

Flows 3000cfs. We like it higher. May be at this level for the winter months, into the spring.

Water Temps 51.5F. We’d like to see it stay in the current state above 50’s range for a while. Trout love 53F-57F.

Angler level 1-10. About a 2 midweek. About a 7, weekends. The wind will keep them off. The wind will keep me off, on my off days. Working? Gotta go, row for the dough, net for the show.

Nymphers: Sows. Smaller BWO patterns. No weight. Skinny waters. The fish will move into deeper home sites as the fall turns to winter as the rain turns to snow. Until then take advantage of the short leash. Soon, too soon, we will add the split back not he line. Although the shallow waters for the winter ahead will keep us relatively short. But the deep buckets will come in play at some point. Just, not yet.

A mediocre dry fly game overall. Totally localized. Passed a couple good groups of trout rising the other day falling for the age old mistake of heading to a better spot! A crucial mistake! Man, I thought I was out of that world. But, nope. Fell for it again! Bad SOL! Bad.

If you stop and fish as opposed to passing them up, fish a cripple. You could fish several other patterns first, but why not try the best first? Swing a soft hackle in there as well. Single or double handed.

Swingers are swinging. Soft hackles in runs. The grey skies will do wonders for that sorta bite. Target them in the thinnest of arenas. Unweighted leeches will bring a few to hand as well. Scandi is king for the near future. Reserve the Skagit game for shorter days ahead.

Strippers be stripping. Light lines and flashy flies. What a nice time to be out there fishing the Missouri River. The week ahead looks quite attractive sans wind. The wind icon is displayed piminantly in the weather forecast. Not good. High winds make it difficult for most.

Izaaks open through the 12th of November Wednesday thru Sunday!

Lodging available right here in downtown Craig @ Craig Trout Camp.. Come for a mid fall visit.

Open daily 8am til about 5pm. As always call ahead if you have any special needs.

Gallatin River Fishing Report via Montana Troutfitters (October 26, 2022)

The Gallatin in the Canyon is fishing great. Baetis and midges will be your main hatch to match. October Caddis are out and about as well. We have all been running foam attractors and chubbies as indicator flies. Behind that we have been fishing various small flashy nymphs, perdigons, hare’s ears, prince nymphs and stoneflies. If you want to go dry or die, fish a chubby as your top fly and a sz 18-22 parachute bwo as your dropper. Bigger fish are starting to show up in the lower sections as well. Bigger white streamers immitate the spawning whitefish and sucker minnows well. Small natural streamers such as a Sculpzilla, bellyache or McCunes have been working great for us as well.

Chancy and Dave’s Fish Camp Fishing Report (October 24, 2022)

-No new report-

Flathead River- Lake white fish starting to show up. Try small craws and tubes in 1/8-1/4 oz. Gitzits work well too. C Falls bridge to Old Sttel Bridge section is best.

Be sure to sign up for our contest, weekly prizes and overall. Some great cuts/rainbow fishing in river, try gold spoons or spinners.

Bitterroot Lake- Rainbows starting to bite, troll planer boards and flies in late afternoon to dark. Also try Dave’s plugs in darker colors. Few salmon on north end 40-60’ of water.

Flathead Lake- Goid numbers of perch around Elmo and Big Arm, try 30’ of water. Lake trout showing up along shorelines, Lakeside, West Shore, Shelter Island, Woods Bay, are all good areas to try. Cast or troll big spoons 30-60’ of water.

Vann Lake- Nice trout trolling shorelines with small Rapala’s.

Lower Stillwater- Goid Perch action 15-20’ water near island.

Middle Thompson- Nice perch 30-40’ water, also nice pike, use big spinnerbaits along weed edges.

Flathead Valley Fishing Report by Snappy’s Sport Senter (October 22, 2022)

-No new report-

Flathead Lake – Trolling or Jigging around 50′-70′. Try using Misson Tubes or Rapala TailDancers.
Echo Lake – Bass fishing has begun to slow down, still getting a few big ones on Senko’s or craws.
Foys Lake – Kokanee have been schooling around the launch. Try using Little Cleo or Thomas spoons.
Murray Lake – Trout fishing has been good. Mostly using Pistol Pete’s or Joes Flies. You could also get some PowerBait off the bottom.
Lower Thompson Lake – Pike fishing is starting to slow. Still some reports using smelt to pick up some bites around structure.
Lake Mary Ronan – Perch fishing remains consistent. Hali’s tipped with maggots have been producing good bites.
Flathead River – Whitefish have started moving up the river. Get your Lil Hustlers and Ankle Biters to produce some numbers.
Lake Koocanusa – Reports of Kamloop and Bull Trout off Rexford bench. Try using M2 and T50 Flatfish around 40′-60′. Dipsy Divers and Deep Six Divers work well without downriggers.

Fishing Report by Yellowstone Country Flyfishing (November 1, 2022)

This Montana fishing report is valid from October 31 through Thanksgiving.

Fishing has been at best fair for the past week or so. After a warm September and October, winter arrived in force around the 24th. This put an end to any respectable aquatic insect activity except on the spring creeks and geothermal waters in YNP, reduced fish activity on large rivers due to low water temps, and put an end to fishing on any water that is small and/or at high elevation except those that have geothermal inputs. For the most part, it makes no sense to start before about noon, and you should quit around 4:00.

The next three weeks still provide good opportunities for those who like to swing streamers aiming for a few large fish before the deep winter weather sets in. For number-hunters, it’ll be tough going until late April unless you stumble into a pocket of good hatch activity.

Beware of spawning brown trout and don’t bother them. It is best to avoid areas of gravel on up to cobble-sized rocks in 1-4 feet of water for the remainder of the fall unless you see rising trout (which will almost entirely be non-spawners). Avoid clean shallow gravel at all costs: don’t fish there and don’t walk there. Our trout are all wild and the browns need to be left to make the next generation in peace. There are PLENTY of other fish in the sea (or trout in the stream), including those sitting in the bouldery or silty pools downstream of spawning areas, where they’ll be eating eggs and bugs disturbed by spawners.

The Yellowstone River has been fishing poor to fair. Water temps between 40 and 44 degrees are the main culprit. The higher, the better. Swing streamers or nymph deep slots looking for a few good browns. The best chance at a BWO or midge hatch will occur on warmer, calm afternoons on the east side of the river where the sunshine lasts longest. Avoid long stretches of shallow water. The best areas will be walking-speed, large-scale runs and seams. Wintering holes, basically. Nymphing will produce primarily whitefish except in the deep bouldery areas. Girdle Bugs and egg imitations are good choices in those areas.

The lower Madison River is largely in the same boat as the Yellowstone, exacerbated by its shallowness. There are fewer whitefish here, so San Juan Worms, crayfish, and BWO nymphs under indicators in the deepest areas are the most likely bets. With cloud cover, look for BWO hatches or break out the streamers.

The Paradise Valley spring creeks are now on winter rates of $40/day. From now through around Thanksgiving can provide good BWO and midge hatches during cloudy weather. Streamers and egg patterns in the deep slots will pick up pre-spawn brown trout as well as the residents sniffing after eggs and the bugs disturbed by spawning behavior. Try to pick a cloudy, cooler day. The sunny weather in the 60s and 70s we’ve been dealing with will not produce good fishing.

The Missouri River is an excellent choice this time of year. Above Canyon Ferry, very large run-up brown trout are possible. This is basically shoot for the moon steelhead-style fishing with streamers and perhaps big nymphs. Fish numbers are low but there are probably 100 10lb fish between Toston Dam and Canyon Ferry Reservoir right now, and I’m not talking about the carp. Downstream of Hauser and Holter Dams, good dry fly fishing remains possible and the fish are just more active in general due to warmer water. The water is still 51-52 below Holter Dam right now, though it is falling fast.

Yellowstone Park’s fishing season is now closed. Moving forward, we expect October 31 at sunset to be the permanent closing date. It used to be sunset on the first Sunday in November. They did get the replacement North Entrance Rd open on October 30, so at least you can drive in to LOOK at the water.

Note: Montana Outdoor‘s website is the only commercial external site authorized to use this content. Please let us know if you see it anywhere else (Parks’ Fly Shop’s report is similar, since Walter writes that one too).

Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir Fishing Report via FWP (October 31, 2022)

Today is the last day for snagging Kokanee. The snagging season for Kokanee Salmon opened on September 1^st and will run through October 31^st. Limits are 35 salmon daily with 70 in possession. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Kootenai River Fishing Report by Linehan Outfitting (October 31, 2022)

This Kootenai River Montana fishing report is being brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Linehan Outfitting. This report will be updated weekly to provide current conditions, weather, hatches, patterns, and flows to our local waters and across the state.

Flows from Libby Dam: 4000cfs

Water temperature at Libby Dam: 42 degrees

Hatches: midge, baetis

patterns: zebra midge, parachute Adams, parachute pmd, Rosenbauer’s olive rabbit foot emerger, purple haze, purple chubby, red chubby, olive sparkle dun,bh prince, soft SJ worm, bh pheasant tail, bh rubber legged stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, circus peanut, black conehead buggers

It’s not quite spring up here in Kootenai River country but we have good news. Flows from Libby Dam have been reduced and will be stable at 4000cfs through the end of March for now. That means there’s some great early season fishing available right now.

Expect more clammy cloudy weather through the weekend and into next week. March continues to come in like a lion and we’ve yet to see the lamb. Rain and snow mix will dominate forecast. Fortunately daytime temps will ooch into the forties which is at least a small sign of spring around here.

At the moment the river is clear and in good shape. Don’t expect much in the way of dry fly fishing and insect activity until we get some substantially warmer daytime temperatures. The water is still cold but trout will start to feed a bit in the coming weeks.

This is always a good time of year for nymphing. With low flows you don’t need a heavy rig. You just need to get the flies down in softer runs and pools where trout are most likely to be holding this time of year. Don’t spend a ton of time fishing fast riffles.

Streamer fishing is also productive this time of year especially since bigger fish will be hungry after laying low for a couple months during the dead of winter. Keep in mind they will not necessarily want to move too fast or too far to get a meal. Get your streamers down and fish them slowly and erratically. Nothing like a wounded minnow to get a big rainbow interested in at least a sniff.

In Boston Red Sox news, it’s PLAY BALL! After several weeks of a lockout the players union owners have finally come to an agreement. Spring training will start immediately and while opening day was and remains delayed until April 7, the season will still be 162 games. For now the Sox have managed to keep essentially the same playoff roster they had last season. Infielders Dalbec, Arroyo, Bogaerts, and Devers are key players. In the outfield Jackie Bradley Jr. has returned to Boston and Kike Hernandez and Verdugo will anchor the deep green. Ace Chris Sale will hopefully be healthy and other starters from last year will hopefully pick up where they left off in October. Go Sox!!!

Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any of our hunting or fishing adventures. And please check out our e-commerce site for all Linehan Outfitting branded swag and Orvis gear. https://linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com/

We look forward to hearing from you. 406-295-4872

Yellowstone River Fishing Report by Bozeman Fly Supply (November 1, 2022)

The Yellowstone can be a great fall fishery, indicator rigs can be effective especially on sunny days. Try stripping streamers on cloudy days and if you’re more into dry fly fishing throw baetis and midge dries on the cloudy days as well! Try larger streamer dead drifted if they aren’t willing to chase and always add more splitshot if you aren’t hitting the bottom. If you plan to fish the Yellowstone, be sure to check FWP’s Restrictions and Closures page for up-to-date information regarding closures.

Suggested Fly Patterns

Dry Fly

Thunder Thighs Hopper (10-14), Morrish Hopper (10-14), Missing Link Caddis (14-18), Parawulf Dennis BWO (16-20), Thorax BWO (18-20), Parachute Adams (14-20), Purple Haze (16-20), Film Critic BWO (16-20), Smoke Jumper (16-20), Extended Body BWO (16-20), Griffith’s Gnat (16-20), UV Sparkle Midge (18-20), Chubby Chernobyl Olive/Royal/Purple (8-12)
Streamer

Woolly Bugger (4-12), Mini Dungeon Black/ Natural/ White (6), Complex Twist Bugger (2), Kreelex Minnow (4), Sparkle Minnow (4-8), Double Gonga, Urchin Bugger (4), El Sculpito (2), Sculpzilla (4-8), Sculpinator (4-6)
Nymph

Pat’s Rubber Legs (6-12), Zirdle Bug (6-12), Woolly Bugger Black/ Olive (4-12), Perdigon (14-18), Pheasant Tail (14-20), Jigster Baetis (14-18), Prince Nymph (10-18), BH Hare’s Ear (12-18), Sisslin’ Hot Spot Squirrel (14-16), Zebra Midge (16-22), San Juan Worm, Matt’s Shagadelic Mop, Hare’s Ear (14-18), Dirty Bird (12-16)

Holter Reservoir Fishing Report by FWP (October 31, 2022)

The rainbow bite has been great, and fish are being caught from shore at the Gates of the Mountains Marina, the BLM Campground near the Dam and from Departure Point while using eggs sacks or nightcrawlers with a marshmallow. Tolling spoons or cowbells out from Log Gulch is also producing some nice rainbows. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Blackfoot River Fishing Report by Blackfoot River Outfitters: 3/5 (October 27, 2022)

BRO’s tips of the week:

Between streamers and nymphs, most fish on the Blackfoot are being caught below the surface right now. Scattered October Caddis and mayfly spinners will still get eats alongside Plan B’s and a dry-dropper rig, but fishing the nymph form or ripping a streamer is the way to go to find big fish.

7 day outlook:

Our recommendations for techniques and patterns:

Dry-dropper and streamers will be the way to go as weather gets nasty unless you find fish eating on top. October Caddis are still around, and the Rusty Plan B, Elk Hair Caddis, and Stimulator can work as good imitations, though most fish are being caught on a nymph form like the Bird of Prey or Brillon’s Orange Crush in #10-14. Otherwise, fishing droppers like the Jig PT, Spanish Bullet, and Frenchie are good options.

Nymphing is working well, and the Hot Bead San Juan will come back into play with this rainy weather.

This is prime season for streamer fishing on the Blackfoot. Throw tight to the banks and don’t be afraid to commit to the streamer in return for shots at some great fall fish. Flashier patterns like Precious Metals, Skittish Smolt, and Kreelex are getting chases, and the Peanut Envy, Dungeons, and Buggers will be good as we get more cloud cover.

See our staff pick fly selection here!

Goings on at World Headquarters in Missoula:

The new Online Store is live! Check it out!

Call or email us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in. WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR BRAND NEW LOCATION AT 275 N. RUSSELL STREET IN MISSOULA for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.

Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fly Fishing Report by Dan Bailey’s (October 31, 2022)

Fall has hit with a vengeance, finally! Gone are the days in the 70s and 80s, and gone are a lot of the incredible leaves we’ve had with the mild weather. We got our first snow in town of the season a few days ago and that heralded a big change in the weather pattern. We’re seeing colder temps, more wind, and more cloudy days. BWOs anyone?

Please be aware that there is still spawning activity going on. Leave redds alone, don’t target spawning fish, and watch your step in gravelly areas. You want a healthy river with a stable and virulent fish population? Leave spawners alone!

Also keep in mind that the fishing season in Yellowstone National Park closes today. This is a bit earlier than in years past. We are super stoked to hear that the road from Gardiner to Mammoth and the North Entrance to Yellowstone is open! This is great news for our local communities. More to come on that on the blog soon.

Here’s what’s happening on our local waters recently.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

Things on the Yellowstone River have moved solidly into a more “normal” fall pattern. “Normal” conditions on all our rivers are kind of up in the air these days, but you get the gist. Temps are cooler, water is colder, skies are cloudier. While the leaves were incredible during the warmer temps we had for most of October and being in a boat during that was about as pleasant as it gets, now the fishing is going to get more serious.

The streamer bite will only get better with more cloudy days. Get out there and fish the big stuff. Carry a wide array of sizes, colors, materials, and profiles. This gives you options to keep switching until you find what they like. Try different flies, depths, and retrieves until they start eating it.

These conditions are great for dry fly anglers. Fall BWOs will be popping off on cloudy days. The fall baetis are smaller and more technical than their spring counterparts, but they are well worth the effort. Look for the hatch starting around 11am in back eddies, foam, and slower pieces of water. Fish a nymph leading up to the hatch, and an emerger behind the adult can be deadly.

When you aren’t seeing BWOs, keep an eye out for midges. These tiny bugs have been hatching in pretty good numbers even on the sunny days. Fishing a midge nymph like a Zebra Midge or Rainbow Warrior behind a slightly larger fly (14-16) like a Perdigon, Prince, Hare’s Ear or Lightning Bug is the way to go when the fish aren’t rising. Don’t be afraid of fishing a bigger point fly on your nymph rig, the Zirdle Bug is a really good option this time of year.

The river from Mayor’s Landing to Sheep Mountain remains closed to all use. We keep hearing reports of people driving down the dry river bed at Sheep Mountain to launch boats, don’t do that. It’s signed, it’s illegal, just don’t.

MADISON RIVER

Fall on the Madison River, both Upper and Lower, is awesome. The same logic from the Yellowstone applies here: the change in weather is making things better. Watch your step with spawning fish and redds, fish big stuff for big fish, watch for BWOs and midges. It’s pretty great out there right now.

The Lower Madison in the fall is a great, close option. The recreational floaters are pretty much all gone at this point, leaving the river to more serious fishermen. Water temps have recovered from summer highs, but you’ll still have to deal with some weeds and moss leftover from the hotter months.

You’ll find most of the boat traffic from Warm Springs to Black’s Ford. It thins out from Black’s to Grey Cliff, and even more below that. Wade anglers have tons of opportunity right off the highway, and even more if headed toward Bear Trap Canyon. If you feel like a hike and want to fish without any boats going by, walk up Bear Trap as far as you want.

Crayfish are still great subsurface options, as are streamers. Streamer fishing on the Lower Madison yields some impressive fish every fall. Dry fly guys will find midges, as well as BWOs on cloudy days. Chasing BWOs in the rock gardens in Bear Trap can be a ton of fun.

The Upper Madison is doing really well. Streamers can do extremely well this time of year. Fishing them from a boat will allow you to cover a lot more water, but wade anglers can do very well too. Varney to the Lake and upstream of Lyon’s are always great spots with lots of hidey holes to work.

Dry fly folks are loving this weather, and the hatch that comes with it. Bring your a-game, and fish the entire life cycle of the hatch. It’s worth it.

GALLATIN RIVER

The Gallatin River isn’t as well known a fall fishery as other places in our region. The fish aren’t quite as large, and while you can fish streamers on the Gallatin it’s just not quite as good as other rivers. That being said, it’s still a lot of fun.

The Canyon has been getting a little wintry lately! Nighttime temps are dropping way down, and there is still snow persisting in spots from our recent storm. Be mindful of road conditions as well. The Gallatin in Yellowstone Park is closing with the rest of the park on Oct 31. You’ll be able to find midges and even a few BWOs in the canyon if you’re chasing dries. A more productive method would be fishing a two nymph rig with a standard attractor nymph like a Lightning Bug or Hare’s Ear followed by a BWO nymph or Zebra Midge.

Lower on the Gallatin, through the valley, has been fishing well. Access is pretty limited, but if you’re willing to walk in the river bed (stay legal while doing so) you can cover a lot of great water. Floating the way lower Gallatin can be pretty decent…

OTHER WATERS

With the arrival of our first big snow of the fall, the high country is pretty much done. Time to move on to other pursuits in the mountains, and start planning next year’s hiking and backpacking!

The spring creeks of Paradise Valley are a ton of fun this time of year. They offer incredibly technical fishing for big trout, and can have the best and most consistent dry fly fishing in our local area. All of them offer discounted fall and winter rates and the warming huts on Depuy’s are worth the price of admission in and of themselves.

We are recommending people steer clear of the Shields to let it rest after an incredibly bad water year for several years in a row. The Boulder is slowing down, but does offer good days still. If you want some technical dry fly fishing take the drive to Craig or Cascade on the Missouri. Fall in Montana is pretty much an open book. Go enjoy it!

LIVINGSTON AND THE SHOP

You can tell it’s fall in Livingston. We’re in that little breather space between summer and the holidays, even though those are coming up fast! There’s still a lot to do around town – great food and beer, live music, events here and there. This is a great, quiet time to visit.

The shop is moving toward our winter mode and shifting away from bikes and more toward skis. We know a lot of our customers do it all, so get your skis tuned before things start getting good and get your boot fitting appointments booked now. Don’t forget our Backcountry Film Festival is coming back on Friday, November 18th! This free event is a ton of fun and a great benefit for Loaves and Fishes, our local soup kitchen.

We will continue to stock all our fly fishing gear and equipment all winter long and have everything you need to enjoy fall and winter fishing here in Montana, including lots to help you stay warm and dry.

Tight lines this week!

Closed to fishing after October 31st (Halloween) this year. So to enjoy Firehole River BWO and white miller hatches and Gardner, Lewis, Madison and Snake Rivers brown trout runs you had best hurry! Good, but cold weather is predicted for the remainder of the season.

Bighorn River Fishing Report by Montana Troutfitters (October 26, 2022)

The Bighorn has still had quite a weed issue, so the reports are subpar, that should be changing soon though as we are seeing fall at its peak. Worm patterns have been tough to beat followed by smaller perdigons, scuds, and zebra midges. Baetis dries have been ok, and streamers have been inonsistent, but ok at times.

Missouri River Fishing Report via Headhunters Fly Shop (October 28, 2022)

3060 CFS @ Holter – The Missouri river has been fishing solid most days. Some great dry fly days, others not so much. Streamer fishing continues its hot streak, with smaller profiles in that 2-4′ range being most effective. Some baetis out and about as well as midges. Double nymph rigs have been decent with thin-bodied nymphs/perdigons.

GO-TO FLIES:

– Bubbleback Emerger BWO #20
– Pink Crush #16
– Last Chance Cripple BWO #18
– CH Krystal Bugger Black #16
– Para Hi-Viz Emerger Gray #18

Canyon Ferry Fishing Report via FWP (October 31, 2022)

A few walleye are being caught out from the Silos in 20 feet of water while using bottom bouncers or Slow Death rigs with green, red, white or silver blades and worms. Rainbows are being caught while trolling cowbells or spoons between the Silos and White Earth. Shore anglers are finding success for rainbows around Kim’s Marina and Confederate while using worms or flyfishing with nymphs. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena