Please check the fishing regulations before fishing.
Holter Reservoir Fishing Report by FWP (October 28, 2024)
The rainbow bite has been very productive while fishing from shore at the Gates of the Mountains, and from Departure Point while using crawlers and a marshmallow, powerbait, or leech pattern flies. Trolling cowbells with various spinner rigs out from Departure Point has been producing some nice rainbows. A few perch and an occasional walleye are being caught while vertical jigging near points and weed beds. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
A few nice afternoons remain for swinging soft hackle flies and presenting BWO life cycle and white miller caddis patterns on the Firehole River. Other than that, brown trout season is running supreme. Expect crowds pitching streamer and big soft hackle patterns on the Madison River, whether it be along the west entrance highway or in the Beaver Meadows between the Barns Holes and Baker’s Hole campground. The Lewis River channel between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes will become a destination for fly fishers from all over the world. Best times of day to enjoy these fish is first light before shoreline angling traffic puts them down. The brown trout runs into the Snake and Gardner Rivers are starting with peaks coming late in the month. Watch the weather, as “Old Man Winter” can take month long residence any time.
2/5
Fly fishing the Jefferson River during the late fall and winter is typically a tricky proposition. However, the next several days are looking mild, according to weather forecasters, which makes a short float worth a try this time of year. The river sections between Cardwell and Twin Brides fish better than the lower river options.
Streamer fly fishing is the name of the game, and it’s worth concentrating efforts around the top and bottom sections of deep pools and long glides. Our guides rely on mixed-density, sinking fly lines like the RIO Elite Predator this time of the season to enable the angler to cover a variety of water depths.
Brown and yellow, white, or dark olive streamer patterns are our go-to choices right now – both single and articulated double hook patterns are worth considering. When fish are aggressive, the articulated patterns elicit some aggressive brown trout strikes. Small, heavy streamers like a Kreelex work well to slowly probe the depths when action is slower.
The rivers near Bozeman have all been fishing reasonably well now that cooler fall weather has settled in for anglers fishing in Montana this October and November.
Water temperatures have plummeted, moving trout into the slow, deep runs more than the riffles and fast runs that we have been focused on the last few months.
Nymph fishing is the mainstay, regardless of which river you find yourself on in Southwest Montana these days. Standard setups include San Juan Worm or generalist nymph patterns followed by a small mayfly nymph as a dropper. Egg patterns and pink or orange nymphs are great choices right now, we encourage anglers to avoid fishing near redds or through skinny water as this is brown trout spawning season. Fish the buckets and deep runs where trout are actively feeding.
Blue-winged olive hatches have been heavy on mild, overcast days along the lower Madison and Yellowstone rivers. Hatches can be encountered everywhere right now – when conditions are appropriate – during the early afternoons. A casual walk along any of the lower valley river sections can yield a few hours of match-the-hatch style dry fly fishing for experienced anglers fishing near Bozeman over the coming weeks.
The Valley Garden section of the upper Madison is full of fish right now and swinging a streamer or nymph fishing the buckets are both great ways to keep a steady bend in the fly rod.
Hell Creek General Recreation Information (November 8, 2024)
3/5
Gallatin River fly fishing has been slower the last several days thanks to a much-needed cold front. Snow has been falling in the mountains, and the nights have been cold. This leads to much colder water temperatures in the various Montana rivers across the region, which translates to slower fish activity overall.
The Gallatin Canyon waters have become our focus this time of year, and nymph-fishing the holes and deep runs is the most reliable strategy. Tandem nymph rigs fished about 5′ below a strike indicator are standard. Use about 12″ of 4X or 5X tippet to both the lead and dropper flies as low, clear water makes for more selective trout – especially on nice, sunny days like are currently in the forecast.
Hatch activity is slower now, but expect some midge and BWO activity with afternoon clouds and on warm evenings.
You can get an idea of the water conditions in the Big Sky area by viewing this webcam, hosted by our friends at Montana Whitewater.
Fishing on the Yellowstone is finally starting to pick up with the cooler temperatures, and we have all been hearing good reports of the river from below Livingston all the way up into the park. Fishing has been more consistent with nymphs and streamers as of late with stoneflies, worms, eggs, prince nymphs, green machines, hare’s ears, bead baetis, blowtorch’s, and Duracell’s having the spotlight. Dry fly fishing is also starting to pick up with baetis and october caddis especially on the colder cloudier days. For dry flies, if you see blue wings popping we would throw an extended body bwo, film critic, or hatchback bwo and if you see october caddis out try twitching a size 12 royal chubby or size 14 orange stimulator. As far as streamers go, some of the bigger flies have been working better for us with the double gonga, sex dungeon, Drunk and Disorderly, Schultz’y sculpin, Sluggo’s, and swim coach’s being our best flies as of late.
Suggested Fly Patterns
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Dry Fly
Sweetgrass Hopper (8), Henneberry hopper grey (12), Thunder Thighs hopper Yellow/Tan (10), Donkey Kong hopper pink/tan (10-12) Parachute Adams (16-20), Purple Haze (16-18), Buzz Ball (14-16), Corn fed Caddis (14-16), X-Caddis (14-16), Parachute PMD (14-16), Extended Body PMD (14-16), Larimer’s Yellow Sally (12-14), Water Walker (8-12), Chubby Chernobyl (8-16)
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Streamer
Woolly Bugger (4-12), Ditch Witch Black/red/purple/ Yellow/white(2), Mini Peanut Envy Black/Yellow/Tan (6) Mini Dungeon Black/purple /Olive/Yellow (6), Montana Intruder (4), Sparkle Minnow JJ’s/Silver/Sculpin (4-8), Double Gonga Black/Rainbow (4), Sculpzilla Black/White/Olive (4-8), Seasoned Geezer Gold/Natural/Olive (6)
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Nymph
Pat’s Rubber Legs (6-12), Zirdle Bug (6-12), Perdigon Blue/Purple/Pearl (14-18), Jig thread Frenchie Brown/yellow (14-18), CDC Pheasant Tail (10-18), Jigster PMD (14-18), Formerly Known Prince Nymph (10-18), BH Hare’s Ear (12-18), Sizzlin’ Hot Squirrel (14-16), Matt’s Shagadelic Mop Tan/Brown/Chartreuse/Cheeto (10)
The last days of October are upon us and aside from a couple days last week, our mild fall weather pattern has continued. Looking at the forecast it might be coming to an end here soon. We’re due for some fall weather – and some fall fishing!
The fishing hasn’t really kicked into high gear yet, but hopefully with some cooler weather and moisture in the forecast it’ll really turn on. Fish are still being caught, for sure, but we haven’t had those epic cloudy, drizzly, BWO days yet. Stay tuned.
The brown trout spawn is still happening, so keep an eye out for redds in gravely areas. Watch your step, don’t walk through them, don’t harass the fish, and don’t fish over them. Just let nature take its course and help keep our rivers healthy.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is flowing quite low these days, as it has been almost all year. These bright and sunny days have put a damper on fish looking up, and hatch activity has been somewhat minimal. You can definitely find BWOs in the slack water on cloudy days, but they are few and far between when the sun is shining like this.
Streamers and subsurface options are the ticket at the moment. A big attractor nymph or small streamer dead drifted with a BWO nymph, perdigon, or attractor nymph behind it is a good bet. Water temps haven’t really dropped to a point that fish have moved to their winter hidey holes of slower, deeper water, so you can still find them in all the same places they’ve been for a hot minute.
Madison River
The Madison – both upper and lower – has been fishing well over the last few weeks. October is a great month here, and while the dry fly fishing hasn’t quite been up to the standard we expect, the subsurface bite has been good. Crawfish on the Lower, dead drifted wooly buggers and sculpins on the Upper, all with a BWO or attractor nymph behind it.
Parts of the Madison do get extra attention this time of year due to large lake run brown trout moving up to spawn, just be super careful of where you are wading and fishing. Don’t be that guy.
Gallatin River
The Gallatin River isn’t really known as a fall fishery like the Yellowstone or Madison, but it still fishes quite well and is an enjoyable fishery in its own right. The canyon is really pretty right now, and you can have some good days on smaller nymph rigs and the occasional BWO flying around. Streamers are a decent bet as well, just keep them to the smaller side. The Gallatin lacks the truly large fish that most people target with streamers, so the larger patterns are just a bit cumbersome here.
The Lower Gallatin can be a ton of fun and is a beautiful piece of river with the fall leaves. If you’re after bigger fish on this river you’ll find them down here. Be mindful of access, as there isn’t much and stay below the high water mark if you are wade fishing.
Yellowstone National Park
The Yellowstone National Park fishing season wraps up at the end of this month, along with most of the roads in the park. It’s been a great season, so if you’ve got a chance to go enjoy the last of it it’s worth the time. Already time to start planning next year’s adventures down here!
Livingston and the Shop
It’s hard to believe that November is next week! This fall is flying by. Our shop has transitioned over to winter mode with skis in the front room, winter coats and cold weather gear on the racks, and our ski shop is already operating. Tis the season!
One event to keep an eye on is our upcoming Cold Snap Film Festival and Pray for Snow Celebration – a two-night event on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22nd. We’ll have a film festival with two showings on Thursday, and our beloved party with raffles, silent auctions, food and drink and an overall great time on Friday night. Tickets for the movies are $10 and available at the shop.
Come by the store to tell us a fish story, get the latest info, stock up on the hot flies and get new waders, clothing, and maybe even a new rod! Tight lines this week.
The fishing has been pretty good as of late. Nymphing and streamers have been the best methods. No need to get out super early in the morning as we are having below freezing temps until about 10.
Please respect all private property and fishing signs. At the corral on the Johnson Tuning Fork spot if the sign is up please find another spot to access.
See below for our tips on fishing Flint Creek near Philipsburg, Montana.
Here are a few tips for fly fishing Flint Creek:
1. Try nymphing in deep pools or under the banks.
2. Fish a single dry on the bank or the bubble lines.
3. Try swinging a streamer or a soft hackle through the ripples.
Here are a few fly suggestions:
1. Kreelex – Gold and Copper size 6
2. TJ Hooker – Brown and Black size 12
3. TJ Hooker – Tan and Brown size 12
4. PMD, size 12-14
5. Jig Frenchie – size 14,16
6. Spanish Bullet – black size 14,16
7. Pheasant Tail Nymph size 16-20
Flows and looking ahead:
Flow: 134 cfs at the time of publishing this report
Here is a link to the Flint Creek USGS Water Information.
Stop by the shop in Philipsburg for the latest report and for everything you need for your trip. We’re open 7-4 Everyday Tight lines!
November is here and we are on the final stretch of fall fishing conditions. Winter is slowly moving into Montana with snowcapped peaks that will most likely hold snow now until May. We are still fishing and finding success using a variety of methods. The dry fly bite has been hit or miss as the hatches of Blue-Winged Olives are waning but the streamer action is still happening on certain days. Rivers like the Yellowstone and Madison typically fish deep into November, but the comfort factor often dictates how good the fishing can be–if you are comfortable and can fish through the cold and are prepared for it, you should find some success.
If you are local or still looking at making a Montana fly fishing trip, the fishing has been hanging in there for late fall standards. Check out some of our recent blogs on Five Rivers to Fish This Fall and The Mayfly You Need to Know: Catch More Fish by Understanding Blue-Winged Olives. Our rivers are in great shape to finish out the fall season, which can last well into November.
Overview
November is the month in which we transition from fall to winter. It is a slow transition as the first of the month can have bouts of pleasant weather and then slowly changes to winter by the end of the month. Blasts of winter do occur as cold fronts pass. Most of our fishing guides have put up the oars for the season but as long as the snow doesn’t fall too deep or the temps get too cold, there is still fishing to be had. Most likely you can have the river to yourselves as mostly only local anglers are left on the water and even then a good portion of them are out chasing 4 legged creatures to fill the freezer. Big rivers and chasing bigger than average trout is the game this time of year. If there was any time to swing for the fences now is the time. Don’t expect huge numbers but it could happen on the right day. Small streams are low, clear and cold. Lakes have been exited by the fish headed into the rivers for the fall spawn. By and large the program will be nymphing as well as some streamer action. If you get the right day some dry fly action can be had.
Hatches
For the next month or so, Blue-Winged Olive mayflies can hatch on most of our local waters. Overcast and rainy or snowy days are the ideal conditions for a strong hatch, however they can occur on sunny days, but more likely to hatch in inclement weather. A hatch of Blue-Winged Olives in fall typically starts around 10 or 11 AM and can last until 3 or 4 PM. As the water temps gradually get colder and colder, expect the intensity of the hatch to dwindle. Midges may hatch as well, but on most freestone rivers the trout are going to eat subsurface rather than rise to midges. The exception to this is on the Missouri River near Wolf Creek and Craig where the tailwater fishery can produce some excellent midge hatches deep into November.
Fly selection
On certain sections of local rivers–like the Channels on the Upper Madison–with the spawn going, fishing eggs that get flushed from the redds is highly productive, as are worms, and leeches. With the onset of winter the fish will take advantage of the still somewhat warmer water temps and feed heavily at times to get that last bit of bulk on before they go into maintenance mode. So fish your largish attractor nymphs like sculpins, rubber legs, worms, leeches, eggs, crayfish, etc. with confidence. But don’t forget about the small bugs like baetis and midges.
For Blue-Winged Olives:
Nymphs:
Beadhead Little Green Machines in olive or natural in sizes 16 to 22
Beadhead Hare’s Ears in sizes 16 to 22
Beadhead Perdigons in natural, olive, peacock, black, in sizes 16 to 22
Sawyer Pheasant Tails in sizes 16 to 22
Emergers:
RS2 in olive in size 16 to 22
WD-40 in olive or brown in size 16 to 22
Captive Dun/Emergers in size 18 to 22
Dries and Spinners:
Para Adams or Para Purple Haze in size 16 to 22
Compardun in BWO in size 16 to 22
Brooks Sprout in size 16 to 22
Rusty Spinner in size 16 to 22
Streamers and baitfish for big brown trout
Home Invaders in darker/contrasting colors in size 2 – 10
Sculpzillas in black, olive, or brown in size 2- 10
Sparkle Minnows in a variety if colors in size 2 – 10
Your favorite go-to stream pattern
Reading water
Water flows can be up slightly with the seasonal precipitation and irrigation no longer taking place. Check your water temps as it can vary from location to location by quite a lot depending on where the water is coming from, ie. the high country, a dam, low elevation spring creek, etc. This can help you determine the most likely place the fish will be holding. It can be a transitional time from the faster currents, to the softer lies, and finally into the slow deep runs where they will remain for the winter. This can change throughout the day as air temps swing as well. Where the fish are holding is the most important aspect of fishing this time of year and into winter.
Flow Data: Missouri River below Holter Dam near Wolf Creek, MT
Great conditions for fishing expected Friday – Sunday. Some clouds in the area could get fish rising and happy. Nymphing has remained hot. Dry fly action has been best in the afternoon. It is certainly localized but when you find fish rising and present them with a Parachute Adams, midge cluster, or BWO Comparadun paired with a good drift they will likely eat the fly. Some real #18 BWO’s have been spotted. Very nice seeing these larger BWO’s among the Psuedo’s. Fish have been steadily eating Olive Micro Mays, Green machines, and caddis nymphs subsurface. Tailwater Sowbug is tough to beat. Worms are certainly back in play if you are not finding success with smaller patterns. Perdigons are also consistently tricking fish. Olive and or Black have been best. Doesn’t hurt to try a streamer. Lil’ Kim or Goldie will work well. Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex, or Skiddish Smolts are also excellent choices.
Loon Lake (Bigfork)- Nice rainbows biting, try small spoons or little flatfish. Fly fishing, try small wet flies or buggers.
Beaver Chain Lakes- Good trout biting on Woods and Dollar lakes, try powerbait.
Van Lake- Trout biting small plugs, spoons and powerbait.
Flathead River- Excellent white fish bite. They from Columbia Falls bridge to Old Steel bridge. Small 1/8-1/4 oz green jigs or small white fish spoons. Also some rainbows and cutts.
McGregor Lake- Troll shorelines with flatfish or flickershads for rainbows. Try deeper 40-60’ for lake trout jigging or trolling spoons.
Bitterroot Lake- Water level very low but excellent bite for big rainbows.
Flathead Lake- Lake trout spawning on shoreline areas. Try West Shore area, Woods Bay, Shelter Island and Finley Point. Try big spoons, casting or trolling.
Fishermen:
Mack days is until NOv. 3rd
Lake trout being caught in Blacks Point, Rocky Point
60 to 180 feet.
Perch good in Elmo
Bird staging to spawn (Lake Trout) in one week good fishing.
Small mouth in Flathead River below the bridge in 25 feet of water
with a Rattle D Zastor with a twister tail
Good Fishing
The macman
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- Flathead Lake – Colder temps have fired up the Lake Trout spawn. Casting or trolling spoons have been productive in recent days. Hearing reports of big fish being caught in less than 50 feet of water.
- Flathead River – Whitefish are still running strong. Try ishing at Old Steel Bridge or in Columbia Falls. Locally made JT, KB, Hellbender and Zimmer jigs have been producing great results.
- McGregor Lake – Smallmouth fishing has been slow but Lake Trout and Rainbows are going strong. Spoons and Crankbaits in shallow water areas has helped many anglers land some nice trout.
- Whitefish Lake – Pike are being caught along the north end using dead bait or Spinnerbaits and slowly retrieving. A few reports of Lakers are being caught in Dog Bay.
The rivers near Bozeman have all been fishing reasonably well now that cooler fall weather has settled in for anglers fishing in Montana this October and November.
Water temperatures have plummeted, moving trout into the slow, deep runs more than the riffles and fast runs that we have been focused on the last few months.
Nymph fishing is the mainstay, regardless of which river you find yourself on in Southwest Montana these days. Standard setups include San Juan Worm or generalist nymph patterns followed by a small mayfly nymph as a dropper. Egg patterns and pink or orange nymphs are great choices right now, we encourage anglers to avoid fishing near redds or through skinny water as this is brown trout spawning season. Fish the buckets and deep runs where trout are actively feeding.
Blue-winged olive hatches have been heavy on mild, overcast days along the lower Madison and Yellowstone rivers. Hatches can be encountered everywhere right now – when conditions are appropriate – during the early afternoons. A casual walk along any of the lower valley river sections can yield a few hours of match-the-hatch style dry fly fishing for experienced anglers fishing near Bozeman over the coming weeks.
The Valley Garden section of the upper Madison is full of fish right now and swinging a streamer or nymph fishing the buckets are both great ways to keep a steady bend in the fly rod.
Hauser Reservoir Fishing Report (October 28, 2024)
The rainbow bite has been very productive while fishing from shore at Black Sandy, the Causeway Bridge, and below Canyon Ferry Dam with leech pattern flies, nightcrawlers and a marshmallow, or powerbait. Trolling wooly buggers behind cowbells between Black Sandy and York Bridge and inside of the Causeway Arm is also producing some nice rainbows. Walleye and perch fishing has been slow. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
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
November fly fishing in the Big Sky and Bozeman areas means many of rivers are in a transition mode. But the Gallatin River is one of our local rivers for fly fishing near Bozeman that remains relatively consist when we move from one season to another. Hatches of Blue-Winged Olives are waning on the Gallatin River Start later in the morning for sure because water temps are hovering in the 40s. Additionally, the flows on the Gallatin River at the moment are low, which means the fish are concentrated in the deeper runs, pockets, and holes. Because the Gallatin River is low you will need to cover a lot of water when you fish. If you fish a deep run or hole and catch a few fish, consider moving up to the next run or hole. With the low and clear flows on the Gallatin right now fishing subsurface is the best way to get into fish at the moment. Choose tandem nymph rigs with flies in the size 18-22 range. See the list of flies below for the best choices. With the low, clear water for success you will need to drop down in tippet sizes so you are getting a better drift. Many anglers are going to 9 foot 5X leaders with 5X fluorocarbon for their tippets. Trout are being found in the 5-6 feet deep medium fast runs during most of the day.
The Month Ahead:
The Gallatin River near Big Sky and Bozeman in late fall can be one of the most consistent fisheries in the area. Flows are low and clear but that makes walk-and-wade fishing easy compared to summer when higher flows are the norm. The trout on the Gallatin River in November are going to feed mostly on subsurface insects. Mayfly and midge nymphs dominate the feeding chart for sure, but trout will also eat stonefly nymphs too.
Flies for the Gallatin River for the Next Month:
Lightening Bugs in sizes 16-18
Sawyer PTs in sizes 18-22
Zebra Midges in black, red, or olive in sizes 18-22
Pheasant Tails in sizes 16-20
Little Spankers in sizes 18-20
Pat’s Rubberlegs in sizes 12-14
It is a great time of year to fish the Spring Creeks! Please leave spawning fish alone and stay of the reds!! Dry fly fishing has been good, especially on cloudier days. Fish are still willing to take a baetis. The actual bugs are tiny, but you can get away with throwing an #18. A light dropper can be effective, especially when blind casting.
GO-TO FLIES:
-401K Baetis #18
-Erics Midge #20
-Glass Bullet Olive/Hot Collar #18
-She Demon Bugger Black #6
-Brooks Sprout Baetis #20
Flow Data: Bighorn River near St. Xaiver, MT
Slightly warmer than the Bozeman area this week on the Bighorn. High on Saturday is even expected to hit 59 degrees. Nymphing remains the best option on the Bighorn. A Black Micro Mayfly, Pearl/ Olive Jiggy Perdigon, Black Zebra Midge, or Tailwater Sowbug have worked the best. Worms are starting to play as well. San Juan Worm in wine is my all time favorite. Dry fly action has picked up slightly but it has not been great. Some BWO’s and midges are hatching but not many fish looking up. Streamer fishing has picked up. Sparkle Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and Geisha Girls have proved effective.
799 CFS @ Kirby. The Upper Madison has been fishing well and some really nice fish have been caught recently! Dry fly action has started to slow down a bit, though there are still some baetis hanging around $3 Bridge and Raynolds. However, nymphing has been good! Fish are eating Worms, Dips, and Midges pretty consistently.
GO-TO FLIES:
-Tung Euro Dip Holo Brown #16
-CDC Emerger BWO #18
-Tranquilizer Jig Olive #18
-Slush Egg Apricot #14
-Zebra Midge Black #18
This report is valid November 1 through late December.
Best to avoid the lakes for the next six weeks. It’s duck season, so there are hunters out on many, and the lakes will be awfully cold for the trout to be active, anyway. Wait until the ice is fit for walking on to get back after it.
Weekend Update Missouri River Montana Headhunters Fly Shop
3250cfs with 49.5F temps.
Some BWO action with a few other mayflies around. Small ones. A great drift combined with a size 16-20 dark mayfly cripple, emerger, or dun. Plenty of trout out there rising in the afternoon. Stay out late if you dare. Most action for the sight fishing anglers is 1-4pm.
Nymphers like Sow bugs and BWO nymphs. Mid river stuff coupled with finding fish in fall locales. Remember to respect the brown trout redds out there. Don’t tread on redds.
Swingers gaining speed. Scandi and Skagit in play. Flashy or black leech-y seems to work most days. You need some Trout Spey gear? We have it at HH. The first trout spey shop on the Mo and still the leader in fly lines, the most swing patterns including soft hackles, tons of accessories, top shelf spey rods in trout sizes, trout spey rod demo’s, line demo’s, trout spey casting lessons and guide trips. We have you covered.
Strippers are having not the greatest fall out there. Inconsistent is a word that comes to mind. Downright slow is another that this author has experienced. Slow, not sow. Dry lines and intermediate tips prevail at these current water levels and temps.
Best flies under the Big Sky with the shop open daily at 8am. All services in play including daily shuttle biz, lodging, Guide Trips, Trout Spey Education and gear, and friendly fly shop staff ready to help you with your trout fishing needs.
The East Gallatin River originates in the Bridger and Hyalite Mountains near Bozeman, Montana and is a local’s favorite for some small stream freestone river fishing during November. Becuase the East Gallatin runs low this time of year and sees some localized pressure, it can be quite technical so bring you’re “A” game. Nymphing is always good with crayfish, worms, eggs and leeches trailed by a baetis, midge, or small sow bug. Streamer/swing fishing can be good at times. If it isn’t consistent stick with it as you might still turn a larger fish or two.
The East Gallatin River is known this time of year for providing some good Do-It-Yourself walk and wade fishing. The hard part about the East Gallatin is getting legal access. There are several place to access the river, but sometimes parking is tough to find. If you do fish the East Gallatin be sure to know Montana’s Stream Access Law.
The East Gallatin River is also home to some great undercut banks so if you are looking to fish streamers and target some of the river’s larger trout, now is a good time work on your double-haul and fire a streamer into a dark and deep spot in hopes of finding a predacious brown trout.
Considering a fly fishing trip to the Bozeman, Montana area? Read one of more recent blog posts: Five of the Best Rivers to Fish Near Bozeman, Montana.
Flies for the East Gallatin River Right Now
Beadhead Pheasant Tails in size 14-22
Beadhead Little Green Machines in size 14-22
Beadhead Lightening Bugs in size 14-22
Beadhead King Princes in size 16-22
Sculpzilla in black, olilve, or white in sizes 6-10
Sparkle Minnow in gold/olive in size 6 and 8
Beadhead worms in size 10
Canyon Ferry Reservoir Fishing Report by FWP (October 28, 2024)
The walleye bite has really slowed down with a few being caught around the Silos, Duck Creek and the Ponds in 15-20 feet of water while using bottom-bouncers with flashers or crankbaits. Rainbow action is picking up throughout the reservoir while trolling cowbells, spoons or crankbaits. Shore anglers are catching a few rainbows at the Silos, Hellgate and Shannon on worms, flies or spoons. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Pretty good conditions expected until Monday when the wind is expected to rip through the valley. Even a high of 60 degrees anticipated for Saturday. The spring creek fishing has been pretty well. Still midges few hatching in the mornings with pretty solid Baetis hatches coming off in the late morning to early afternoon. Fish that are eating BWO’s are looking for small flies, #18- #22 BWO Comparadun is the way to go. Light midge hatches are occurring in the evening and fishing can be pretty good close to dark. BWO nymphs and emergers will be great options when the fish are eating sub-surface. Nymphing will be pretty consistent in the event that the trout do not want to cooperate and eat bugs from the surface. If nothing else seems to be working a Wooly Bugger can be a fun option.
*Flow Data: Yellowstone River near Livingston, MT
Pleasant conditions through Sunday. Nymphing has been good, streamer fishing has been slow, and the dry fly action has been slow. Very few BWO adults have been spotted recently. More midges fly around than anything. A small Parachute Adams will work if you do find rising fish. Olive Micro Mayfly or pheasant tails have been excellent subsurface. Worms and stonefly nymphs have also be very effective. With the favorable streamer conditions I like to start with a white Sex Dungeon and transition to a darker fly like an Ebony if the white does not work. If the larger patterns so not work a Sparkle Minnow or Wooly Bugger is a safe bet when it is cold.
2.75/5
Tip of the Week:
For the committed dry fly angler, a two-fly nymph rig can be a bit intimidating. For those willing to double up on their nymphs, the results can make it more than worthwhile to put in the additonal effort. We’ll leave it to John to show you how it’s done in this informative video: https://youtu.be/I1CMS1h76Wo
7 Day Outlook:
In the Missoula valley, this week’s weather forecast looks pretty rough for the next few days, with consistent cloudy weather and intermittent precipitation. By the middle of the week the sun should reappear and daytime temperatures should be a tad warmer.
*Known Clark Fork Hazards:
Clinton-Turah: A few VERY sketchy spots through this section. Do not attempt unless you are very experienced.
Best Techniques:
On the Clark Fork, fishing continues to been productive. The fall bite is living up to expectations and trout have been feeding throughout the day. Unless you’re seeing fish rising, an indicator rig with one or two nymphs (maybe even a worm pattern) should produce. Streamers have also been productive for both trout as well as Northern Pike. A sinking line will help make sure you’re getting your fly down deep enough for trout to take notice of your fly. On those cloudy days, keep an eye out for trout rising to October Caddis, Mahoganies, and Blue Winged Olives. Mornings have been chilly so there’s no need to hurry to the boat ramp this week. Check out our reccomended fly patterns to see what’s been working.
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DRIES
Para. Adams Sparkle Purple #12-18
Clook’s Beefcake Hecuba #12
Morrish October Caddis Adult #12
Mahogany Sparkle Dun #14-16
Parachute BWO #18-20
Missing Link BWO #13-20
NYMPHS
TJ Hooker #8-12 – Brown/Coffee
Hot Bead Power Worm #06-10
Jig Prince #8-12
Frenchie #12-14
Perdigons and Bullets #12-14
Duracell #12-16
Hot Bead Rubber Legs #8-12 – Black
STREAMERS
Lil’ Kim #04-08
Wooly Bugger/Thin Mint #6-10
Sparkle Minnow #04-08
Kreelex #04-06
Micro Dungeons #10 – Tan, Olive, White
Mini Ice Pick #6
Double Gonga #4-8
Drunk & Disorderly #4-8 – Olive, Black
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir Fishing Report by FWP (October 28, 2024)
Snagging has been productive near the Pumphouse. The snagging season for Kokanee Salmon opened on September 1st and will run through October 31st. Limits are 35 salmon daily with 70 in possession. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
November is here in on the Yellowstone Rive which means the big-time trophy trout hunters will be out dragging large streamers through the deepest holes in search of the elusive two-foot trout. Blue-Winged Olives are out and about but never really had a season worth talking about much…our pleasant weather was great for easy-living days on the water but not great for hatches of the mayfly. The “pseudo” mayflies may still be out on sunny days. Pseudos are a much smaller mayfly species and hatch consistently and many anglers refer to them as “tiny Blue-Winged Olives.” For these tiny mayflies on the Yellowstone River smaller parachutes patterns will work the best–size 18 Purple Haze, size 18 Sparkle Dun, size 18 Brook’s Sprout Baetis, and size 18 cripples.
For nymphers, tandem nymph rigs are still producing but not nearly as fun as tagging into a beast one a streamer or sight-casting to sipping trout on Blue-Winged Olives. The best flies for trout on the Yellowstone Right now are beadhead Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and Rubber Legs. The trout on the Yellowstone River have moved on from their faster and shallow holding and feeding lies and have moved into some deeper and slower runs and pockets. Target the top of longer and slower runs to find feeding trout.
Best Flies for the Yellowstone River Right Now:
Beadhead Pheasant Tails in size 14-20
Beadhead Copper Johns in sizes 14-20
Para Purple Haze in size 18
Para Sparkle Dun in size 18
BWO cripple patterns in size 18
Rainbow warriors in sizes 14-20
Zebra Midges in sizes 16-20
Beadhead PTs in sizes 18-22
Juju beatis in flash, black, or olive in sizes 16 and 18
RS2 is olive in size 16 or 18
Para Adams in olive or dark in size 16
Check out our latest blog for some tips on understanding the Blue-Winged Olive hatches.
Current Conditions:
Streamflows are well below average for this time of year which makes it a little easier to find the trout. Look in the deeper water next to shallow water, adjacent to riffles, shelfs, and banks. Trout will still be where there is some current because the current is what is bringing them food. Most trout are going to be caught in water that is 4-6 feet deep and has some current but isn’t too fast or pushy. Trout want consistency right now…consistency of flow and food source. The main food source of aquatic insects are small mayflies like pseudocleons and larger Blue-Winged Olives. Larger trout, especially large brown trout looking to bulk up for spawning may actively pursue smaller trout and baitfish.
The Month Ahead:
November can be a magical time to fish the Yellowstone but it can also be very cold and windy. Check localized weather forecasts because this time of year it can be very windy in Paradise Valley but calm near Big Timber and vice-versa. Brown trout are fall spawners and the largest fish in the river let their guard down as they become preoccupied with reproductive activities. Casting large streamers on cloudy can produce some heart stopping strikes from trophy sized fish. November can also a great time to cast dry flies if the wind subsides. The fall baetis hatch encourages pods of rainbows to sip the small mayflies out of current seams and eddies. With few other anglers on the water and productive fishing this is a great time to visit the ‘Stone!
Water conditions are less than ideal for anglers fly fishing Montana on the tailwater section of the Bighorn River, near Ft. Smith. Expect lots of floating grass and off-color conditions as cold water temperatures have that summer grass breaking free.
Fish will still eat just fine, but keeping your rigs clean as they run through the deeper runs is essential to success. Long leaders with heavy weight will get through that floating junk quicker and allow the angler to cover some of the fast, deep water where weeds are less of an issue. Consider picking up some tungsten putty instead of split shot to help your rig stay clean.
Fishing is challenging right now, but things should start to improve in the next week or two. Dry fly and streamer fly fishing are both pretty limited at this time, too.
This Yellowstone Park fishing report is valid Nov 1 through Thanksgiving.
The park general season is now closed. The remaining open fisheries are the Gardner River downstream of Osprey Falls and the Madison near West Yellowstone, basically from the Barns Pools down.
Park Waters are presented in roughly their distance from us, then by water type for generalities like “small streams” and “lakes.”
Gardner River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025 upstream from Osprey Falls. Open year-round downstream of the falls. Too cold down to the mouth of Sheepeater Canyon near the “high bridge” east of Mammoth. From the bridge to Boiling River, the pools are worthwhile on warmer afternoons. Fish stonefly nymph and egg pattern combos. The faster water is too cold. Downstream of Boiling River is good for a wider chunk of the day and in faster water, in fact the pocket water is often where the highest numbers are caught. BWO hatches will be fragmentary but can be great in the afternoons. Otherwise, fish the stonefly/egg combo in the bigger pools and the pocket water. Heavy brown trout spawning activity is underway in the riffles; do not fish them and be careful about where you walk. Regardless of where you’re fishing, beware of redds and avoid disturbing spawners.
Yellowstone River – Black Canyon: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Yellowstone River – Grand Canyon: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Yellowstone River – Headwaters and Lake to Falls: Closed until July 1, 2025.
Lamar River, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte Creek: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Firehole River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Gibbon River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Madison River: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025 from Madison Junction down to the Barns Pools. Open year-round from the Barns Pools to Hebgen Lake. This water is a long way from here. The classy choice is to swing streamers and large soft hackles, but most people will nymph using stoneflies, eggs, worms, and the like. Heavy brown trout spawning activity is underway in the riffles; do not fish them and be careful about where you walk. Regardless of where you’re fishing, beware of redds and avoid disturbing spawners. Unfortunately it seems likely that a lot of so-and-sos will not follow this advice. I have been informed by a senior Park Service employee who shall remain anonymous that “if every bro from Bozeman shows up and Euro-nymphs the redds, I’m closing this.” So don’t do that.
Lewis & Snake Rivers: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Park Small Streams: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Park Lakes and Ponds: Closed until Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
Current flow at Absarokee, 382 cfs.
The Stillwater River is in prime shape for Fall. It is no secret that the Summer of 2022 flood in the Stillwater River drainage has diminished the Trout population in this blue ribbon fishery. However the Stillwater still has a decent number of Trout per mile just don’t expect it to fish like it has in the past.
Right now you can still fish the Stillwater anyway you want and that would include Dry Fly’s, Nymphs and Streamers.
The Dry Fly fishing diminishes as we progress into Fall, however there is still a little Hopper action on that Stillwater due to our continued warm temperatures. If anything your Hopper would serve as both a legit Dry Fly as well as an excellent indicator for a Hopper Dropper set up. At varying times BWO’s have been spotted so a singular BWO Dry on a warm and cloudy afternoon could be just the ticket.
Suggested Dry Fly patterns include;
Pink Pookie (Sizes #8-#10)
Chubby Chernobyl in Purple (Sizes #10-#14)
Chubby Chernobyl in Royal (Sizes #10-#14)
Jack Cabe (Sizes #10)
Parachute Adams (Sizes #14-#16)
Purple Haze (Sizes #14-#16)
Sparkle Flag BWO (Sizes #16-#18)
Sparkle Dun BWO (Sizes #16-#18)
The Nymph fishing is really the most productive way to fish the Stillwater right now. As water temperatures continue to drop, the Trout are much more likely to eat Nymphs while having to exert less effort. Stone Fly’s, BWO’s and attractor patterns are the best patterns to fish between now and when the fishery ices over.
Suggested Nymphs Patterns Include;
The Streamer fishing is where it’s at if you want to catch a quality Brown. Lots of Brown Trout move up into the Stillwater drainage from the Yellowstone River and stage for their Fall spawn. Swinging a Streamer in front of a territorial spawning Brown Trout will no doubt invoke a defensive strike.
Suggested Streamer Patterns include;
