South Western Montana

Southwestern Montana 9-16-17

The recent and continuing unsettled weather signals that Hebgen Lake brown and rainbow trout are moving toward the Madison River meaning that they concentrate in the Madison Arm. For now they are on their way into Yellowstone Park and therefore moving into the river between the Highway 191 crossing and the lake where streamer fishing will become increasingly effective.   Presenting streamers in the river between Hebgen and Quake Lakes will also become effective as we move into October.

Southwest Montana 9-2-17

It appears that grayling in Red Rock Creek are heading downstream to Red Rock Lake.  Few, if any, remain in the creek above the Elk Lake Road bridge. Flow in the creek is a bit higher that normal, but high daytime air temps have have warmed the creek to the point that these fish are moving out.  Some juvenile cutthroat trout are in the creek throughout. Brook trout concentrate in upstream portions.

The Elk Lake Road bridge over Red Rock Creek is being replaced and a section of road north of the bridge is being improved. Construction is on going with gravel being supplied from a pit just east of the Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge. Flaggers direct traffic over the old bridge and through the section of road being improved. These actions appear to not impact the creek.

Southwestern Montana 8-19-17

If you are looking at fishing the upper Madison River and its West Fork or the Gallatin River and its Taylor Fork, be sure to include spruce fly patterns in that fly box. Certainly there are specific patterns for this insect, but such as an elk hair caddis, small stimulator, or blond humpy work just as well when presented under the same conditions. On most streams the current effective strategy, besides these, is presenting early AM trico spinner patterns, daytime terrestrial patterns, and evening caddis life cycle patterns.

Southwestern Montana 8-12-17

For the Madison River, same as on the Henry’s Fork: expect best action during early in the day spinner falls and evening caddis activity. Terrestrial patterns along well vegetated banks will be you best bet during day time.  If you fish below the wade only section, whether you are wading or from a boat, expect interruptions from other boating anglers having accents or lingo from all corners of the world.

Southwestern Montana 7-28-17

Star of the show here remains AM gulper fishing on Hebgen Lake’s Madison Arm unless the wind comes up.  As with the Henry’s Fork, best times to be on the Madison River are early (spinner falls) and late (caddis activity) in the day.  West Fork of the Madison River offers great lightweight tackle fishing without the crowding experienced on icon waters.  Try caddis life cycle, traditional attractor and terrestrial insect patterns.