South Western Montana

Southwestern Montana 8-4-15

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has removed the hoot owl closure on some streams (upper Big Hole, Jefferson), but added others. Go to their web site to see changes. we hear there are good gulper AMs and not so good AMs on Madison Arm of Hebgen Reservoir.

Southwestern Montana 7-25-15

There are now 13 “hoot owl” closures (no fishing 2PM to midnight) on western Montana streams. This closure is applied when in stream temperatures reach levels considered to be dangerous to resident salmonids.  To view closures, go to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks official web site.  Then go to Fishing and Waterbody Restrictions and Closures.

Southwestern Montana 7-11-15

We have word that Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has restricted daytime fishing on the Big Hole and Clark’s Fork of the Columbia and Jefferson Rivers. There are also restrictions on the lower Gallatin (mouth to Logan) and lower Madison(Black’s Ford downstream) because of warming waters. Check the Montana FWP Dept. web site for details.

Southwestern Montana 6-27-15

Big stoneflies are as far upstream as between Quake and Hebgen Lakes. That means lots of folks are fishing this piece of water. Below Quake lake the Madison river is low and warming up. Flow in the Beaverhead River is up and down depending on irrigation demands.

Southwestern Montana 5-22-15

North shore of Hebgen Lake is fishing well for those presenting streamer and big woolly bugger patterns.  Try big stonefly nymphs and rubber leg patterns below Hebgen Dam. Some rainbows remain in the South Fork of the Madison River estuary, and they will take any streamer pattern you present.

Beaverhead River is low, but fishing is good. Try cranefly larva patterns, streamers and woolly buggers in deeper waters.

Red Rock Creek in Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Management Area is closed to fishing through June 15th in order to allow grayling to spawn with minimal human interference.

Southwestern Montana 8-16-14

Big happening on a lot of streams is appearance of spruce moths. The Gallatin and the Big Hole have famous hatches, but any stream flowing through fir or jackpine forests will have significant hatches of these insect that we are not fortunate to have, except that they attract trout. Best fishing for them is after morning sun warms them enough to fly and mate.  Hebgen Lake gulper action has been a bit spotty as of late, but late in the day fishing on the river below has been good when spinner falls or caddis swarms take over.  Want a treat with a lightweight system? try the West Fork of the Madison River. You can drive for miles up this stream to catch eager browns, bows and  cutts. Nothing big, for sure, but great action in the riffles, runs and pools.  It’s another great choice for taking an entry level or physically challenged person.

Southwest Montana 8-12-14

We hear that fishing is slowing down a bit on the Madison River, but not so on Hebgen Lake where morning gulpers are providing great fishing.  Other lakes in this area provide gulper fishing, and have nearby accommodations in the form of lodges or campgrounds.  Consider trying the north and south ends of Elk Lake or shallows along the west shore of Wade Lake for gulpers.