Fishing

As of the Christmas Holidays, snow packs in SW Montana are moderate.  This is a change from the 2011 season when we experienced very heavy snow packs which resulted in late runoff and difficult fishing on many of the larger freestone streams.  We expecting a more normal runoff season in 2012.  This means that on rivers like the Madison, Big Hole, Beaverhead and Jefferson that you will see increased flows and some turbidity from about May 15th to the 10th of June.

As we approach the end of October most anglers begin to think about big game hunting, bird shooting, football or even skiing.  Well, don't put away your fly rods permanently.  You want to remember that in the Dillon/Twin Bridges area temperatures are usually more moderate than many other areas of Montana.  If you find yourself in this neck of the woods any time between now and the new year keep in mind that most waters remain open year around and fishing with nypmhs, streamers or even some dry midges you can enjoy a few hours of good fishing.

Believe it or not, Fall is actually here.  With the above average temperatures SW Montana has experienced it is difficult to believe we are into October.  Despite the hot, bright days, the fishing is still very good in the Twin Bridges/Dillon area.

The Jefferson continues to be hot and cold.  You can find fish on the surface with hoppers in the afternoon and under the right conditions you will find some trico and bwo action.  When we get clouds the streamer fishing is very good.

Despite very warm daytime temperatures and gorgeous sunny days, it is fall in SW Montana.  You can expect to find more activity from larger brown trout as they move into their spawning mode.  The willows, streamside vegetation and cottonwoods along the rivers are all beginning to show fall colors.  Fishing pressure has dropped off dramatically. 

September has been exceptionally warm and fishing conditions continue to mimic August.  You should find plenty of terrestrial fishing on most SW Montana streams.  Flows are varied on area rivers but generally fishing has been good.

The days are finally beginning to cool, birds are gathering in larger numbers and brown trout are beginning to change to spawning colors.  Fall is close in Montana.  Stream condtions are the best in many years and anglers should try to get out the next six weeks before the 2011 season ends.

Hopper Season!

Water conditions on most SW Montana streams are excellent now.  Those rivers that were running high and off color have dropped and cleared.  You should expect a lot of terrestrial fishing from this point until about mid September.  You will find some trico activity on area rivers and occasional caddis hatches in the evenings.

One of the most enjoyable times of the year for fly fishers is when trout start looking for terrestrials.  This means ants, beetles and hoppers.  The rivers in the Twin Bridges, Dillon area are finally beginning to show signs of hopper activity.  

It has taken about four weeks longer than normal but most SW Montana trout streams are down and in great shape.  The weather has been warm and dry and grasshoppers are beginning to show.

It is great to see all SW Montana rivers rounding into shape.  Fishing is good with dry fly fishing picking up steam.

The Madison is still pretty high but water color is good.  You probably will have more success on nymphs but there are caddis, a few stone flies and a few may flies on the surface.