Montana Trout Fishing: rigging

Current Conditions

SPRING 2021! We are in that funny time of the year between winter and summer. Weather can be anywhere from 70 degrees one day to 15 degrees and sideways snow. Be sure to have plenty of dry gear to make it through the season. HOWEVER, the fishing this time of year is outstanding! We are gearing up for the rainbow spawn, which means eggy patterns and hungry browns! The streamer game is picking up and fish are starting to look up for things like caddis and mayflies!

Depuy Spring Creek: a great time to fish spring creeks before they up their rod fee!

The Gardner River: The park is still closed for fishing

The Gallatin River: The old 'Gal is one of my favorites this time of year before the blow out occurs. Pressure is low and fishing is good. Small nymphs, lightning bugs, pheasant tails, BWOs, zebra midges will all hook fish, up top put on a girdle bug, san juan or a larger nymph like #14 bead head copper john. Drift through the deeper holes and runs! Brown or black streamers will work, so have plenty of muddlers and sculpzillas in your box!

Yellowstone River: Water levels will continue to rise. There have been some good reports for the Stone if youre looking for a good float/fish option. I currently do not have a report.

Hyalite Creek/Reservoir: Res is still frozen! The creek remains an option however levels will rise until blow out.

The Upper Madison River: On fire now! Girdles, san juans, zebra midges, $3 dips, shop- vacs, eggy, and lightning bugs will do the trick. Fish are chasing spinners but make sure your barbless.

The Madison River at Bear Trap: A good option, typically a little warmer than other rivers. We will see dry flies sooner here than others and the mother day caddis hatch is not one to miss in the bear trap. Small nymphs, lightning bugs, hares ear, pheasant tails, crayfish patterns and brown and olive sculpins.

Boulder River: Always a good place to hide from the tourists. The Boulder is very similar to the Gallatin River. Girdle bugs, san juans, midge nymphs, all do well here.

Bozeman and surrounding area ponds/lakes: No reports!

Three Forks Ponds: Ice still on

Ennis Lake: Ennis, Harrison, Quake, and Hebgen all open now. Covered in ice, going to be mid to late may before ice off on ennis, and harrison. Quake will remain frozen even longer.

If you would like to share with me a report please email me at Norbaracer13@Gmail.com thanks all, tight lines!

SW Montana Fishing and Fly Gear Retailers

Montana Troutfitters

1716 W Main St. Bozeman

(406) 587-4707

Rivers Edge

2012 N 7th Ave Bozeman

(406) 586-5273

Bozeman Angler

23 E Main St Bozeman

(406) 587-9111

Fins and Feathers

81801 Gallatin Rd Bozeman

(406) 585-2917

The Tackle Shop

127 W Main St Ennis

(406) 682-4263

Montana Fish Man Outfitting

104 Hugel St. Ennis

(406) 570-1438

Sweetwater Fly Shop

5082 US 89 Livingston

(406) 222-9393

Parks' Fly Shop

202 S 2nd St Gardiner

(406) 848-7314

West Yellowstone Fly Shop

140 Madison Ave West Yellowstone

(406) 646-1181

Sweet Cast Angler

115 W 1st Ave Big Timber

(406) 932-4469

Welcome to Montana Trout Fishing!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Line Setup Tips: How to Rig a Leader

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