LESS PRESSURE, MORE FISH
Though Montana got a peak at winter in mid-October, the fall has been mild with cool mornings and evenings sandwiching pleasant mid-day temps. This has led to some really nice days on the water. Just last week one of our guides took a couple out on the Gallatin River just south of Bozeman. They enjoyed a crisp fall day on the water and landed a nice mix of fish on baetis or stonefly nymphs.
Over the weekend, we did back-to-back days on the Madison River. Floating from morning until afternoon, we saw zero other fishermen on day one and one lone wader on day two. Having the river all to ourselves, we brought a good many fish to the boat including some brilliant browns that were all dressed up in their Halloween costumes – bright red and orange spots, cheeks and bellies. Wow!
With the local hunters in the field working hard to get that deer or elk for their freezer, the rivers are seeing a lot less pressure making it a great time to book a last-minute trip. We can hit just about any water right now – from the Missouri to the Madison to the Yellowstone – and everything is fishing great.
PARK STILL IN PLAY
Though the government is shut down and the roads in the park are closed for the winter season, you can still fish in Yellowstone National Park.
This is the second year that fishing is being allowed on the Madison River up to the Wyoming state line and on the Gardner River up to Osprey Falls.
If you’re looking for a walk-in, wade-only day, either of these rivers is a great bet. You’ll experience solitude and the beauty of this amazing landscape while getting a chance at some big fish as the fall run heats up.
WELCOME THE SLIPPERY SEASON
While these mild temps are giving us time to rake up the last remaining leaves dropping from trees, before long we’ll be shoveling snow. With the white stuff comes ice and, you guessed it, ice fishing. Last year, we had an amazing season of frozen fishing and are anticipating another great round for the ‘25/’26 winter.
Book now if you want to create a new winter tradition of ice fishing. We already had big groups of families and skiers who had locked in dates in between days on the mountain and celebrating with loved ones.
If you want something fun to do outside during Christmas break or to ring in the New Year, ice fishing is the way to go.
FISHERIES & RECREATION RESEARCH
If you’re interested in learning more about the health of and activity on the rivers of Southwest Montana, check out the array of new studies happening in the area.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and Montana State University are teaming up on four research projects that focus on fish mortality related to flows, water temperatures, angling and disease influence; juvenile fish recruitment and contributions of tributary spawning areas to mainstem trout populations; fish health in relation to how disease is impacting fish populations in the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers; and fish health monitoring.
To find out more, visit the Montana FWP website.
GET YOUR GIFTS
Speaking of the holidays, we just had a couple summer clients call up and order three hoodies, a hat and a shirt – presents to be doled out to loved ones come December. Check out the Shop page and you’ll have a great selection of gifts for all the anglers on your list.
These gifts are a great reminder of past trips with us and also are a great precursor to an upcoming trip. If you haven’t booked your trip for spring or summer, you can also grab one of those for your favorite fisherman.
In fact, now is the best time to book your guide for 2026. Prime days are going fast so once you know when you’ll be in Montana, give us a call so you can plan the rest of your vacation.
Remember to get your lodging now too – rooms go just as fast as guides do!
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