DON’T FEAR THE RUNOFF
While we’ve only had a couple days above 50 so far this year, the warmer weather is coming and runoff won’t be far behind. Usually, from about mid-May (sometimes earlier) to early June, we see many of our rivers become so swollen and dirty that they become dangerous and unfishable.
But fear not! If you have booked a guide or are thinking of getting on the water during that time frame we’ve got you covered. While the Yellowstone and Gallatin might be out of play, we’ll have fishable water for you.
For instance, the Missouri River is a tailwater that flows out of the bottom of Holter Dam, ensuring a 13-miles of gin clear water before any tributaries muddy up the river. Both the Upper and Lower sections of the Madison River are also tailwaters and remain fishable for long-stretches even during runoff.
Of course, the local Spring Creeks, which are fed by groundwater, and lakes, where you can have field day fishing nymph and dry chironomid patterns, aren’t affected by runoff.
Plus, the Firehole River in Yellowstone is another option–it may turn a darker shade of its usual tea color, but it will still fish well and has reliable hatches.
NOW IS THE TIME
Despite the snow, we were out on a section of the Upper Madison where the ice had recently cleared and had a great day bringing loads of fish to the net. But we weren’t surprised since, as we said before, from right now until runoff is when you’ll find some of the best fishing of the year in Montana.
Whether you’re out their nymphing and throwing streamers, as we were yesterday, or fishing the upcoming hatches of midges, blue-winged olives, skwala, or caddis, there’s plenty of action and options to be had.
Each uptick in the water temperature brings new bugs to the surface, culminating in the Mother’s Day caddis hatch, which is triggered when the river’s hit 52-54-degrees. If you haven’t fished one of these prolific hatches, let’s just say they are must-do for any fly fishermen.
EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE FISH
It might still be snowing here in Montana but spring and summer is right around the bend. Right now might be a great time to be on the river, but it’s also the time to reserve your time on the water for the upcoming months.
Every day we are getting more and more bookings with our guides from May, June, July and August to the point where our available days are starting to shrink. For instance, there’s already days on the Missouri for which we no longer have available boat captains.
Give us a call today or book on the website to make sure you get your chosen day(s) and guide. Also remember to reserve your hotel, rental car, and even start thinking of restaurant reservations as summers in Southwest and Western Montana are pretty busy.
While advanced bookings are highly recommended, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reach out if you’re looking for a last minute slot. Cancellations happen and we’re always happy to accommodate eleventh-hour bookings if we have an opening.
YELLOWSTONE OPENER
As tradition has it, Yellowstone National Park will open to fishing on the bulk of the park’s waters on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, which this year falls on May 24.
Be sure to check the park’s website and review the regulations (and get a park license which is different from a Montana or Wyoming fishing license) to find out more about the park’s rules and where you can fish as some rivers and lakes open later (or not at all). Also, if you’re coming before the opener, don’t forget that you can fish sections of the Gardner and Madison all year.
While opening day can draw a bit of crowd, especially on the Firehole, getting on the park waters before the summer tourists arrive is a great way to experience the wonder of this magical place.
Now is also the time when bears come out of hibernation so don’t forget to grab some bear spray and carry it with you all times, especially if you are venturing to spots away from the road and developed area.
GUIDE PROFILE
DREW DANIELS
HOMETOWN: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
FISHING HERITAGE: My great-grandfather was an incredible angler. Same goes from my uncles and dad. They got me started when I was three. Plum Lake and Plum Creek were a five-minute bike ride from my grandparents cottage and I remember riding my bike to go fish for smallmouths and muskies in the lake and brook trout in the creek.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Growing up I was a competitive bass fisherman. From around 15 until I graduated from high school I competed in tournaments–even won a couple! A still have friends that do it.
FIRST TIME FLY FISHING: When I was 9 years old, my family went on a trip to Colorado and I saved up to buy a cheap fly rod. I caught a couple little rainbows on an olive woolly bugger in a small creek outside of Steamboat.
MONTANA BOUND: I had some friends going to school out West and I was spending all my money coming to visit them. I figured I should just move here so in 2019 I did. It started in 2024 and I love it!
FAVORITE RIVER: It’s a toss up between the Upper Madison and Missouri, but if I had to choose I’d go with the Madison. You just can’t beat the size of the fish and how’s it is different throughout the year to keep you on your toes yet remains constant in terms of always fishing well.
FAVORITE FLY: Another tough one! I’d say a dry fly I came up with called the Hop, Drop & Roll. It’s a foam hopper pattern with a parachute post and hackle. It’s a combo of old school and new school tying. I actually sold it to a company and this year (2025) will be the first time it is commercially available.
FAVORITE MUSIC: Driving to the river I’m probably listening to Tyler Childers or some sort of country. But I’m all over the place – classic rock, 90’s hip hop like Biggie. I like it all.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: I like to cook with pizzas, stir fries, and sushi rolls being my go-tos. I also love to travel. I try to go home and see family, or travel to other places around the country and to the Bahamas to fish!
FAVORITE MEAL: My spot in Bozeman is Whistle Pig Korean. I recommend it all the time. I love the scallion pancakes and Bibimbap.
FAVORITE BOOKS: The Quest by Tom Brown, Jr. It’s a cool book. Kinda outdoorsy but more than that. It’s sort of been passed down among the generations in my family. In terms of fishing related, I’d say Gary Lafontaine’s Caddisflies. It’s amazing. I also love Fleye Design by Bob Popovics.
WHY GUIDING: I love meeting people from all over the world and sharing my passion for fishing and outdoors with them. Also, you can’t beat seeing the excitement in people’s faces when they have those “aha moments” on the water.
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