Spring and summer-time fishing in Montana is often defined by when snowmelt runoff begins and ends. From year to year, the exact timeframe of our snowmelt runoff varies, but it typically begins in mid-May and runs into mid-June. Montana’s freestone rivers like the Gallatin and Yellowstone often run too high for reliable fishing during snowmelt runoff. But during runoff in Montana, our tailwaters and spring creeks like the Madison, Missouri, and Paradise Valley Spring Creeks are legitimate options for fly fishing in Montana in May and June. This can also be a good time of year to fish lakes. Additionally, the summer-time tourists aren’t venturing to Yellowstone National Park gateway towns just yet, so Montana feels a little less busy in late spring and early summer. If you are looking for consistently good fishing and a high-end fishing lodge experience, here are 5 Great Fishing Lodges for Late Spring or Early Summer in Montana.
Madison River Lodge
The Madison River Lodge is a meticulously designed fishing-centric lodge located in the middle of the most productive section of the Upper Madison River. This is the only all-inclusive lodge directly on the famous 50 mile riffle section on the Upper Madison. During May and early June, the Madison River’s 5,000 trout per mile gorge heavily on stonefly and mayfly nymphs and hatches of caddis. Long-time Madison River anglers cherish May and early June as the biggest fish of the year tend to be caught during these two months. The Madison River Lodge is all about the fishing and the schedule revolves around anglers and fishing conditions.
With a max capacity of only 10 anglers, guests here enjoy a unique, intimate atmosphere complete with gourmet meals from a professionally trained chef and service team. The Montana fly fishing guides are some of the best in southwest Montana as Montana Angler’s core guides work exclusively for the lodge. In early June when the rivers are high, the Madison River is generally the best fishing option near Bozeman, Big Sky, or Ennis. Additionally, at just over an hour away, venturing into Yellowstone National Park can provide some additional fishing options on the Firehole and Gibbon rivers.
Missouri Cliffs Lodge
The Missouri Cliffs Lodge is Montana Angler’s newest addition to their all-inclusive lodging and camping program. Located in the productive and scenic canyon section of the Missouri River atop a high cliff with sweeping views of the valley, this lodge is the most centrally located lodge on the entire Missouri River. During May and early June, this tailwater remains fishable even when releases from the main dam are high compared to summer flows. Much like the Madison River, fishing on the Missouri River in May and early June has a long and loyal following. With fish counts pushing 6,000 trout per mile and hatches of caddis, Blue Winged Olives, midges, skwala stoneflies, and more, it is no mystery why dedicated anglers have been venturing to the Missouri River between Helena and Great Falls for decades.
When most other rivers are high and muddy, anglers on the Missouri River have almost two dozen floats and nearly 50 miles of productive water to explore. Montana Angler’s Missouri Cliffs Lodge, with a max capacity of six rooms and a focus on personal service, draws its inspiration from the smaller, more intimate fishing lodges in Patagonia and New Zealand. After a day on the water enjoy delectable hors d'oeuvres and a multi-course dinner with the other guests, along with a variety of libations in the refined Western-style saloon.
Madison Valley Ranch
Located in the unique “Channels” section of the Madison River just a few miles upstream of where it flows into Ennis Reservoir, the Madison Valley Ranch is a great option for enthusiastic anglers that enjoy a larger lodge operation. In May and early June, the Upper Madison can have a good Mother’s Day caddis hatch and the water from Quake Lake down to McAtee can be outstanding. The Upper Madison actually fishes very well during the middle of run off upstream of the West Fork near Lyons Bridge. With a max capacity of 26 anglers, this is a lodge ideally suited for large groups or anglers who enjoy socializing. Private access to some of the best water in the Channels and a pond stocked with legendarily large trout complement a convenient location a short drive from Ennis, Montana and other productive sections of the Madison River. The Madison Valley Ranch is also within a fairly easy drive to Yellowstone National Park, which offers some good fishing options in June. Food at the Madison Valley Ranch is made with only the freshest ingredients, and each evening's meal reflects the chef’s passion and creativity.
Healing Waters Lodge
The rivers and creeks, like the Big Hole, Ruby, Madison, and more, that are fished by the guides at Healing Waters Lodge in May and early June can run the gamut from the tailwaters of the Beaverhead, Madison, or Ruby to freestones like Big Hole and possibly the Jefferson. Healing Waters Lodge is situated near the small town of Twin Bridges. Additionally, the lodge has exclusive access to some private spring creeks and small lakes, which frequently hold fish much larger than you would expect for small waters or small lakes. Healing Waters Lodge is set on 20 acres of land in the Ruby Valley with views in all directions. On property is a stocked pond right out front of the lodge. In addition to a unique fishing program, amenities include an exercise room, pool table, fly & gift shop, and a TV room. Meals at the lodge are prepared with the freshest local ingredients, often from the fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown in the lodge gardens. Healing Waters Lodge has capacity for 18 anglers and has a variety of rooms and cabins
Madison Double R
The newest lodge on the Upper Madison River, the Madison Double R boasts luxurious accommodations on 1,200 acres of land that border two miles of the Madison River near the Varney Bridge access site. The Madison River is the main attraction in May and June, but the waters of Yellowstone Park and some other rivers are within a fairly easy drive and offer some variety. The Madison Double R is perfectly situated to offer world class guided fly fishing, paired with on site bird hunting and skeet shooting. Guest rooms are in luxuriously appointed cabins, with a golf cart and a pair of mountain bikes at each cabin for guests to use around the property. A large common area features a fully-stocked bar in the western style “Back Eddy Saloon,” a workout facility, covered outdoor fireplace, two TV’s, and a luxurious dining room that boasts massive slide-aside windows for nice summer nights. The culinary program at the lodge is top notch, with multi-course meals sourced from local ingredients as much as possible and thoughtful pairings with a variety of wines.
Planning a Montana fly fishing trip should be part of the fun of your next great trip. However, choosing when to come to Montana can feel like a loaded question. With decades of experience, we’ve developed a pretty good grasp of What is the Best Month for Fly Fishing in Montana. If you are looking for some adventure and some big fish on rivers that don’t have the buzz of summer-time, consider a trip to one of these 5 Great Fishing Lodges for Late Spring or Early Summer.