Montana locals and loyal anglers have always debated what is the best month for fly fishing in Montana. Because every month offers something unique, the answer is complex and personal. Some months feature consistent dry fly fishing while others serve up very high catch rates with subsurface nymphs while others might be the best for chasing big trout. Additionally, take into account the hundreds of miles of prime trout rivers, streams, and spring creeks; the seasonal nature of our freestone and tailwater rivers; the abundant hatches and their frequency and intensity; and, the expected weather for each month, the best answer is a combination of personal preference, goals, and expectations. There isn't one single "best month for fly fishing in Montana." But there is a best time to experience the best of what Montana can offer for the type of fly fishing in Montana you want to enjoy. When planning for any length of a Montana fly fishing trip--whether for a day, a week, or a month--narrowing down the best month for fly fishing in Montana takes some careful insight. Based on our several decades of assisting anglers helping to choose the best time to fish, here is our advice on matching your goals and expectations with the best month to go fly fishing in Montana.
Best Month to Catch the Most Fish
For anglers wanting the chance for the highest possible catch rates regardless of method, May and June on our tailwater fisheries offer the best potential for the most amount of fish to hand. Tailwater rivers like the Missouri and the Madison Rivers have streamflows that are regulated by dams. This means these rivers run clear when freestone rivers do not. The one exception to a freestone river that fishes well in dirty water conditions is the Smith River. Smith River trout can still feed actively in dirty water in early May. On the Missouri and Madison Rivers in May and June, anglers that are willing to fish subsurface nymphs below an indicator take advantage of rivers coming into ideal water conditions for some of the most active feeding conditions of the year. The potential for good dry fly fishing can exist as well in May and June, but short-term weather conditions can dictate streamflows and hatch intensity, so anglers looking for the best month for fishing dry flies in Montana may want to consider June or July. June and July also see nearly all of our freestone rivers and creeks in fishable conditions.
Best Month for Dry Fly Fishing Opportunities
The answer here is complex. There are a few early season hatches like the Mother's Day caddis hatch and hatches of Blue-Winged Olives that can provide exceptional fishing in some years, but also be a bust in other years. Year-in and year-out anglers seeking ideal conditions and the most variety for fly fishing in Montana with dry flies target mid-June through mid-July. By mid-June hatches of stoneflies, caddis, and Pale Morning Duns are common on most of our rivers. The two exceptions can be the The Smith River as hatches can occur in May on this small freestone; and the Yellowstone River because snowmelt runoff and high water can last into July. The famous salmonfly hatches begin in June as well as hatches of Pale Morning Duns. These two hatches are often followed by other species of stoneflies and a variety of caddis as well. From the Missouri River to the Madison and eventually the Yellowstone River and the waters in the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, anglers seeking out the best dry fly fishing in Montana have mid-June through mid-July circled on their calendars every year.
Best Month for Big Trout
This is a tough one--because not every Montana fly fishing guide is willing to share all of their secrets. But, we've been fishing Montana's waters enough to know the best month to find big trout. On freestone rivers the first few weeks immediately after runoff is often the most consistent time to find big trout. Just after runoff streamflows are still high and water clarity is still turbid, therefore big fish are feeding with less caution compared to lower streamflows. On most of our rivers June can be ideal for this, but the Yellowstone is the exception as early July is often when this river begins to become fishable after its long runoff. In some years, the Smith River can see runoff subside in late May. October and early November can also serve up some big trout, especially on the Yellowstone River. For fishing stillwaters and lakes late June and early July can be prime for big trout chasing hatching damselflies.
Best Month for Fishing Less Pressured Waters
During the summer months, Montana is a popular tourist destination. Add to the mix Yellowstone National Park and the millions of visitors traveling to and from Yellowstone each summer, there is no surprise June, July, and August are the busiest months for tourist traffic. Drill down even more and late-June through mid-August see the bulk of that traffic because that is when most kids are out of school; it is also the window of the most consistent summer-time weather. Late-June through mid-August is the time when waders are replaced by shorts and flip-flops and the days are long and hot. Consistent fishing conditions are the norm but expect busy boat ramps and anglers of all abilities enjoying the height of summer in Montana. So if you are looking for some opportunities to fish less pressured waters consider fishing outside of late-June through mid-August or look at private access ranch waters. Consider April and October as well because inclement weather, although quite good for fishing, is often enough to keep many casual anglers at home.
Best Month for Fly Fishing with Streamers
Few things in fly fishing for trout are as exciting as the fast-paced tug when a trout strikes a streamer. Many of our Montana fly fishing guides would choose a day of streamer fishing over any other method. Anglers who regularly fish streamers know the rewards may not come as easily as when fishing tandem nymph rigs or when a hatch is thick and the trout are hungry, so choosing the correct month helps to hedge your bets. October and November are the most well-known months for good streamer fishing, but April and early May have proven to be successful as well. Early June on the Madison and Smith Rivers can also produce good results as fish on these rivers feed on large stonefly nymphs. Whichever month you choose for fly fishing with streamers, it is a good idea to brush up on your streamer fishing skills by reading our 5 Tips to Improve Your Fly Fishing with Streamers.
Best Month for Hopper Fishing
August is a month often overlooked by many anglers in Montana. But for anglers who fancy fly fishing with grasshoppers, ants, and beetles August is the main month and September is a very close second. Montana's numerous large agricultural valleys filled with alfalfa fields are a haven for the large insects. Although grasshoppers fill the fields in the early summer, trout do not get interested in them until they molt from the nymph stage to and adult stage, which often occurs in early August and peaks a few weeks later. As adult insects, hoppers have wings allowing them to become airborne. Because they are not strong fliers, they can be easily diverted into rivers, especially on windy days. Afternoon winds on sunny days are a daily occurrence as warm valley bottom air rushes upriver to replace the cooler air in the headwaters. The combination of lots of grasshoppers with breezy afternoons results in some of the world's best hopper fishing in mid August and deep into September. Large rivers like the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers are known for exceptional hopper fishing while many of the smaller ranch waters can provide intimate fishing for adventurous anglers.
Best Month for Beginners or to Improve Your Skills
If May and June are the best months to catch the most fish, then there is a case for them to also be the best months for beginners. However, because in May and early June the most efficient way to catch a lot of fish as easily as possible will be subsurface fishing with tandem nymph rigs. If beginners only fish nymphs below an indicator, those anglers that are new to fly fishing may loose out on the opportunity to experience a variety of methods. Catching a lot of fish can add to the enjoyment of any trip, but so can learning how to improve your cast or learning how to sight-fish to finicky trout in a small, crystal clear spring creek. If your goal is to broaden your angling experiences and continue to develop new fly fishing skills and casts, consider late June and early July or September or early October because the variety of fly fishing in Montana during those times allows for a maximum amount of learning opportunities.
Best Month for Do-It-Yourself Anglers
Montana is a big state with a lot of great fly fishing rivers, lakes, and spring creeks. Hiring a Montana fly fishing guide is an investment in learning some new skills or being able to float fish some larger rivers that you might not otherwise be able to access. Choosing to go-it-alone allows for some self-discovery and the pride gained in doing it on your own. For the best DIY fly fishing in Montana choose July, August, or September. Because streamflows will be at their lowest during these three months, wading and finding plenty of public access is the easiest. If you are planning to float fish on your own if you own your own boat, levels are also at their safest if you are fishing new water. With a consistent mix of nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer fishing these are good months for DIY fishing in Montana.
Best Month for Backcountry and High Mountain Streams
With an elevation gain and loss of several thousand feet in many of our watersheds, fly fishing high mountain and backcountry streams is on many people's list for a Montana fly fishing trip. Because many of these areas are still under snow in May and then have runoff in June, anglers looking to strap on hiking boots or cover some miles should delay their fishing until later in summer. July is the ideal month for fly fishing many of our backcountry and high mountain waters. Some of these waters are best accessed by horseback trips or multi-day trips. A multi-day trip allows you to really discover these special fisheries. The rivers and creeks of Yellowstone National Park's northeast corner have some backcountry waters that are a little more accessible for Do-It-Yourself anglers than some wilderness or overnight pack trips.
Best Places for Fly Fishing in Winter
Winter fly fishing in Montana is something every angler should consider. Before considering a winter fly fishing trip, it is important to understand the limitations and expectations for fly fishing in winter. Bozeman and Big Sky are ideal places for winter fly fishing in Montana due to availability and accessibility of waters that will be ice free. The Gallatin River outside of Bozeman and near Big Sky has some springs that enter into it which creates conditions for feeding trout. The Paradise Valley spring creeks are about a half hour from downtown Bozeman and provide a unique fishing experience in winter. With a constant water temperature of 52 degrees F 365 days a year, a winter fly fishing trip in Montana on the Paradise Valley Spring creeks is one of the best places for winter fly fishing near Bozeman.
Montana is a world-renown destination with arguably the highest concentration of accessible and consistent rivers, creeks, and lakes in the world. Choosing when to go should be part of the fun of planning a Montana fly fishing trip, not the stress. With so much variety of waters spread out across the state, there is never a bad month to go fishing in Montana. The first step in choosing a successful Montana fly fishing trip is to look in the mirror and ask yourself what do you want out of your trip, because we feel confident the fly fishing in Montana can fulfil that desire.