Fishing Report 05.27.11

Missouri River: 13,600 cfs below Holter Dam
The Missouri is still fishing very well. The flows have been reduced out of Holter, but the worm is still king. Double worm combos, worms and scuds, and either scuds or worms paired with your favorite tailwater baetis nymphs in the afternoon. Me personally, I am a double wormer when I can get away with it.

Madison River: 2,290 cfs at Kirby Ranch/ 3310 cfs below Ennis Lake
Both the Upper and Lower sections of the Madison are both high, dirty, with the Upper being marginal at best, and only if you are a "glass is half full" kind of person. If I had to choose one right now though, I would prefer the Lower- I like fishing it when it is off color, great time for the big bug bite. Crayfish, worms, and little fish will all produce in the deeper buckets and along the banks. Plus, it may clear up a bit over the next few days. I would advise against making the drive all the way to the Upper, but what do I know?

Yellowstone River: 9,860 cfs at Livingston
Yes, the river is dropping. No, it is not worth fishing.

Jefferson River: 9,450 cfs at Silver Star
See Yellowstone River report above.

Gallatin River: 2,670 cfs at Gallatin Gateway
See Jefferson River report above.

There you have it. I will post again in a few days, things are tough this time of year, but there are plenty of options if you need a fishing fix. Look toward some of Montana's tailwater fisheries: Missouri, Beaverhead, Big Horn; or check our some of the under fished still water options that are everywhere, and nobody really messes with them. Last, but not least, there is no shortage of private water in Montana, and this is a great time of year to check these little creeks and ponds out. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact Freestone Fly Fishing Outfitters, we would be happy to point you in the right direction.

Fishing Report 05.25.11

***For a short time only Freestone Fly Fishing Outfitters is offering 3 day packages on the Missouri River for $600.00 per angler (based on double occupancy). This deal includes just about everything except booze and dinner. You will not find a better deal, or better fishing right now. Contact us (greg@freestoneoutfitting.com) for details.***


Missouri River: 15,400 cfs below Holter Dam. Virtually the only game in town. The Missouri is so good right now, it is not even fair. I do not know what Montana anglers would do without the MO. The game is nymphing, but the whole "that is why they call it fishing and not catching" thing does not apply- the catching has been off the charts:30-40 fish in the boat each day, and good ones. Worms and scuds of whatever variety (with some working better than others, no doubt), get this while you can.

Madison River: 2,220 cfs at Kirby Ranch, and 4,390 cfs below Ennis Dam. The Upper and Lower sections of the Madison are dirty and high, but some good reports coming in from both. Working the softer, deeper water with a variety of big nymphs, flashy nymphs, streamers, and worms. Usual high water fishing, but can still be quite fun.

Gallatin River: 3,680 cfs at Gallatin Gateway. Definitely not a real good option right now. Very high and very dirty.

Jefferson River: 7,490 cfs at Silver Star. Super high, and unfishable. The Jeff will come back in to shape quicker than the Stone, but still out for a while (think early July).

Yellowstone River: 14,900 cfs at Livingston. The Stone is DONE for a while, and probably, barring any really weird weather stuff, will be out for the duration. We can all start thinking Yellowstone again around the middle of July.

I hope this helps, the common misconception is that fishing is a non-issue in Montana this time of year, and that cannot be farther from the truth. You just have to know where to go. In my opinion, this is a great time of year to go fishing, so get out there.