Bozeman

On the Upper Madison River, nymphing with a variety of stonefly, mayfly and caddis patterns worked well when fished up against the bank and behind rocks.

Lower Madison River nymphing is the same story, a variety of stone, may and caddis patterns fished up against the bank and behind rocks. There have been a few fish taking crayfish and sculpins, but worms and beadhead nymphs have been more reliable.

On to the Yellowstone… We advise avoiding this area while the water is fast and the clarity is poor. Try some surrounding waters like lakes and the small feeder streams.

The Gallatin is running high with very low visibility. Take a walk up the side of the river throwing stones, worms, and firebeads tight to the bank in the eddies. Stripping streamers in the protected water can also be effective.

Butte

Lots of recent rain in Western Montana has blown out rivers leaving them muddy in the Butte area.

Delmoe Reservoir has been fair fishing from the bank with night crawlers and orange garlic marshmallows. Black and White daredevils yield a few trout in deeper waters.

The Ruby Reservoir has been good fishing with a variety of spinners and carnkbaits. The river below the spillway has been good for small Rainbow trout and a few bigger browns.

Hells Canyon has been good fishing for those using Rapalas or spinner baits but it is running high and muddy with week.
Fly Fishermen drifting dark stones and stonefly nymphs or a dropper below have been getting some action.

The Big Hole should be good using Panther Martin, Mepps Spinners Rapalas in gold, Blue Orange or Rainbow Trout. Olive stones and double bead headed olive stone fly nymphs are great choices in the Divide canyon. Watch for small caddis or skwala hatches further upstream of Jerry Creek. Terrestrials have been excellent choices on Wise River.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and hit the fishing shop at Bob Ward’s for awesome deals!