Bozeman Fishing:

Upper Madison River: We are expecting some cooler water to be coming down the river in the next few weeks, which should improve the fishing. The fishing has still be solid with a strong PMD hatch, and the caddis being out in the millions. Stone flies are still around if you go up high.

Lower Madison: In the past week the water temps have risen, fishing the Lower Madison is stressful on the fish and not the best fishing. If your headed to the Madison. Grab a tube and cold beverages, and enjoy the float.

Gallatin River: The Gallatin River is in good shape and is fishing well. Attractors and dry flies have been fishing well, with royal wulff’s, Trudes, and stimulators being the go to flies. As the water temp warms look for the fish in the currents for there is more oxygen in the water.

Butte Fishing:

The fishing is awesome everywhere in SW Montana presently. The Big Hole drainage is excellent for both fly and spin fisherman. Caddis hatches are plentiful and the deeper runs are susceptible to nymphs. Panther Martin, Mepps, or Rapalas are great choices for spin fisherman.

The Beaverhead is perfect for floating presently. Midges and small flies are seeing large activity. Quiglet cripple in sizes 14 and 16 are a good bet. Carry some golden stonefly nymphs and possibly a few small yellow sallies. Clark Canyon is seeing some activity with bait and weighted line rigs. Golden Rapalas or deep shads are great choices. Midges or Chironamialsare good choices for the fly angler.

The Ruby Reservoir has been giving up some fish for the bank anglers. Select a long casting rig and expect to get your bait off bottom. Bottom bouncers or homemade rigs of that sort have been working well.

Georgetown lake has been fishing hot lately. Hammond brass and copper spoons are working well from shore. Nightcrawlers or Powerbait are always a good bet. Buggers, Leeches, or Damselflies are best choices for the fly angler.

(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors)