Bozeman/Butte Recreation Report by Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors 2.15.19
By angelamontana

Posted: February 15, 2019

Hunting:

Wolf: Rifle Season still effective till March 15, 2019; Trapping till February 28, 2019.

Mountain Lion (with Hounds): Effective till April 14, 2019.

Beaver: Region 3 (Bozeman) is open till April 15, 2019

Deer/Elk: Special drawing for permits due March 15, super tag June 28

Antelope: Special drawing for permits due June 1, super tag June 28

Bozeman Fishing:

Gallatin: If you are going to try to fish, up towards Big Sky will be the best option. Stonefly nymphs, worms, and lightning bugs would be my go to or a small streamer slowly pulled through the deep slow water.

Lower Madison: Slush and ice will still be an issue. The Livingston Spring Creeks or maybe just below Ennis Dam will probably be the best options.

Upper Madison: Midges, scuds, sowbugs, and caddis pupa all should produce fish. Nymphing will be the best method by far, but look for risers and maybe pack a few small streamers as well. Near the dam will be the best option as further down may still be a bit icy.

Spring Creek: Midges will be the only hatch to worry about and single Midge emergers should work for any risers you see. The majority of action will be nymphing with a small Scud or Sow Bug along with Midge Pupa’s.

Yellowstone River: The Temperature will be a little better the next few days but slush and ice will be an issue. The best bet will be the Livingston area spring creeks.

Butte Fishing

We have a few ice fishing contests happening:

Northwest Montana, Region 1

Feb. 1st-23rd Perch Pounder- All region 1 Lakes

Feb. 16th Snappy’s Lake Mary Ronan Perch & Salmon Derby – Lake Mary Ronan

Northeast Montana, Region 6

March 1st-3rd 44 Hours of Fort Peck – Fort Peck Reservoir

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing