Fall fishing is rolling strong in Montana. On the Yellowstone and Madison, streamer fishing remains hot for browns staging for the spawn. Cloudy days have also been bringing steady blue-winged olive hatches, so anglers who like dry-fly action are still in luck. Midday has been best with cooler temps settling in.
Fort Peck and Canyon Ferry walleye are stacking deeper, holding near points and ledges. Crankbaits, jigs, and slow crawler rigs are producing solid fish. Smallmouth are slowing down but can still be picked off on sunny afternoons along warm rocks.
Many high-elevation lakes are locking up at night, but lower-elevation stillwaters are putting out nice trout on spinners and streamers. If you’re looking to tangle with something big before winter, now’s the time to hit the river.
