Jul 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
The “Sweating and Snagging” July 24 Mid-Summer Blueprint
Mid-summer in Montana brings hot weather affecting fishing conditions. The Upper Madison is best fished early or late due to heat, with Epeorus flies proving effective. Lakes are challenging as trout are selective. Fish in Yellowstone National Park face closures, while the Gallatin thrives with grasshoppers. Avoid the muddy Northeast Corner.
Jul 25, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports – July 25th
Montana’s tournament fishing season is going strong, and many anglers are getting prepared for the Tournament of Kings next weekend. […]
Jul 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 7.23.26
Walleye are being caught using bottom bouncers and crawlers in 10-20 feet, with jigs also effective near mayfly hatches. Pike are abundant in various locations, favoring spoons and crankbaits in 8-15 feet. Salmon are scattered; successful lures include Flashers and flies, trolled at 2.1-2.2 speed.
Jul 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Hell Creek Marina Fishing Update by Bob Bergquist 7.23.26
The latest report from Hell Creek Marina highlights excellent walleye and bass fishing, with many anglers reaching their limits. However, northern pike are struggling in the calm, warm waters. A stiff wind is needed to cool the lake, or challenging conditions may persist into August.
Jul 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
Beat the Heat: Fishing Strategies for Bitterroot River
The Bitterroot River is under Hoot Owl restrictions, prohibiting fishing from 2:00 PM to midnight due to high temperatures. Anglers should plan to fish early in the morning, using tactical strategies with specific flies, while prioritizing trout care. The focus should be on efficient fishing before the afternoon closure.
Jul 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
Beat the Heat on the Big Hole: Your Morning Angling Game Plan
Montana's Big Hole River is currently experiencing warm water temperatures and declining flows, prompting "hoot owl" restrictions on midday fishing. Fishermen are advised to fish early, focusing on deeper pools and handling fish carefully. As summer progresses, expect Tricos and terrestrial fishing opportunities. Utilize a dry-dropper setup for best results.
Jul 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Boulder River Lowdown: Skinny Water & Spooky Trout
The Boulder River is currently "low and gin clear," making trout easily spooked. As of July 22, 2026, expect good hopper action and morning movements of spruce moths. Water levels will drop in August, leading to wadeable conditions. Late autumn may see migrating brown trout from Yellowstone. Prepare for a technical fishing experience.
Jul 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Gallatin River Fishing Tips for Muddy Water, 7.20.26
Recent heavy rains have turned the Gallatin River muddy, making trout fishing challenging. Expert Toby Swank advises anglers to abandon dry fly rods and use heavier rigs with Pat’s Rubberlegs. While conditions are tough now, the river typically rebounds quickly, so patience is key. Consider alternate fishing or relaxing for the day.
Jul 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bighorn River Beatdown: Your July Cheat Sheet
In high summer, the Bighorn River offers optimal fishing conditions with clear waters at 1,490 CFS. Target fish effectively by timing your efforts: fish early for BWOs, during noon for PMDs, and focus on shaded areas in the heat. Evenings bring caddis activity. Avoid blind-casting during peak heat, and be ready for thunderstorms.
Jul 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Flathead Area Fishing Report by Chancy’s Fish Camp 7.20.26
Chancy's Fish Camp Weekly Fishing Report highlights excellent fishing conditions at Flathead Lake, with notable bites for whitefish, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and salmon across various locations. Rivers are productive for pike and other species. Enthusiasts are encouraged to choose targets and utilize various effective fishing tactics and gear.
Jul 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Your Guide to Walleye and Rainbow Fishing in Helena Area Reservoirs 7.20.26
Fishing is thriving in Helena area reservoirs, with walleye and rainbow trout biting actively. Canyon Ferry offers excellent walleye fishing, while Hauser sees shore anglers catching both walleye and rainbows. Holter is popular for rainbows, kokanee, and walleye. Grab your gear and enjoy the fishing action this season!
Jul 18, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports – July 18th
The temperature is heating up in Montana, and so is the fishing in many areas. Get the reports you need […]
Jul 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Soup, Slime, and Solitude: The July Guide to the Jefferson River
The Jefferson River is currently low, warm, and filled with algae, prompting Hoot Owl restrictions that ban fishing from 2 PM to midnight. Ideal fishing conditions may return in September after irrigation ends, increasing fish activity. For now, anglers should seek cooler waters and wait for the river to recover.
Jul 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Holter and Regulating Reservoir Fishing Reports by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena 7.16.26
Holter Lake is currently known for kokanee fishing, with varying success rates. Effective bait includes snap weights with big dodgers and scented corn. Walleye are found near weed beds, favoring perch-patterned lures. At the Regulating Reservoir, kokanee are caught at depths from 10' to 45', primarily using pink or chartreuse lures.
Jul 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Hauser Fishing Report by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena 7.16.26
Walleye are found around weed beds, favoring subtle motions with lures like ned rigs and small paddle tails. The stretch from York Bridge to the dam is currently best for trout, with effective trolling using cranks and weighted cowbells at varying speeds. Kokanee are present but not abundant in Hauser.
Jul 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Missouri River Summer Fishing Report by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena: Toston to Great Falls 7.16.26
Missouri River (Toston to Canyon Ferry): With the hot temps the fish have slowed down a little bit but are […]
Jul 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 7.16.26
Walleye are best caught with crawlers and slow death hooks in 15-25 feet, while bigger fish are deeper with jigs. For lake trout, target deep flats in 105-125 feet, though fish movement can be unpredictable. Northern pike are abundant, and salmon are best targeted with 8” flashers in 55-80 feet.
Jul 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Canyon Ferry Fishing Report by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena, 7.16.26
Canyon Ferry's fishing remains productive, particularly for walleye, which can be found from 15 to 30 feet deep. Anglers have success using bottom bouncing with preferred colors like blues and fire tiger patterns. Trout are still biting but are retreating to cooler, deeper waters, primarily around 15 to 30 feet.
Jul 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
Ruby River Fishing Update: July 2026
The Ruby River is currently experiencing fluctuating water levels due to irrigation and summer heat, leading to "Hoot Owl" fishing restrictions from 2 PM to midnight to protect stressed trout. July may still offer good fishing, especially with various insect hatches. Specific regulations apply in different river sections.
Jul 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
Mastering Wade Fishing at Rock Creek This Summer
Rock Creek near Clinton offers excellent fishing conditions this summer, with cooler water temperatures keeping fish active. Wade fishing is required as floating is not allowed. Anglers should focus on small flies during the morning and switch to caddis patterns in the evening, adapting techniques based on weather and water conditions.
Jul 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
Essential Fishing Tips for the Yellowstone River Outside of Bozeman
The Yellowstone River is flowing at 4,440 cfs, and the fishing report advises early morning excursions for successful trout catches, especially upstream where it's cooler. Nymphing is effective for whitefish, while targeting trout requires dry flies like Caddis and Parachute Adams. Big streamers can also trigger aggressive bites.
Jul 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP’s Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 7.13.26
Canyon Ferry offers excellent walleye fishing in Ponds 2 and 3, using bottom bouncers and various lure colors. Hauser is productive for walleye near the Eldorado Dredge Piles, with rainbow fishing thriving below Canyon Ferry Dam. Holter sees strong rainbow catches early, along with some walleye and northern pike near weed beds.
Jul 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Madison River Outfitters Fishing Report, 7.10.26
Overview & River Conditions According to Madison River Outfitters‘ latest fishing report, waters on the Madison River are holding steady, […]
Jul 11, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports – July 11th
It’s the Montana Walleye Governor’s Cup, and the reports are in. Anglers reported from the tournament, and across the state. […]
Jul 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck MT Fishing Report 7.10.26
Walleye fishing is successful using bottom bouncers with crawlers or minnows at 18-25 feet, with a speed of 1-1.2. Lakers are found at 105-125 feet, using 3/4 jigs and paddletails. Salmon are scattered; using Salmon Candy flashers and blue-green flies at 40-90 feet has yielded some catches, at 2.1-2.2 speed.
Jul 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Capital Sports Weekly Angler’s Forecast by Jonathan Miller 7.10.26
Summer conditions on the Missouri River feature high-water challenges and changing hatches. Fishing is tough, particularly from Toston to Canyon Ferry, where walleye can be found in slack waters. Meanwhile, from Holter to Great Falls, the PMD hatch is declining, with nymphing and specific dry flies being recommended.
Jul 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir Fishing Update from Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports 7.10.26
Anglers are successfully catching kokanee in the Regulating Reservoir, especially during morning and evening hours. The preferred method involves trolling wedding rings with scented corn, using colors like chartreuse, pink, or orange. Fish are being found at depths ranging from 10 to 35 feet, with a speed of 1.0 to 1.2 mph recommended.
Jul 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Top Fishing Tips for Holter from Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports 7.10.26
Fishing at Holter Lake remains steady despite quieter crowds. Walleye are prevalent, particularly in lower canyon areas, with effective techniques including slip bobbers and jigs near weed beds. Rainbow trout are being caught using kokanee tackle, and kokanee fishing is slowly improving as they may be moving to deeper waters.
Jul 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Top Fishing Spots on Hauser Lake This Summer by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports 7.10.26
Summer fishing on Hauser Lake offers diverse opportunities, including walleye, trout, and pike. Anglers can catch trout by trolling deeper areas near Spokane Bay, using crankbaits and cowbells. Walleye are best found near weed edges, while pike respond well to jigs. Patience and varying techniques are crucial for success.
Jul 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Canyon Ferry’s Current Fishing Report by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports 7.10.26
Canyon Ferry is currently thriving for walleye and trout fishing, as of July 10, 2026, with the lake 89.4% full and inflows at 4,900 cfs. Anglers should target depths around 10-15 feet using various color patterns. Techniques include bottom bouncing, trolling, and casting near shorelines for successful catches.
Jul 9, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Yellowstone is Chillin’ (But Get Out There Before It Grills)
The lower Yellowstone River is thriving as the Shield’s River recedes. Although the salmonfly and goldenstone hatch is nearly over, a variety of bugs are abundant, including caddis and drakes. Anglers should match flies to the hatching insects, as fishing conditions are favorable before the weekend heatwave arrives.
Jul 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Ultimate Guide to Fishing Montana’s Smaller Waters
Montana Angler in Bozeman advises anglers on fishing smaller waters while complying with stream access laws. To maximize success in late June and July, use simple flashy attractor dry flies. As streams become low and clear in August, a stealthy approach will be necessary to avoid spooking fish. Happy fishing!
Jul 7, 2026 · Angela Montana
Beat the Heat (and the Crowds) on the Bighorn Right Now, July 5, 2026
In July, the Bighorn River offers excellent fishing conditions with water levels at 1,490 CFS. To maximize success, fish early mornings, during the PMD hatch from 10 AM to noon, and in the evening. Use proper gear and techniques, targeting fish in cooler, shaded areas during the hot midday heat.
Jul 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bitterroot River Fishing Update by Grizzly Hackle, July 4, 2026
Fishing conditions on the Bitterroot River remain excellent despite recent rain. Anglers are enjoying abundant mayfly and stonefly hatches, with effective dry-dropper techniques recommended. While the water is currently high for wading, fish are actively feeding, especially in the afternoons. Be cautious of fallen trees and check for updates from local fly shops.
Jul 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 7.6.26
Fishing conditions are optimal across the Missouri River chain, with successful multi-species catches noted at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs. Anglers are targeting walleye, rainbows, smallmouth bass, and northern pike using various techniques. Key areas include the river mouths and mid-reservoir spots, with effective bait options highlighted.
Jul 4, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Listen to Last Week’s Show – Montana Outdoor Radio Show – July 4th Recap
Last week on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, we celebrated the 4th of July, got updates on the upcoming Montana […]
Jul 4, 2026 · Miguel Lee
Montana Fishing Reports – July 4th
Happy 4th of July from our family to yours, anglers across the state are out in force. With successful reports […]
Jul 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Holter Reservoir Fishing Report by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena MT 7.4.26
Fishing at the Gates remains strong, with successful catches reported using drop shots and live bait. Key areas include Willow Creek and Cottonwood, while Split Rock to the dam yields nice rainbows. Effective techniques involve trolling at varied speeds and targeting depths of 15 to 35 feet for trout.
Jul 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Missouri River Fishing Report by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena 7.4.26
The Missouri River has seen higher flows due to recent rain, impacting fishing conditions. In the Toston Dam to Canyon Ferry stretch, fishing is challenging but possible in calm waters using drop shots. Meanwhile, the Holter Dam to Great Falls area recommends PMDs and occasional caddis, with some potential for additional hatches.
Jul 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Hauser Area Fishing Report by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena MT, 7.4.26
Fishing below Canyon Ferry Dam remains slow for walleye and mediocre for trout, though zonkers and worms can help. Spokane Bay shows some promise with anglers trolling crankbaits in deeper waters. Walleye catch rates are decent off rock piles, while fewer pike updates are available. The Regulating Reservoir has seen moderate success with trolling and vertical jigging.
Jul 3, 2026 · Angela Montana
Catch Trout Now: Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Jan Axtell's report highlights excellent fly fishing conditions in Montana. The Yellowstone River is flowing at 6,970 CFS, offering fantastic trout opportunities with stonefly nymphs in the morning and a variety of dry flies in the afternoon. The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks are also thriving, with a consistent PMD hatch.
Jul 3, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fort Peck Walleye and Lake Trout: Where Don Wilkins Found Them This Week
Walleye fishing is thriving in 15-25 feet of water, with slow death rigs and jigs proving effective. For lake trout, successful catches occur at depths of 95-105 feet using heavy laker jigs with paddletails. Adapting techniques enhances the bite during tougher conditions, ensuring consistent results for anglers.
Jul 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
Dodging Raindrops and Catching Monsters in Yellowstone National Park, July 1, 2026
Despite recent rains, fishing in Yellowstone is thriving. The Lamar River remains clear and inviting, with essential flies like PMDs and caddis hatching on the Firehole and Madison rivers. Anglers should prepare with attractor patterns and nymphs, ensuring they have their licenses before heading out to enjoy the waters.
Jun 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bitterroot River Fishing Conditions as of June 29, 2026
The Bitterroot River is experiencing excellent early-summer fishing conditions, particularly for trout. Dry fly fishing is thriving, especially with Golden Stoneflies and other patterns. Nymph and streamer techniques are also successful. This week promises consistent fishing opportunities, making it an ideal time for anglers to visit Freestone Fly Shop for guidance.
Jun 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Clark Fork River Fishing Report 6.26.26
The Clark Fork River is now open for fishing amid a damp weekend forecast. Anglers should focus on soft-water margins for trout, avoiding heavy currents. Essential fly recommendations include a buoyant Chubby Chernobyl with nymphs underneath and attention to hatching Pale Morning Duns. Stay cautious of new river hazards.
Jun 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Tiny Bugs, Big Moves: The Missouri River Fly Fishing Rundown 6.27.26
The CrossCurrents Fly Shop reports peak fishing season conditions with flows at 3,300 CFS. Easy wading is available as the Missoula crowd dissipates. Key strategies include nymphing with effective combos and downsizing for educated fish, transitioning to Trico and Caddis imitations, while streamers are primed for favorable weather conditions.
Jun 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Rainy Days, Great Bites: This Week’s Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 6.29.26
Montana's fishing reports highlight varied conditions across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs. While rain has led to inconsistent walleye bites, rainbow trout fishing is thriving. Anglers should use specific lures and techniques for each location, focusing on depths and bait preferences for optimal catches this week.
Jun 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Summer Fishing Report: Big Hole River Conditions
The Big Hole River is in excellent condition for summer fly fishing, following the Salmonfly hatch. Current reports highlight successful dry fly and streamer fishing, with various hatches like Golden Stones and PMDs. Anglers are reminded that 2026 Montana fishing licenses are now exclusively available online through the FWP website.
Jun 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Trout Action in West Yellowstone: Current Conditions, June 26, 2026
Despite rainy weather, fishing in West Yellowstone is thriving. The Upper Madison is seeing aggressive trout feeding, particularly with the anticipated salmonflies. Hebgen/Quake Lake offers productive conditions for dry flies and nymphing, while the Gallatin is clear and has lively action. Other local rivers remain too warm to fish effectively.
Jun 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 6.26.26
This week's report by Don Wilkins highlights effective strategies for targeting Walleye, Lake Trout, and Northern Pike. For Walleye, fish main lake points at 1-1.1 mph using slow death rigs. For Lake Trout, vertical jig in 95-120 FOW near deep points. Pike are best caught in shallow weeds with spoons and crankbaits.