We just found a great new wind speed map that might be useful to those of you who spend most of your summer days outside.
Current wind speeds for Montana
A few years ago I remember driving with one of our core guides, Russel Elwell. We were mid conversation while I was parking the truck, then without a hesitation in our dialog I spun the truck around to park facing into the gale force wind. Russell looked at me and said, “Do you realize how much time we (referring to Livingston locals) spend thinking about the wind.” I didn’t even mention why I was re-parking the truck, but he already knew that I didn’t want my doors ripped off by the gusts.
He was right about how much we think of the wind around here. While this map won’t deter us from being in Montana fly fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking or any of the other 100 great things to do – it might just give us a heads up.
River around Livingston, Montana
“What’s your favorite river to fish?” – probably the question we hear the most when guiding. You wanna know? Here you go:
- Yellowstone River – obviously, it’s our home river. We guide 120 miles of the longest freestone (un-dammed) river in the lower 48 States, how could you not love fishing that?
- Boulder River – this small rafting stream is a half raft trip half fishing adventure.
- Soda Butte Creek – this small little gem in Yellowstone National Park has huge Cutthroat that eat dry flies.
- Armstrong Spring Creek – one of the best sight fishing for big trout spring creek anywhere in the world!
- Smith River – walk/wading through the upper stretches of this small stream can produce some big brown trout.
- Lower Madison – OK we know it can be a bit weird to fish and it’s mostly nymphing or streamers, but this is the river where you’ve truly got a chance to catch a Montana trophy.
- Stillwater River – it’s a bit of a drive, but it’s a bigger version of the Boulder River and stays floatable through out the season.
- DePuy Spring Creek – with over 3 miles of spring creek and predictable hatches it’s another Paradise Valley gem.
- East Gallatin – we might get in trouble for this one with some of the locals, but it’s true. This tiny stream right by the Gallatin Airfield holds some huge trout which might be eating Trico’s in the morning and Hoppers in the afternoon.
- Missouri River – Alright it’s not really that close to Livingston, but we head up there every June for about a month and it’s one of our favorites because it doesn’t experience the major run-off like the majority of the rivers in our area. Oh yeah did we mention the huge trout.
What are your favorite Montana Rivers?
Eric Adams teaching a novice angler to read water
This time of the year we are flooded with people making reservations for their Montana fly fishing trips. Part of helping people make their plans is listening and answering their questions. One of the most common questions is related to lesser experienced anglers. We get excited to guide beginners, adolescents, and casual anglers. Our guide staff loves the sport and wants to teach those eager to learn. Having said that here are a few things that will make your Montana fly fishing trip better if you are fishing with a novice or if you are the novice.
Let us preface this by saying that you’ve already made the best decision to improve your angling skills by hiring a guide. They are on the water daily, have great local knowledge, and are passionate about sharing this information with beginner and experienced anglers alike.
6 Tips for Beginner Anglers:
- Make sure to TELL YOUR OUTFITTER that you are a novice when you first book your trip or that you have a novice angler fishing with you. Then the outfitter can get you the best possible guide and make the best plan for learning and catching fish during your stay.
- ASK QUESTIONS, ask before you come out, while you’re fishing and afterwards. There aren’t any dumb questions about fishing if you don’t know and you’ll never learn if you don’t ask.
- COMMUNICATE throughout the day with your guide. If your guide explains something and you still don’t get it ask him to explain it again or show you – don’t just nod your head in agreement. Personally, we love it when people are passionately trying to understand the sport we love.
- Ask your outfitter about the EQUIPMENT YOU NEED. Don’t spend a lot of $ on equipment that you might only use a few times, likewise don’t use poor quality gear either. Have the outfitter provide quality gear or rent it from a fly shop. Borrowing your ‘uncle’s’ old fiberglass rod from the 1960’s won’t help you enjoy your time on the water.
- Tell you outfitter your EXPECTATIONS. Do you want to just try and catch a bunch of fish or do you want to learn the when/where/how/why of fishing? Any guide worth their salt will be happy to teach you while also catching fish.
- LISTEN to your guide. We know it seems simple, but honestly it’s the most important part of learning. If the person you’ve hired as the expert suggest something or makes a point to explain something it’s probably important.
Do you have any tips for novice anglers going on a guided trip that you’ve found helpful? Be sure to comment if you do.
USDA 2010 Hopper Prediction
We thought we’d re-post this article again as it’s gotten a lot of attention from all those anglers looking forward to their late July and August fishing trips. So here it is again…
Original Post from May:
Great news for those planning your Montana fly fishing trip for late July and August. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just reported that this summer is in for a severe grasshopper infestation. Charles Brown of the USDA stated that based on recent federal surveys many western states, including Montana, may see the most severe hopper outbreaks in the last 30 years. See image.
The Yellowstone River runs through some of the prime ranch land in Montana near Paradise Valley and toward the eastern plains. The ranch land bordering the river are mostly hay fields where hoppers can grow prolifically in both size and numbers. A perfect August hopper fishing day would include temperatures in the 80’s, a 10 to 15 mph downstream breeze and a sunny day. The heat gets those hoppers moving and the breeze knocks them into the water, where trout eagerly wait for their afternoon meal. Some of the best hopper fishing on the Yellowstone River occurs east of Livingston where the bigger Rainbow and Brown trout reside.
So while ranchers and farmers prepare for the massive infestation, fly fishers should rejoice and make sure to tie up some Chaos Hoppers and Chubby Chernobyl’s. There’s only one catch you have to be in Montana this summer to fully appreciate it!
This time of year we start getting a lot of calls and emails about the right gear to bring out for you Montana fly fishing trip. While fly fishing gear can vary depending on the time of year you are visiting us here are a few staples that you should remember to check off your list:
- Montana Fishing License – we highly recommend visiting the state website and purchasing your license PRIOR to you trip. https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index
- Rod & Reel (Line weights from 4 to 7 with floating fly lines, a 9 foot 6 wt is perfect for everything, but if you have a combination of two rods to fish with; like a 5 wt for spring creeks and a 6wt for big rivers and windy days it is even better) This is a broad subject that depends on the angler’s preferences and the type of water fished.
- Wading Boots – studded boots are not preferred when fishing out of a drift boat as they will damage the floors of the boats.
- Waders – breathable waders are the only way to go! If you would like to purchase waders we recommend Sweetwater Fly Shop for a full selection of fishing supplies.
- Rain Coat – should be taken even on clear days our mountain weather can change in a matter of minutes.
- Water Shoes or Sandals – for wet wading on warmer days.
- Fishing vest, fanny pack, or net – all optional.
- Long underwear or fleece pants for under your waders.
- Layers of Clothing for Hot and Cool weather.
- Warm socks.
- A Waterproof Bag for personal items you bring in the boat.
- Sunscreen.
- Hat – this not only provides better vision it protects you against hooks and fly lines.
- Sunglasses – quality polarized sunglasses are a must.
- Camera – for that big one!
- Cash for fishing licenses and tips.
Mother's Day Caddis Fishing on the Yellowstone River
Spring fly fishing in Montana on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and the Spring Creeks of Armstrong, DePuy, and Nelson can be some of the best of the year. In fact many of our summer guests ask us when we get time to fish. The answer – spring time! While the weather can be variable the fishing is quite consistent. Those of you considering an early season get-away, here’s a rundown of what you can expect.
The weather and conditions are varied so come prepared for temperatures from the low 40’s to mid-60’s. On occasions there is snow, which should not stop your fishing, but if it does, this is also the prime time for wolf watching in the nearby Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Buffalo, elk, and other game, that grew weary over the harsh winter, often fall prey to the wolves at this time and the packs can be seen from the road! This wonder has drawn world-wide interest and many people are coming to our region specifically for this event.
The benefits of springtime travel in Montana have not caught on nationwide, but for the passionate community of people who love the West, it is the only time to be here. For “locals”, this early fishing season is a treasured un-crowded time unlike any other. It’s often been suggested Montana natives named it the “Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch” so they could have the best dry fly fishing for themselves for three weeks before.
As for what you can expect for the fishing:
A Beautiful spring time Cutthroat
March – early April bring us great midge and baetis fishing. The water is usually low and clear, so good presentation is the key to fishing success. That said, the fish are eager to eat after the long winter’s cold. Water temperatures warm and the fish get active. Warm afternoons are best, especially on cloudy days even if it’s snowing outside. The added bonus is that if the weather turns cold and snowy Bridger Bowl ski area is only 35 miles away – ski in the morning and then fish the afternoon hatch!
Mid April – early May really gets us excited. One of the most spectacular hatches anywhere in the world is right around the corner – the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch on the Yellowstone River. Describing this hatch, when it’s full blown, is almost impossible. You might think we’re exaggerating, but that’s why we’ve included some photos so you can judge for yourself. The river has an orange hue when the hundreds of thousands of caddis hatch in the afternoon. In the beginning stages of the hatch trout are eager to feed on these tasty morsels along the river banks and in back-eddies. While the caddis hatch gets most of the attention the March Brown’s can be just as spectacular. What trout wouldn’t want to eat a size 12 to 14 mayfly after a long winters slumber?
In an effort to get some of our long time summer fishing clients to get a taste of the greas Montana spring fishing we offer a 15% discount from our standard guided fishing rates. So if this sounds like an interesting time of year let us know and we can fill you in on more details. This opportunity is available from March until the first week of June.
