When to Come

DECEMBER - APRIL
Winter months in Montana are technically considered the off season for most fishing guides, but not at Wild Trout Outfitters. Some of the best fishing of the year can’t be found despite the winter season and the cold weather. Tail waters, un crowded rivers, very little fishing pressure, and the presence of midges throughout the winter mean the trout are almost always feeding. It’s primarily nymphing here in the winter, but on warmer sunny days, trout can be found sipping the tiny insects off the surface. The temps can vary greatly through the winter months in Montana, anywhere from well below zero to 50 degrees and above. The true Montana biathlon can only be accomplished during these months, skiing fresh powder on Lone mountain at the Big Sky Ski Area in the morning, and an afternoon on the Gallatin River once the sun takes the morning chill off the air. During the winter months, dressing in layers is essential. Gloves, sunglasses, warm hats and double layers under your waders are necessary. The Gallatin, Madison, and Missouri are all very productive winter fisheries.
Spring weather in Montana is notoriously fickle and can produce both balmy warm days and blizzard like winter weather. The end of May and April is a major transition month for weather with a tumultuous blend of cold winter storms and mild spring temperatures.  Fishing in early April across Montana often produces winter like fishing conditions with a few exceptions.  Water temperatures are still cold and trout are concentrated in slow deep runs in order to conserve energy.  Prime feeding times coincide with the warmest part of the day which is generally from about noon until 4pm.  The most productive fishing techniques during the early part of the month is generally nymph fishing just off of the bottom.  Rainbows are spawning this time of year and egg patterns can often be deadly along with the standard stonefly, small mayfly and midge patterns.
Winter offers some great fly-fishing if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the weather. For the nymph fisherman, this time of year can offer some outstanding fishing.

APRIL - JUNE

Once Mother Nature eases her winters grip, April, May and June bring big changes to Montana’s rivers. Depending on the winter’s snowfall and the spring temperatures, Montana river’s can be gin clear, a steady stream of mud or anything in between. The Missouri River produces monster rainbows this time of year, some reaching over 27 inches. WTO’s Outfitter, J.D. Bingman and a few of his Guides, has  a US Coast Guard Commercial Captain’s licenses for Montana, allowing you to reach water that others can’t. This opens up opportunities for more fish. April and May is generally safe from the mud and the fishing is excellent. The fish are extra hungry for midges and blue-winged olives after the long winter months. May and June can be a runoff gamble on the Gallatin, upper Madison, and Yellowstone. But tail water rivers such as the lower Madison and Missouri are generally sure bets. Early May turns the attention of anglers around the world to our neck of the woods. The Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch is something you should not miss. The Caddis are heaviest on the Madison and Yellowstone and the fishing can be extremely productive on the surface. Spring weather in Montana is notoriously fickle and can produce both balmy warm days and blizzard like winter weather. It’s best to be prepared for all weather conditions when packing.

JULY

By  the first of July, spring’s run-off waters are simmering down and the salmon flies are starting to show up by the thousands. Salmon flies are the second largest hatch of the year. Tipping the scales at two- inches long, these guys are some of the most fun dry-fly fishing to be found. The Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin are all very productive salmon fly fisheries. Stone Flies and PMDs also start crawling out of the woodwork around this time of year, as well as some terrestrials . There is plenty of dry-fly fishing to be had in the month of July. Be prepared for cooler weather, as the temp can dip down to the 50s from time to time. Though more often than not the mercury remains high and it’s in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s. Be sure to pack a raincoat, as afternoon showers are likely. The Yellowstone usually clears up about the third week in July, and we take advantage of the opportunity to fish there. The Upper Gallatin and Yellowstone Park can offer some excellent dry fly and nymph fishing. .

AUGUST

By August, all rives are running clear and fishing consistently well, except the upper Gallatin River after a heavy rain. August is also prime hopper season. Hopper fishing can be incredible with activity all day on the large dries. Other terrestrials, such as beetles and ants, can also be very productive.This is the time for the Humpy, Royal Wulff and the Hopper. You might as well trail an ant off the back of your hopper, think of it as insurance. August is consistently the warmest month in Montana. Be prepared for up to a 100-degree day or two and bring your swimsuit, the cool waters feel amazing on a hot August day. The Yellowstone, Gallatin, Madison, and Missouri all fish well during August.. The Madison and Yellowstone Rivers offer some outstanding float fishing opportunities.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

If we’re lucky enough to have warm weather, the hoppers are still hanging around as fall starts to set in and the browns are starting to move. On a cloudy day, streamer fishing can produce some huge browns, more aggressive than ever this time of year. This is the time of year Wild Trout Outfitters start’s to fish the upper Madison (above Hebgen Lake) for some of the biggest and best fishing of the year! Our Guides know this water like their own back yard and know where the fish are. If you love to fly fish and you have some time you need to come out and experience ROCKTOBER on the Madison in Yellowstone Park.  This is also the time of year to get back on the Missouri river and take a Jet Boat trip with one of WTO’S  USCG Commercial Captain’s, allowing access to some of the biggest browns in Montana. The Missouri is the place to be as the days start cooling down. This is a splendid time of year with some of the best fishing of the season—without crowds! Weather this time of year can be just as unpredictable as the spring with day time temps ranging from 80 degrees down to 30 degrees or lower by the end of October. Better safe than sorry when packing for this time of year.