Yellowstone River

The Yellowstone River is the longest free flowing river in the Lower 48 and the main river I guide from Gardiner to Columbus. This stretch runs through Yellowstone National Park, Paradise Valley, Livingston, and the lower valley, which gives us a lot of different moods and pieces of water to work with through the year.

Classic freestone riffles, seams, cutbanks, and side channels give us different kinds of water in every season. Spring and early summer can bring strong nymph and streamer fishing. Summer offers PMDs, caddis, stoneflies, and terrestrials. Fall brings aggressive browns and rainbows that eat dries and streamers when the light and flows line up.

Where: Floats from Gardiner through Paradise Valley and Livingston down toward Columbus, choosing sections by flows, clarity, and traffic.

When: Late March and April ahead of runoff, then again from mid July through October with different looks in midsummer and fall.

How: Double Green boat water. We fish from drift boats and rafts with simple drifts and plenty of chances to get out and wade when it makes sense.

What: Salmonflies and golden stones in early summer, PMDs and caddis through the main season, hoppers and terrestrials later in summer, and baetis and fall caddis in the shoulder months. We match big foam attractors, simple nymphs, and streamers to what is happening that week.

Madison River

The Madison is one of the classic blue ribbon trout rivers in the West. From the riffle water of the Upper Madison to the slower, tailwater style stretches of the Lower Madison, it offers a wide range of fishing in one system. We treat the upper and lower river as two different fisheries and use guides who concentrate on each reach.

The Lower Madison warms up early and is one of my favorite spring and early summer options when the Yellowstone is still cold or in runoff. The Upper Madison is a fast, rocky valley river with high trout counts and classic scenery.

Where: The lower river below Ennis Lake near Bozeman and the upper river between the lakes and Ennis, depending on flows and water temperatures.

When: Lower Madison from late winter through early summer and again in fall. Upper Madison from June into October with changing hatches and flows.

How: Boat and wade mix. Wading on the Upper Madison is Blue because of current and cobble. From the boat it fishes closer to Green. We rotate between nymphs, streamers, and seasonal dry and dry and dropper fishing.

What: Midges and blue winged olives in spring and fall, Mothers Day caddis in May, then salmonflies, golden stones, PMDs, caddis, and terrestrials through summer. We keep flies simple and focus on getting good drifts.

Bighorn River

The Bighorn is one of the most reliable early season rivers in the state. When our local freestones are still cold or in runoff, the tailwater below Yellowtail and Afterbay Dams stays clear, stable, and full of trout. It is an easy river to read and a good place to settle into long drifts and pods of rising fish.

Long flats, soft riffles, and slow runs reward clean presentations. On the right spring days, pods of trout set up on blue winged olives, and the nymphing is steady from first light through the warmest part of the day.

Where: The upper Bighorn near Fort Smith, focusing on the most consistent stretches below the dams.

When: March through May for early season consistency, with good windows again in summer and fall when flows and crowds line up.

How: Green. Drift boat floats with chances to step out and wade easy water. Very forgiving seams and flats that are great for learning or tuning up nymph and dry fly skills.

What: Midges and BWOs in early season, then PMDs, yellow sallies, caddis, tricos, hoppers, and ants as the year goes on. We keep a simple box of small dries, nymphs, and soft hackles for this river.

Paradise Valley Spring Creeks: DePuy’s and Armstrong’s

The Paradise Valley spring creeks are some of the most technical and rewarding trout fisheries in the West. Clear water, steady flows, and small, precise presentations define these creeks. Because the springs run warm and constant through the winter, they offer one of the best cold weather fly fishing windows in Southwest Montana.

Few outfitters spend more time on these creeks than we do. You need a plan here, from reading weed beds and currents to following insect cycles and fish behavior. Our time on DePuy’s and Armstrong’s helps you spot fish, choose shots, and make the right presentation when it counts.

Where: Private ranch spring creeks in Paradise Valley, roughly fifteen to thirty minutes from Livingston.

When: Fishable all year, with special winter and early spring windows when crowds are light and fish slide into slow, predictable lanes. Summer brings classic hatch driven days.

How: Easy walking and wading. The water is gentle but the fishing is Blue in terms of skill. We use small nymphs, dry flies, and dry and dropper setups with light tippet.

What: Midges and baetis in winter and spring, strong PMD and sulphur hatches in early summer, caddis and terrestrials through the warm months, and fall baetis when the days start to cool. We keep patterns simple and focus on timing and drift.

Private Lakes: Story, Burns and Merrell

Our private lake days are quieter and slower paced. These lakes are a nice change of rhythm, with room to work on casting, presentations, and stillwater tactics for strong, well fed trout. They are also a comfortable option for families and newer anglers.

Where: A small group of private lakes in Paradise Valley and the Livingston area.

When: Ice out through early summer with good windows again in early fall when water cools.

How: Green. Stillwater fishing from shore, boats, or both depending on the lake. Very relaxed and forgiving.

What: Callibaetis, midges, damsels, and leeches make up most of the menu, with some terrestrial fishing on warmer days. We fish small nymphs under indicators, leeches, and dry and dropper rigs when fish are near the top.

Harrison Reservoir (Ice Fishing)

Harrison Reservoir has become one of the most popular winter options for visitors staying in Livingston and Bozeman. If you are looking for a fun, easy winter activity, this is one of the most family friendly fisheries in Southwest Montana. We take care of warm shelters, all the gear, and relaxed instruction.

Where: Harrison Reservoir in the Gallatin Valley, a comfortable winter day trip from Livingston or Bozeman.

When: Mid winter through early spring while there is safe ice and decent weather.

How: Green. Fully guided ice fishing with shelters, heaters, and simple setups for trout and perch.

What: Small jigs, balanced leeches, and simple stillwater patterns that imitate minnows, scuds, and chironomids. We keep tackle straightforward and focus on comfort and fun.

Stillwater River

The Stillwater River is anything but still. It drops out of the Beartooth Mountains and meets the Yellowstone at Columbus, with fast, bouldery water and big views the whole way. When it is in shape, it offers fast paced days and honest, fun fishing.

Where: Raft floats on the best middle and lower river sections as flows and access allow.

When: Often fishes well as it drops out of runoff and again through the heart of summer when flows and clarity line up.

How: Double Blue raft water. This is a true float and wade program with quick shots and fun corners. We fish attractor dries, dry and dropper rigs, nymphs, and streamers.

What: Blue winged olives and caddis in the spring, Mothers Day caddis when you hit it right, then summer caddis, a few stoneflies, and terrestrials later in the season.

Boulder River

The Boulder is one of the most exciting short season rivers we fish. It is a steep, fast freestone with classic pocket water, boulder gardens, and quick decisions behind the oars. When flows are right, it feels more like a whitewater float with trout than a standard river day.

Where: Raft only sections near Big Timber and upstream, chosen by flows and access.

When: A short but memorable window after runoff when flows settle into a safe range, most often in early to mid summer.

How: Double Blue raft water that leans toward Black when flows are high. Fast, splashy, and perfect if you like quick presentations and a little adventure. We fish attractor dries, dry and dropper rigs, and streamers.

What: Stoneflies and attractor patterns when flows first drop, then caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials as summer settles in.

Shields River

The Shields River is one of the more overlooked freestones in Southwest Montana, which is part of the appeal. It rises in the Crazies and winds through ranch country before meeting the Yellowstone. It has quick pockets, undercut banks, and a small river feel that is getting harder to find.

I live in the Shields Valley and watch this river year round. When flows, clarity, and water temperatures line up, it is one of my favorite places to share with guests.

Where: Selected reaches in the Shields Valley, chosen carefully around flows, clarity, and access.

When: Select windows in late spring, early summer, and fall when conditions are right.

How: Mostly walk and wade with some limited float options when flows allow. Wading is Blue to Black because of banks, cobble, and current. This is small river fishing for anglers who like to move and pick pockets.

What: Stoneflies, caddis, and mayflies in spring and early summer, then hoppers and other terrestrials later in the season. We fish dry and droppers, nymphs, and pocket water streamers.

Yellowstone National Park Waters

Yellowstone National Park gives us access to smaller streams, meadow sections, and cool high country stretches that fish best in summer and early fall. These days are as much about the setting as the fishing, with wild cutthroat, wildlife in the distance, and the feeling of hiking into your own piece of water for the day.

Where: Select park waters that fish well in summer and early fall, matched to your hiking comfort and experience level.

When: Most often from July into early October once snowmelt settles and water temperatures are stable.

How: Walk and wade only. Anglers should be comfortable hiking and carrying gear. We keep days flexible and pick water to match your pace.

What: Cutthroat friendly dry fly fishing with stoneflies, PMDs, caddis, and terrestrials depending on the month, with some small nymphs and soft hackles when fish are not on top.