With a current rising and muddy river we have been looking for other places to fish. Some of the best options out there right now are lakes, tailwaters, and spring creeks. Local and private lakes are always a treat this time of year because the fish are hungry and most haven’t been caught yet. We have heard reports of some callibaetis hatching on warmer days, particularly on lakes with less elevation. Chironomids, scuds, damsel nymphs, leeches and other nymphs or streamers have all been working.
Tailwaters have been a great option for fishing as runoff comes into full swing. The lower Madison has been slow the past couple days and a little off color but as flows stabilize this will be a great place to be. The Missouri has been fishing well and is always near the top of the list as one of the best rivers to fish in the state during late May and June. The Bighorn, Beaverhead, and Ruby are also good options, just be sure to check the CFS charts and try to fish them on the drop.
The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks have been fishing well. Although the baetis are starting to slow down a little there have still been plenty of midges. Scuds, sawyer style pheasant tails, midge larva, and other thin, sparsely tied flies have been working well. By Mid June we will start to see PMD’s hatching but you can fish with PMD nymphs several weeks before we start to see any dries. Rates are currently $80 per rod. Give us a call if you’d like to book a guide 1-406-222-7130
Starting June 1st Montana will be lifting the mandatory 14 day quarantine for those entering the state. This means anyone could book a guide starting 6/1 or after without having to wait 2 weeks in Montana before being permitted to fish. Until 6/1, the 14 day quarantine remains in place.