Welcome

Now in our 24th season, we pride ourselves on a tradition of quality, experience, and selection.We outfit and guide anglers throughout the finest waters in Montana Trout Country. All you need is a desire to dance a fly on these beautiful waters and a few directions. We will make sure a trout gets a hold of you!

If you ever imagined yourself fishing rainbows, browns, and cutthroats out of brilliant water running through the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, Gallatin Riverguides can place you there.

Gallatin River 2320 cfs--Winter, at least for the moment, seems to have finally released its icy cold grip. The Gallatin’s flow has been in a constant state of fluctuation, and the same can be said for its fishing. The fishing has been great following colder nights when the river has a chance to drop and turn that beautiful green color we all love. Clearer water can always be found above tributaries, such as the West Fork of the Gallatin and the Taylor Fork. Runoff still remains an issue, as there is still a significant amount of snow left in dem der hills. We can expect runoff to last for a couple/few more weeks. While the river is still in this state of fluctuation fishing with big ugly patterns, such as Girdle Bugs, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Bitch Creeks, and rubber legged golden stonefly patterns, should produce fish in most cases. Make sure to fish them deep along the edges and in other slack water that you have access to. Stripping big rubber legged stoneflies can sometimes be the technique of choice. If the single stonefly is not enough try dropping some smaller nymphs, like Beadhead Pheasant Tails, Princes, Hare’s Ears, etc. You can also find the occasional caddis flying around, which could offer some good dry fly opportunities. In the next few weeks we can expect water temperatures to increase and more bugs should begin hatching. Salmonflies, golden stones, yellow sallies, caddis, and a slough of other delicious fish foods are on the horizon.

Upper Madison 2110 c.f.s.--The walk-wade section of the Upper has been fishing consistently with a variety of nymphs and streamers. Nymphing with a variety of golden stone patterns or dropped with smaller patterns like Pheasant Tails, Micro Mayflies, Black Beauties, etc., have been proving successful. Streamer fishing with conehead sculpin patterns, Sex Dungeons, Near Nuff Sculpins, and other streamers that heavy and black or olive colored(general rule), should produce fish. The river is running pretty healthy at the moment, so only strong waders will be able to take advantage of the river beyond the banks. Remember, the water is still pretty cold so the fish aren’t extremely aggressive yet. Fish slow and methodically and enjoy the beauty that this wet season has to offer.

Lower Madison 3350 c.f.s.--There letting a lot of water out of Ennis dam in order to keep up with current runoff, as well as prepare for what’s to come over the course the next few weeks. Fishing is a little more unpredictable in this section right now. Try the typical Lower Madison arsenal of Zonkers and Clouser Crayfish dropped with Lightning Bugs, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails, San Juan Worms, King Princes, etc. As with other rivers expect a slough of bugs to appear once the water temperatures start to rise.

Yellowstone River 11,300 c.f.s.--Muddy! If you lived in Livingston and you just had to go fishing you could probably work out a fish or two from the bank, but its ugly. I’m not sure when we can expect this river to provide good, consistent fishing again. We’ll try to keep you posted.

Yellowstone Park--The old reliable Firehole is, of course, fishing well. Baetis, PMD’s, and caddis are all hatching. Salmonfly nymphs have moved to the edge of the river and should begin hatching anyday now. Maybe today! Fishing dries to rising fish, as well as swinging soft hackled nymphs should work well. As of now, the Firehole is the only really reliable fishing destination in the park, but I’m sure if you did some scouting you could find some hidden treasures.

.

• Authorized Frontiers Agent
• Member, F.O.A.M (Fishing Outfitters Assoc of Montana)
• Member, D.U. (Ducks Unlimited)
• Member, F.F.F. (Federation of Fly Fishers)
• Member, T.U. (Trout Unlimited)
• Member, H.F.F. (Henry's Fork Foundation)

Steven & Betsey French (Montana Outfitter #235)
Owners/Outfitters/Buyers