MONTANA TROUT RIVERS

Sea and Stream Outfitters fishes the most productive trout rivers, streams, and spring creeks in Montana. Contact us today to find out more.

 

The Madison River -- The Madison River is a mighty body of water that reaches from Yellowstone National Park to Three Forks, Montana. Sea and Stream Outfitters specializes in fly fishing two sections of the Madison river known as the upper Madison and the lower Madison.

The Madison River is a double tailwater fishery that boasts some of the largest brown trout and rainbow troutin Montana. Most trout average 14-18 inches and many trophy trout over 20 inches are caught and released each year. Not only are the trout big and beautiful, but the Madison river offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Montana. The Madison river is a year-round fishery and fishes well even during the winter months, although we keep a close eye on the weather.

The Yellowstone River --The mighty Yellowstone River is the longest non-dammed river in the United States. The focus of our fly fishing extends from the town of Gardiner, MT to Columbus, MT. The Yellowstone River is a large western river, and we like to fish from a drift boat, stopping to wade places that are inaccessible otherwise. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and and Yellowstone cutthroat trout are the target species and average 14-18 inches. Large trout over 20 inches are caught throughout the Yellowstone river, but we think the best sections for large trout are upstream from Livingston, MT in the Paradise Valley down to Columbus, MT.

The Yellowstone River is open year-round with outstanding fishing opportunities occurring from March through the end of October. The Mother's Day caddis hatch in late April and into early May is the hatch of a lifetime. Depending on the day, you can see every trout in the river up and feeding. When run-off season hits, the Yellowstone riveris high and mostly unfishable, but when the flows begin to drop, the stone flies and caddis flies make for some great dry fly fishing. Nymphs and streamers also produce many large trout from the end of run-off well into the summer. At the end of July, the hopper and terrestrial fishing begins, and big dries produce big trout all the way into late October. Fall trout fishing on the Yellowstone river is awesome, and big streamers catch big trout!

The Gallatin River --The Gallatin River's headwaters begin in Yellowstone National Park where the river meanders through a high mountain meadow with the Gallatin Mountain Range to the east and the Madison Mountain Range to the west. As the Gallitan river flows north toward Bozeman, Montana it runs through the famed Gallatin Canyon which is a wade fisherman's dream. After leaving the canyon, the Gallatin river turns into a valley river with mountain views in every direction. The trout in the Gallatin river average 10-12 inches with many larger fish in the lower reaches of the river as it flows into the Missouri river. Although the Gallatin river's small size and accessibility make it a great wade fishing stream, there are amazing float fishing opportunities on the lower river. Many Brown trout and Rainbow trout are taken over 20 inches on the lower section of the Gallatin river; therefore, we focus much of our fishing on the Gallatin down low.

The Gallatin river is a year-round fishery with the peak of the dry fly fishing in the early spring, summer and fall. Run-off season usually occurs from mid-May to early June although it can vary. When you plan your Montana fly fishing trip don't forget the Gallatin river. It is a little piece of heaven.

The Ruby River --Simply said, the Ruby river is a very small river that produces big trout on big dry flies. Wading is the only way to fish this small river. The Ruby river above the Ruby Reservoir is a meandering meadow stream with endless riffles and beautiful pools that are home to many large brown trout and rainbow trout. The average trout is 12-14 inches, but many larger trout are caught and released. Below the Ruby Reservoir, the river is a small tailwater fishery with a high trout population. Small river, big dry flies on foot.

The Missouri River --The Missouri River is formed at the confluence of the Madison river, Gallatin river, and Jefferson river in Three Forks, Montana. The "Mighty Mo" offers the finest in tail-water fishing below Holter Lake. The Missouri river has more trout per mile than any river in Montana. Not to mention, most of these trout are large. Averaging 16 to 18 inches in length and known to give a powerful run, these trout are the hardest fighting fish around. When hooked, many of these trout go to the backing instantly. Brown trout and Rainbow trout over 20 inches are not at all uncommon. Missouri river action is hot year-around with the peak season being May thru October. The Missouri river is a tailwater fishery that produces large May fly, Caddis fly, and Trico hatches. Pods of large trout are found rising throughout the early spring, summer and fall. Don't forget about streamers and nymphs; they are always a good bet on the Missouri river as well.

The Jefferson River --The Jefferson River is one of Montana's fly fishing best kept secrets. The Big Hole river, Beaverhead river, and Ruby river come together and form the Jefferson river. Over the years, irrigation has taken its toll on trout populations in the Jefferson river. However, over the last several years, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department has made an effort to work in conjunction with landowners to restore the Jefferson river to its old glory. It has worked! Known for its warm waters in the dead of summer, the Jefferson river is generally suited for fishing early and late in the season. Although trout populations are not as high as some of the other blue ribbon watersheds in Montana, the Jefferson river is home to some serious bruisers (5-10 lbs), and we believe that the populations of trout are increasing. A short drive from Bozeman, Montana this is one river you don't want to miss when you come to southwestern Montana.

The East Gallatin River --The East Gallatin River is located in the Gallatin Valley and is home to about 3,000 trout per mile. A small river with easy wading, The East Gallatin River is one of our staple locations to fish. Trout average 12-14 inches and can be caught with streamers, dry flies, and nymphs depending on the time of year. The East Gallatin river is a year-round fishery with large hatches of mayflies, caddis flies, and tricos emerging in the early spring and into the summer and with massive baetis hatches in the fall. Pods of rising trout can be found throughout the year, and the nymph fishing is always a safe bet.

The Boulder River --The Boulder river emerges from the Absaroka Mountains and flows north into the Yellowstone river at Big Timber, Montana. As the name implies, it is a very rocky river and is filled with pocket water, and of course, lots and lots of trout. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroats in the 12-16 inch range are caught on dry flies with the occasional trout 20 inches or better being caught throughout the summer months. Spectacular trout habitat leading up to the Absaroka Mountains make this valley stream one you won't want to miss.

Small Streams and Spring Creeks --Sea and Stream Outfitters takes pride in knowing and fishing virtually every small stream and spring creek in the Bozeman and Big Sky Montana area and beyond. If it's out there, we have fished it! Want to get off the beaten path and fish some new water? Small water and big fish are our specialties.