Exploring Different Sections:

Carbella to Emigrant:

• As the river slows down here, long pools, side channels, and thick vegetation create an idyllic trout fishing setting. Dry fly fishing thrives with excellent hatches, and the upper reaches hold more Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.

The Bird Float:

• Grey Owl to Mallard's Rest, known as "The Bird Float," is popular for a reason. Expect big Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout in its mix of pools and undercut banks. While summer brings recreational traffic, the stunning views and abundant wild trout are worth it.

Mallard's Rest to Carter's Bridge:

• The river drops quicker here, offering excellent streamer water and productive hatches in pools. The character shifts significantly, providing a diverse Montana fishing experience.

Seasonality Matters:

Early Season:

• Look for slower water and rising trout during BWO and Midge hatches in colder months. Fly fishing here during the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch in late April or early May is an amazing experience. The upper Paradise Valley is among the first fishable sections after runoff in late June.

Mid-Season:

• High water pushes fish into protected areas, making fast water and deep holes prime targets when water recedes.
• The river explodes with prolific hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, creating a feeding frenzy for trout throughout July.
• Terrestrials like grasshoppers, ants, and beetles become crucial food sources for resident trout by late July and through August

Late Season:

• As autumn arrives, Baetis and Mahogany mayflies provide opportunities for classic "match the hatch" dry fly fishing.
• Cooler water temperatures and shorter days stir Brown Trout from their summer runs, creating legendary streamer fly fishing sessions for trophy trout.
• The onset of winter brings cold, windy days and ice eventually begins to build along the banks and across the river by December.