Big Sky Montana Fly Fishing In the Spring

Spring Fly Fishing Near Big Sky

The Gallatin River remains open all year and is the closest Montana fly fishing option near Big Sky. Anglers also make the drive to the Madison River and Yellowstone River for a change of pace, but water conditions in April vary with storms, cold mornings, and the start of runoff. Be prepared for winter-like weather even on days when the forecast calls for sun.

Fishing this time of year depends almost entirely on the day’s weather. Mornings are usually cold in the Gallatin Canyon, so there is no need to get out early unless the weather is unseasonably warm. As the water warms, nymphing and streamer fishing are the most effective fly fishing tactics. Blue-winged olive hatches can create solid dry fly fishing opportunities in the softer water when conditions are right. Skwala stonefly activity also begins to show, especially on the lower sections around Manhattan, Mt.

April Highlights

• The Gallatin River is the most consistent option near Big Sky in early spring. Nymphing with small mayflies, midges, and attractors is the standard approach until the water warms later in the afternoon.
• Anglers willing to drive can find solid spring fly fishing on the Madison River, especially between Hebgen Dam and Ennis.
• The Mother's Day Caddis Hatch kicks into high gear in late April on the lower Madison River.
• Streamer fishing starts to pick up on warmer afternoons. Smaller patterns such as lightly weighted sculpins or thin-profile baitfish flies tend to work best before runoff begins.

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:

On spring afternoons, small blue-winged olives can show up in good numbers on the Gallatin River. Even when the hatch is light, trout often slide into softer seams near the edge of the current. A simple parachute BWO or an RS2 emerger will do the trick. Early spring fishing is rarely about numbers, but when the hatch lines up, it can be some of the most rewarding dry fly fishing of the season.

Big Sky Montana Fly Fishing Trips in Spring

Spring is a good time for anglers staying in Big Sky to book a guided trip as there are several good choices within 30-60 minutes of the mountain resort community.

The best Bozeman fly fishing options in the springtime are on the lower and upper Madison river sections. Float and wade with one of our guides between Varney Bridge and Ennis Lake for some exceptional early-season nymph fishing. Float the lower Madison to target rising trout from mid-April through early May when caddis and mayfly hatches explode on this section near Bozeman.

Reservations for guided fly fishing trips near Big Sky are available online, by e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.

Please note that Big Sky is about an hour's drive from our Bozeman office at Four Corners. Guests should plan to meet our guides at our HQ around 9 AM for fly fishing day trips this time of year.

Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog