June starts with swollen rivers and difficult fishing conditions throughout Montana. Hot weather and long days accelerate the runoff which winds down as the month progresses. Difficult wading conditions persist through the high water.
The improvement of fishing quality from early June to late June, however, is dramatic. Salmonflies erupt on the rivers near Bozeman during the last two weeks of June. Big Rainbow and Brown Trout explode on large dries fished tight to the banks as the rivers drop and clear.
Salmonflies take center stage as the upper Madison clears and drops as the runoff subsides in mid-June.
The big bugs show up on the Gallatin and Yellowstone around this time as well, the fishing just depends on how quickly these freestone rivers clear. Anglers can expect to have fishable conditions during the Salmonfly hatch on the Yellowstone River in years with low snowpack.
Brown Drakes hatch on the lower Madison in mid-June, around Father’s Day. Fly fishing the evening spinner fall along HWY 84 produces trophy Brown Trout on dry flies for seasoned anglers.
Get on the water before the sun rises during the Salmonfly hatch on the upper Madison River. Focus your efforts on the river stretches above the main hatch for the best dry fly action.
Upper Madison River fishing trips are the focus of our Montana fly fishing guides during the last two weeks of June. We wrap up our Missouri River trips as the Madison starts to fish well.
The third week of June is when things heat up on the blue-ribbon trout waters of the upper Madison. With over two decades of experience guiding anglers fishing the Salmonfly hatch, our guides know the tricks and tactics to make the most of chasing the hatch around Montana.
Late June is a very popular time of year for fly fishing in Montana, early reservations are highly recommended. Bookings can be secured online with Fins and Feathers, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019. Contact Us for help with planning your Montana fishing trip to the Bozeman area.