Fly Fishing,    Planning

Montana Fly Fishing Trip Planning for Different Seasons

By Eric Shores 12/28/2015 5 minutes

Montana is one of the top destinations for a fly fishing trip. But, being prepared can make the difference between having an amazing Montana fishing vacation and being miserable from the weather. 


Fly Fishing in the Spring

Spring is a great time for Montana fishing trips. The food chain is beginning to awaken, and so are the fish. Fishing can be great, but the weather can change quickly so you need to be prepared.  Spring is an excellent time to fish as the summer traffic on major rivers such as the Madison has yet to arrive. You can still find some really lonely fly fishing opportunities. 

A good fishing partner of mine once said “No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes”. As far as clothing is concerned you have to be ready for anything in the spring. Conditions can change radically even in the same day.  You can go from 70 and sunny to chilly and rainy in a matter of hours.  

The inconvenient truth is that the fishing often turns on when the clouds roll in and the weather turns up. Be ready for anything. Outdoor sports layering is the way to go.  I like to carry a light weight down layer for warmth along with a good rain coat for the outer layer.

Read More: Ennis  |  Missoula |  West Yellowstone

Summertime is Great Fly Fishing 

You can pack a lot lighter for a summer trip. High temperatures average is the comfortable 80s. We usually wade wet July and August unless fishing early in the morning.

Sun screen and a broad brimmed hat are crucial for sun protection. Ennis Montana sits at 5500 hundred feet. It is high altitude sun, so use sunscreen and cover up. And don’t forget your dancing shoes for the Gravel Bar. Summer is good fun after fishing.

Read More: Madison River Fishing Report

Fall Fly Fishing - Big Fish and Small Crowds

Ah! Streamer season has finally arrived. It's another great time to be in Montana, fishing. Most of the fellow anglers have headed back to the real world, and the big fish are starting to chase.  Clothing options are much the same as the spring. Bring layers and be able to adjust to changing conditions. I also recommend throwing in a warm hat and some light weight gloves.

The Winter Surprise - Fly Fishing and Skiing 

Surprisingly. You can run into some  good fishing in the winter, but you better be tough...and I suggest you bring skis so you can ski Big Sky on the cold days and fish if you happen to get a warm day. 

Read More Strategies for Winter Fly Fishing in Montana

Destinations
Ennis Montana
 (2)
This is a small town with a big heart, a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Located near the fish-filled Madison River, and surrounded by the waters of Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Hebgen ... moreLake, Quake Lake, Henry’s Lake, the Big Hole River and scores of smaller streams, the town boasts what many consider the best trout fishing in the world. As well known for its wranglers as its anglers, Ennis has succeeded in maintaining the look and feel of its original, gold town roots. Warm and hospitable, the area offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from simple campsites, rustic motels and gracious hotels, to full-service, luxury resorts. Fly shops are numerous, stocked by local experts ready to advise and assist, while guides can be booked for trips throughout the area.

Boredom is the only thing unavailable in Ennis. Throughout the summer season the city hosts a series of events, including its renowned 4th of July Celebration Parade and a genuine, old-fashioned rodeo. In August, fly-fishing luminaries from around the US, flock to Montana to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Athletes also find their way to Ennis to compete in the city’s Madison Trifecta, two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America. For the true sportsman, October falls in with the annual Hunter’s Feed. What’s caught, typically elk, moose deer, pheasant and bobcat, gets cooked on the streets and served up to hungry spectators.

Flanked by three grand mountain ranges, The Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison, Ennis is scenic and entertaining – truly an authentic, fly fisher’s haven.
Trips:
4 Days 4 Rivers Fly Fishing Package in Montana
Float Trip on the Yellowstone River with Zach Neville Outfitters
Float Trip on the Upper Madison River with Zach Neville Outfitters
All 61 Fishing Trips
Fishing Waters:
Gallatin River Fishing Report
Ruby River Fishing Report
Jefferson River Fishing Report
All 6 Fishing Water Reports
Destination Blogs:
Learning to Fly Fish in Montana
Fly Fishing Packing Check List for Montana
Perfect Day Fly Fishing: the Gardens at Ennis Montana
All 15 Blog Posts
Fishing Waters
Madison River Fishing Report
 (5)
The Madison River is arguably one of the best trout fishing rivers in all of southwest Montana, if not the entire world! It’s certainly the most talked over, written up and frequented ... morein the state of Montana – which is considered by some the capital of fly fishing. Anglers will find plenty of great access sites to wade or float along the Madison’s banks and reservoirs (including Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake). Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream.

The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. Within the Park, fishing rules apply: no live bait and catch and release only. Once outside the Park the river meanders past working ranches, stately conifer forests and cottonwood lined banks, interrupted by riffles and quiet runs that contain large rainbow and trophy brown trout. Flowing alongside Yellowstone’s West entrance road, the river enters Hebgen Lake, created by Hebgen dam, until it reaches Quake Lake, a bit downstream from the dam. At this point the river is commonly called either the Upper Madison or the Lower Madison, although in fact, they are one and the same.

Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake
Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. For the next 53 miles, often referred to as the 50 Mile Riffle, the cold river runs north and the fish jump high. Annual runs of spawning trout make their way from Hebgen Lake, rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall. Known the world over for its “hard fighting” trout, it’s not unusual to pull a 25” brown from these upper waters. In deference to the purists and fly-fishing enthusiasts, it’s wading only from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge. Boats may be used to access the river, but if you’re going to fish, your feet must be on the riverbed. Fortunately, the Hebgen Dam releases water throughout the year, leveling its flows and relieving it of spring runoff issues and summer shrinkage.

Lower Madison – Ennis Lakes to Three Forks
A short section of the river between Ennis Dam and the power station maintains relatively low water levels and provides wonderful opportunities for wading. Past the power station the river regains its muscle and for 7 miles winds through Bear Trap Canyon. Hiking trails offer the only entry, great for those that like to walk and seek the solitude of a designated wilderness area. Floating is permitted but requires a lengthy shuttle and the ability to work through Class III-IV whitewater. Once out of the canyon the river flows in shallow riffles until it reaches Three Forks and joins the Missouri. From Warm Springs to Greycliff, the river is easily accessible for drifters and wading.
Game Fish Opportunities:
Rainbow Trout
Mountain Whitefish
Brown Trout
All 4 Fish Species
Guide Reports:
Madison River Fishing Report
Up to Date Fishing Report for Madison River September
Hot Weather and Great Fishing - Madison River Report
All 29 Guide Fishing Reports
Fishing Trips:
4 Days 4 Rivers Fly Fishing Package in Montana
Float Trip on the Upper Madison River with Zach Neville Outfitters
Float Trip on the Lower Madison River with Zach Neville Outfitters
All 31 Fishing Trips
Fishing Access Sites:
Palisades Fishing Access Sites
Windy Point Fishing Access Site
Ruby Creek Recreation Area
All 18 Fishing Access Sites
Blogs:
Learning to Fly Fish in Montana
Perfect Day Fly Fishing: the Gardens at Ennis Montana
Getting Your Fishing License in Ennis, Montana
All 9 Blog Posts
Trips
3 Rivers in 3 Days with Montana Fly Fishing Trips
$
1,600
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
3 days
Destination:
Ennis Montana
Variety is the spice of life, right? Well, that's where our 3 Rivers in 3 Days comes in because that's exactly what you'll be doing, fishing three different rivers in three days! With ... moreour choice of 4 world class Montana rivers, our guides will know what rivers to fish on which days to maximize your chances for success. Don't blink, you might miss something!
5 Fishing Days on the Madison River with Red Mountain Adventures
$
1,625-
$
1,925
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 3 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
5 days
 (1)
Destination:
Ennis Montana
Experience the Madison River Like Never Before Learn the best spots on the Madison River with 5 great fishing days with Red Mountain Adventures. Eric Shores, with over 35 years of ... moreexperiencing guiding on the Madison River will take you down a journey of the best places to fish.

The journey starts on the Upper Madison River on a guided float trip covering about 8-11 miles of premier fly fishing water. The following day includes a recipe (location flies, and technique) on a do it yourself wade location near the fly fishing town of Ennis. The third day moves you on to where the Madison River dumps into Ennis Lake for a full float day stalking the giants. The following day provides instructions again for a do it yourself wade day. Location will depend on the hot locations during your visit. The final day is another full day float day on the lower Madison River. All together, you will experience the Madison River like never before by true expert.

Note: The order or location may change based on where the best spots are at the time.
Full Day Float Trip on Ennis Lake with T Lazy B Ranch
$
500
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
Fishing Waters:
Ennis Lake Fishing Report
Destination:
Ennis Montana
Ennis Lake full day float trip with lunch and flies provided. Enjoy a day on the water and reel in some fresh Montana trout. The Madison River flows into and out of Ennis Lake, and ... moreprovides the setting for your beautiful Montana day.
Outfitters
Montana Fly Fishing Trips
 (10)
What do you think of when you hear "Montana?" Small towns? Cowboys? Cows? BIG TROUT?! The answer is D, "All of the above"! Montana is still the place it was 80 years ago, where a man's ... morehandshake means something and big trout thrive. Located in the "Trout Mecca" of Southwestern Montana, our location and our guide's experience allow us to guide on a number of world class rivers; the Madison, Jefferson, Ruby and Yellowstone rivers are arguably the best trout streams in the lower 48.

Whether you have never held a fishing pole in your life or if you've been fishing since you could walk, the versatile, select guides we employee at MFFT all live on, and spend all they're free time on, these select rivers. They know how satisfy ALL of our clients, from novice to pro.

But Montana is so much more than just a trout haven. With picturesque mountains, abundant wildlife and under a million people, you actually have to try to not enjoy our beautiful state. As longtime client and friend Don Patton once wrote me after a trip, "fish count is only one criteria, there are many more markers for success. We hit them all." Here at MFFT we strive to give our clients much more than just a fishing trip, we want to share our passion for fishing and our love of Montana with all of our guests and new friends.

Charles P. Graham

Owner-Montana Fly Fishing Trips

Montana Fishing Outfitter#10349
Fishing Trips:
Fishing Reports:
Moths and Ants!
Yellowstone River Fishing Report-Back for a second but not for long...
Jefferson River Fishing Report-Not for a while
All 6 Guide Fishing Reports
Guides:
Outfitter Blogs:
How to Remove a Fishing Hook Stuck in the Skin
5 Ways to Avoid the People Hatch
Learning to Fly Fish in Montana
All 14 Blog Posts
Type:
Fishing
AuthorPicture

Eric Shores

Eric Shores has been guiding clients on Montana Rivers for over 32 years. He's as wily as any old brown trout when it comes to getting his clients on to fish and his stories will entertain you along the way. Many of our clients have become life long friends after a memorable day on the water with Eric.

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