Montana Fly Fishing

Montana Fly Fishing

Fishing the Missouri Headwaters, Montana, USA

For fishing in this region you will look at flying into Bozeman, Montana. The best time for fly-fishing is from May to October. There are some spring creeks and fisheries productive all year round.

The species of fish that you will find in the Missouri headwaters region are the rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, whitefish, also the occasional brook trout and grayling.

You will find a 3-4 weight rod best for spring creeks and a 5-6 weight rod better for larger rivers. It is best to use floating lines for most fishing. Use sink tips for heavy nymphs and streamers in larger waters.

The suggested flies for this region are a basic trout selection: Starting in May with the caddis fly imitations; From late May to early July use the giant stonefly nymphs and duns; Late July to mid September use dry hopper imitations. Use large streamers (woolly buggers and muddler minnows) for lakes and larger rivers.

A word of warning - beware of snakes which are active along rocky banks in the area during warm weather.