Story and photo by Ennion Williams
When the weather breaks so will the snowpack.
Cool temperatures have held the snowpack in the
mountains. Last week we saw most of the rivers
return to below average flows and there were actually
some good fishing opportunities. Once the sun
comes out and evening temperatures rise, runoff
will start, and this year it may last awhile.
The upper Madison River opened two weeks ago
and has fished well since. The water is high but the
fish are hungry. It is all nymph fishing with large
flies and tight to the bank.
Yellowstone National Park opened last weekend
to winter-like conditions that can actually make
the fishing very good, which it was. As the runoff
starts on many rivers, the Firehole, Madison and
Gibbon rivers can be good options, and the wildlife
viewing is spectacular. This is the best opportunity
for river dry fly fishing in the region.
Other rivers of interest during the runoff period
are the Beaverhead and Missouri. While both
rivers are running high, there are always sections
that have clear water, and really big fish. All the
area lakes are fishing well, from Hebgen Lake to
Holter Lake, to Clark Canyon and Georgetown the
reservoirs are filling up and producing some great
angling opportunities.
With constant changing conditions this time of
year it is best to consult your locally owned fly
shop and get the good information on your destination.
Local shops have guides and sources that
are on the rivers everyday, no matter the conditions.
Stop in and have them help you pick out the
best fly patterns and tackle for a successful trip.
Ennion Williams is a professional Fishing Guide and Outfitter in Big Sky. He can be reached at (406) 579-7094 or at ennion3@yahoo.com. He also runs Big Sky Local Foods. bigskylocalfoods.com
