Montana Fly Fishing

Fish the rivers
that define
the West.

Live stream conditions, hatch charts, and expert knowledge for Montana's five most iconic trout rivers. Plan your next trip with real-time data and local insight.

Montana's Premier Trout Rivers

Five legendary fisheries with live conditions and local intel.

Bighorn River - fly fishing in Southeast Montana
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Bighorn River

Southeast Montana

The Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam near Fort Smith is a world-renowned tailwater fishery producing some of the largest trout in Montana. Its clear, nutrient-rich flows support extraordinary insect populations and trophy rainbow and brown trout.

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Gallatin River - fly fishing in Southwest Montana
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Gallatin River

Southwest Montana

The Gallatin River rushes through a narrow, forested canyon between Big Sky and Bozeman, offering fast-paced pocket water fishing for eager rainbow and brown trout. Made famous by 'A River Runs Through It,' the Gallatin is a quintessential Montana freestone stream.

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Madison River - fly fishing in Southwest Montana
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Madison River

Southwest Montana

The Madison River is one of the most celebrated trout streams in North America. Born from the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon rivers in Yellowstone National Park, it flows 140 miles through broad valleys and dramatic canyons before joining the Jefferson and Gallatin to form the Missouri River at Three Forks.

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Missouri River - fly fishing in Central Montana
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Missouri River

Central Montana

Below Holter Dam near Craig, Montana, the Missouri River becomes one of the most prolific tailwater trout fisheries in the world. Its nutrient-rich flows from the dam create ideal conditions for massive insect hatches and trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout.

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Yellowstone River - fly fishing in South Central Montana
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Yellowstone River

South Central Montana

The Yellowstone is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states, flowing 692 miles from Yellowstone National Park through Paradise Valley and across the Montana plains. It is home to the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout and offers some of the most scenic fly fishing in the American West.

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Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip

Live Conditions

Real-time USGS stream flow, water temperature, and gage height data updated every 15 minutes.

Hatch Charts

Monthly hatch calendars for every river showing which insects are active and what flies to use.

Fly Recommendations

Curated fly selections for each river and season, with patterns recommended by local guides.

Local Outfitters

Trusted fly shops, guides, lodges, and restaurants for each river — handpicked by local anglers.

Featured Shops & Guides

Trusted local businesses supporting Montana's fisheries.