Montana Fly Fising on the Madison River

Friends of mine and I have been traveling and wade fishing Montana for many years and until 2005 had never floated any of the rivers. In 2005 we decided to spend a few days at Mission Creek Ranch and were introduced to Trey Coon who guided us on a float down the Yellowstone. We had such a great time that we decided to call Trey for our trip in 2007 and fish the Yellowstone River again. Trey arranged for 2 boats and due to the excessive heat, suggested we fish the Lower Madison. After launching the boats Trey and Dain realized that the water was becoming unfishable. After rowing about a mile downstream, they got out of the boats and hitchhiked back for the trucks and trailers to move us to a location above Ennis and the Dam. Here we had a very successful day catching several large trout.

Many guides would have just fished the Lower Madison since they had already launched. However, Trey and Dain, being the professionals that they are, went the extra mile to ensure we had a successful float. I should add that 2 of our friends were rookies to fly fishing and floating, but they landed more than 20 large trout between them. Having fished with many guides in many places I can tell you that Trey is one of the most professional and pleasurable guides I have ever fished with and plan on fishing with him again.

Jim Helmbrecht Rochester, NY

Montana Fly Fishing Snow Pack Report

This snow pack report is as of March 12, 2008 for the following river basins:
Upper Yellowstone River basin 106% of average
Lower Yellowstone River basin 111% of average
Madison River basin 110% of average
Gallatin River basin 109% of average
Missouri Headwaters 109% of average
Missouri Headwaters Main Stem 90% of average
Smith, Judith and Mussel Shell basin 93% of average
Sun, Teton and Marias River basin 107% of average
Big Horn River basin 112% of average
Flathead River basin 97% of average
Upper Clark Fork 96% of average
Lower Clark Fork 112% of average
Bitterroot River basin 109% of average
Jefferson River basin 105% of average

All in all these continue to be some of the best snow pack numbers we have seen across Montana over the last 6 - 7 years. We are very optimistic that Montana fly fishing this year will be very productive. I feel that even if we have slightly warmer than average temperatures through mid summer, the snow pack should provide us with continued better water flow as well as lower water temperatures.

Montana Fly Fishing

Here are some fun picutes from Tom & Alexis in September, 2007. Montana fly fishing is something that is very near and dear to both of them. I have been guiding them for the past 4 years all throughout the Yellowstone River system. Over the years we have endured 50mph winds, cold weather, a bit of rain, and many beautiful sunny days. Tom & Alexis are dry fly enthusiasts and come to Livingston, Montana to enjoy the true dry fly experience. I want to thank both Tom & Alexis for letting me share their pictures and for all of the great times we have had. I am looking forward to having you back in my boat this September.

Montana Fly Fishing At Its Best

The best price

on fly fishing packages in Montana

Spring & Fall Specials

April 1 - June 1

October 1 - October 30

(for mid summer prices please refer to our fishing and lodging page)

Enjoy the best of off season fly fishing that Montana has to offer. The variety of packages available gives you the opportunity to pick and choose based on the amount of time you have and your budget.

The fishing options are endless. Packages offered include fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin or Boulder Rivers, the three famous Spring Creeks (DePuy’s, Armstrong’s or Nelson’s) or any combination that you choose.

All lodging is at the historic Mission Creek Ranch. Formally the sight of Ft. Parker, Mission Creek Ranch is without a doubt once of the most beautiful and historic ranches in Montana. The ranch offers 2 miles of private access to the Yellowstone and one mile of access to the Mission Creek that meanders throughout the upper ranch. The lodge was built in 2001 and offers all the modern amenities along with spectacular views of the Absaroka Mountain Range. The entire facility is beautifully decorated with traditional western antiques and Montana memorabilia.

Fishing and Lodging Packages

3 nights ~ 2 days
Two full days of fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison or Boulder Rivers
Single Angler $1400.00
Based on 2 anglers / double occupancy $750.00 per person

4 nights ~ 3 days
Three full days of fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison or Boulder Rivers
Single Angler $1900.00
Based on 2 angler / double occupancy $950.00 per person

5 nights ~ 4 days
One full day on a Spring Creek, two days on the Yellowstone, Madison or Boulder Rivers. Final day is anglers choice.
Single Angler $2300.00
Based on 2 anglers / double occupancy $1250.00 per person

6 nights ~ 5 days
Two full days on the Yellowstone, Madison or Boulder Rivers, two days on Spring Creeks (Armstrong’s Nelson’s or DePuy’s). Final day is anglers choice
Single Angler $3250.00
Based on 2 anglers / double occupancy $1650.00 per person

Packages include all breakfasts, lunches, lodging, fishing, two-dozen flies, rods and reels, private access to two miles of the Yellowstone River and Mission Creek.

Not included with package: Transportation to and from airports, fishing license and gratuity.

Livingston Montana Fly Fishing

Regis and I really enjoyed our float last September on the Yellowstone. Although I've been fishing my whole life and been to Montana several times, this was my first guided float trip in the west . Having observed guides on the Bighorn, I was not anxious to spend my precious fishing time trapped in a boat with an expert.

I decided to book Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters for the float since Regis was new to fly fishing and my attempts to teach him back east were mixed at best. What a great decision. I was amazed at Trey's ability to maneuver the boat, instruct the two of us, quickly get Regis into two "fish of lifetime." Here are pictures of two of Regis's fish. The rainbow was his first trout on a dry fly. The brown trout was 21" inches!

I've wade fished the Yellowstone several times and can say floating is the only way to truly experience its beauty, fish and wildlife. For me the true highlight was seeing the bald eagles, golden eagles and osprey.

My fear of expert guides was unfounded, we very much enjoyed Trey's company. I am looking forward to bringing my wife and daughters to Montana over the next several years and will be definitely including a Yellowstone float trip with Yellowstone TroutScout.

Bill Scherder

Montana Fly Fishing, Lower Madison with Yellowstone TroutScout

Fishing on the Lower Madison is truly one of Montana's finest fisheries. The 2008 fly fishing season is closer than you think. Let Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters share the experience of this fine river with you.