Southwest Montana fly fishing reports
Dillon, Montana weather conditions and weather forecast
Located in the “banana belt” of Montana, our area receives less moisture in the valley due to the numerous number of Mountain Ranges surrounding us that gather moisture and create our water systems. Snow accumulations typically stay above 6,000 ft, leaving the peaks covered and the valley green. Average high temperature during the summer months ranges from 73° in June, 83° in July, and 81° in August, with average lows in the mid to upper 40s. June typically has the most rainfall with an average of 1.8 inches. The average high temperature in the spring and fall months ranges from 55 in April, 64 in May, 70 in September, and 58 in October, with average lows in the mid to upper 30s. The average snowfall in December and January is 4.5 inches.
Current moon phase in Montana
During full moon phases trout become very active in their night time feeding patterns. They tend to move into the shallower areas in search of sculpins, bait fish, mice, and any other unsuspecting prey they may encounter. They will also feed on nymphs and other bugs as they drift down the river. A large brown trout may travel miles in search of food, then return back to its lair before dawn. It is important to understand that this heightened feeding activity has an effect on their feeding patterns the next day.
Montana stream flow information for trout fishermen
Choose the river or stream that you’re interested in to be linked to U.S.G.S. stream flow information. Each link will open in a new window so that you can easily return to our website.
Southwest Montana hatch chart
Our hatch chart is intended to help you become more familiar with major seasonal hatches that take place on our waters. While the hatch dates rely heavily on seasonal temperatures and water conditions, we’ve found that these dates are historically when these bugs “pop” on their respective river.
Beaverhead and Ruby Rivers
March 20 – May 10………………………………………Blue Wing Olives
May 5 – September 20…………………………………………………Caddis
June 20 – August 5……………………………………Pale Morning Duns
July 20 – September 20…………………………………………..Craneflies
June 20 – August 20………………………………….Little Yellow Sally’s
August 5 – September 5…………………………………………………Tricos
September 10 – November 10…………………………Blue Wing Olives
Big Hole River
March 20 – May 20……………………………………….Blue Wing Olives
May 10 – July 25………………………………………………………….Caddis
June 5 – June 30……………………………Salmonflies/Golden Stones
June 20 – July 20………………………………………Pale Morning Duns
June 20 – July 20………………………………………Little Yellow Sally’s
August 1 – September 10………………………………………………..Tricos
Madison River
March 20 – May 20……………………………………….Blue Wing Olives
May 10 – August 15………………………………………………………Caddis
June 15 – July 15…………………………….Salmonflies/Golden Stones
July 1 – August 10………………………………………Little Yellow Sally’s
July 1 – July 25…………………………………………..Pale Morning Duns
September 5 – October 25……………………….…….Blue Wing Olives
Poindexter Slough (Spring Creek)
March 20 – May 10……………………………………….Blue Wing Olives
May 5 – August 15………………………………………………………..Caddis
June 20 – August 5…………………………………….Pale Morning Duns
September 10 – November 10…………………………Blue Wing Olives
July 15 – August 5…………………….…..………………………..Craneflies
Clark Canyon
May 1 – November 30………………………………………………….Midges
May 15 – October 30……………………………………………….Callibaetis
June 25 – August 10…………………………………………….Damsel Flies
