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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blue Ribbon Flies
West Yellowstone, MT
A legendary West Yellowstone fly shop founded by Craig Mathews. Known for Yellowstone-area flies, expert local knowledge, and pioneering conservation work on the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Firehole rivers.
(406) 646-7642
Headhunters Fly Shop
Craig, MT
The go-to shop for Missouri River fly fishing based in Craig, MT. Expert guides, current conditions reports, and everything you need for a day on the Missouri.
(406) 235-3447
Yellowstone Angler
Livingston, MT
Livingston's finest fly shop serving the Yellowstone, spring creeks, and surrounding waters. Detailed fishing reports updated daily throughout the season.
(406) 222-7130
Madison River Lodge
Cameron, MT
A full-service fly fishing lodge located on the banks of the Madison River near Ennis. Guided trips, comfortable lodging, and home-cooked meals in the heart of Madison Valley.
(406) 682-5200