These permanent river notes describe the configured forecast areas. For current conditions, use the dated reports above.
Southwest Montana
The Madison runs out of Yellowstone National Park, through Quake Lake and the famed fifty-mile riffle water between Lyon Bridge and Ennis. It is one of the most consistent trout rivers in Montana because dam influence and broad insect diversity keep fish feeding through a wide range of spring conditions.
Forecast area: Ennis, Montana. Configured gauge: Madison River at Ennis (06040050).
Southwest Montana
The Gallatin starts in Yellowstone National Park and fishes through a long canyon corridor near Big Sky before flattening out toward the valley. Most anglers know it for easy roadside access, cold clear water, and technical pocket-water trout fishing.
Forecast area: Big Sky to Gallatin Gateway, Montana. Configured gauge: Gallatin River above Deer Creek, near Big Sky (06043120).
Southwest Montana
The Yellowstone is the longest undammed river in the lower forty-eight and the heart of Montana float-fishing culture through Paradise Valley. It is broad, mobile, and changes with every weather push, which is why reading current speed is more important here than reading a single seam.
Forecast area: Paradise Valley, Montana. Configured gauge: Yellowstone River near Livingston (06192500).
Central Montana
The Missouri below Holter Dam is a classic Montana tailwater centered around Craig, with long flats, consistent bug life, and heavy trout numbers. It is one of the state's most dependable technical fisheries because stable flows and fertile water keep fish feeding across a long season.
Forecast area: Craig, Montana. Configured gauge: Missouri River near Wolf Creek (06073600).
South-Central Montana
The Bighorn below Yellowtail Dam is one of the West's most productive tailwaters and a centerpiece of the Fort Smith fishery. Rich weed growth and stable cold water support dense trout populations and steady insect life for much of the year.
Forecast area: Fort Smith, Montana. Configured gauge: Bighorn River at Bighorn, Montana (06287000).
Western Montana
The Blackfoot flows northeast of Missoula and is known for classic freestone structure: boulders, wood, deep bends, and long riffle-to-run transitions. It is a river that fishes on mood and clarity more than on a rigid tailwater schedule.
Forecast area: Ovando to Bonner, Montana. Configured gauge: Blackfoot River near Bonner (12340000).
