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Private Lakes

Montana Private Lakes Fishing Report

Rating

0/5

*Parks Fly Shop guides have personally surveyed the waters and given a rating.

Weather

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temperature icon 44°F

Water Temp

FLOW

Wind

Map

Hatch Chart

Hatch Chart Gardner River 1

*Data on weather, water temp, flow, wind, and USGS flow chart updates every 15 minutes.

Last Updated

Current Report

The Callibaetis hatch is finally on, and the lakes have been producing quality fish. We have been having lots of success with various methods the past week or two. Stripping small buggers has been our most successful option with callibaetis and hoppers picking up in the afternoons. Chronomid fishing has also been good while in the lulls between hatches.

Recommended Flies: Tungsten Chronomids, Sno-Cones, Balanced Leeches, Pig Pen Leech, and Woolley Buggers.

USGS Flow Chart

River Descriptions: Private Lakes

General Characteristics

  • Yellowstone River flows over waterfalls and through a deep canyon with high banks for 30+ miles.
  • Divided into Grand & Black Canyons by Lamar River mouth.
  • Narrow, deep, fast river with challenging rapids (class IV & V).
  • Mostly sheer banks and boulder shores.
  • Physically demanding access requiring hiking/scrambling.
  • Bottom: gravel/cobble, some boulders, mud (volcanic ash, rain).
  • Spring runoff extended in Black Canyon, impacting flow.

Fishery

  • Unique combo of decent-sized cutthroat trout.
  • Take dry flies, nymphs, streamers.
  • Prime spots rare, more unsafe areas than fishable ones.

Fishing Season

  • All season after runoff subsides.
  • Stoneflies (July), caddis & hoppers (August), mayflies (cooler temps).
  • Western Green Drakes & Drake Mackeral prominent.

Recommended Access points

  • Story Ranch
  • Sitz Ranch
  • Merrill Lake

Skill Level & FIsh Size

  • Suitable for all skill levels.
  • Average fish: 12-16 inches, potential for low 20s.

additional notes

  • Consider mud impact throughout the season.
  • These lakes begin icing off in April typically.

Explore Our Guided Trips

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Walk & Wade Trips

Explore Yellowstone National Park’s largest expanse of public trout water in the lower 48.

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Private Waters

Dive into exclusive angling experience through private ranch lakes and spring creeks.

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Float Trips

Great for those looking to relax, catch fish, and cover miles on the Yellowstone River.

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Beginner Trips

Discover beginner friendly fly fishing in – ideal for families and first time anglers!