Montana Private Lakes Fishing Report
Rating
/5
*Parks Fly Shop guides have personally surveyed the waters and given a rating.
Weather
68°F
Wind
Map
Annual Thaw Freeze Cycle
Graph coming soon!
Hatch Chart
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.
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
Walk & Wade Trips
Explore Yellowstone National Park’s largest expanse of public trout water in the lower 48.
Float Trips
Great for those looking to relax, catch fish, and cover miles on the Yellowstone River.
Private Waters
Dive into exclusive angling experience through private ranch lakes and spring creeks.
Beginner Trips
Discover beginner friendly fly fishing–ideal for families and first time anglers!