Spring fishing on the Yellowstone River, Madison River, and the Spring Creeks of Armstrong, DePuy, and Nelson can be some of the best fishing of the year.  In fact many of our summer guest ask us when we get to fish, well the answer is spring time.  While the weather can be variable the fishing is usually very consistant.  Below is a small taste of what spring fishing in Montana has to offer.

Late March and early April bring us great midge and baetis fishing.  The water is usually low and clear and with small flies good presentation is key to fishing success.  That said the fish are eager to eat after the long winter's cold.  Water temperatures warm and the fish get active.  Warm afternoons are best, especially on cloudy days even if it's snowing outside.

Next up is the Mother's Day Caddis hatch on the Yellowstone River, which can be one of the most spectacular hatches anywhere in the world, period.  Describing this hatch, when it's full blown, is almost impossible. You might think we're exaggerating, but that's why we've included some photos so you can judge for yourself. The river has an orange hue when the hundreds of thousands of caddis pop off in the afternoon. In the beginning stages of the hatch trout are eager to feed on these tasty morsels along the river banks and in back-eddies.  To view a short video clip of this spectacular hatch visit our YVR official outfitter at Montana Fly Fishing Guides website.

Since it is our off-season we offer this package at a 20% discount from our standard Montana Sampler™ rates.   This opportunity is available from the 3rd week in April through the 1st week in May.

The benefits of springtime travel in Montana have not caught on nationwide, but for the passionate community of people who love the West, it is the only time to be here.  For "locals", this early fishing season is a treasured uncrowded time unlike any other.  It's often been suggested Montana natives named it the "Mother's Day Caddis Hatch" so they could have the best dry fly fishing for themselves for three weeks before.  We highly recommend that you come to YVR for this amazing experience!

The weather and conditions are varied so come prepared for temperatures from the low 40's to mid-60's.  On rare occasions there is snow, which should not stop your fishing, but if it does, this is also the prime time for wolf watching in the nearby Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park.  Buffalo, elk ,and other game, that grew weary over the harsh winter, often fall prey to the wolves at this time and the packs can be seen from the road!  This wonder has drawn world-wide interest and many people are coming to our region specifically for this event.

In a good snow year, Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, might still open for downhill skiers.  If the slopes aren't open don't fret, the cross-country skiing options in our National Forests or Yellowstone National Park are phenomenal.  A Dog sledding adventure is another fantastic option.  Of course, any one of these activities is even better if after a sumptuous dinner at YVR you top it off with a soak at Chico Hot Springs and then some live music in their saloon.