Spring 2025 Fishing Outlook

But before all that, there’s pre-runoff spring fishing on the Yellowstone River and the Paradise Valley spring creeks between now and mid-May and it can be some of the best fishing of the year. The spring baetis (blue-winged olive) mayfly emergence is the best time to get in on early season match-the-hatch dry fly fishing on the spring creeks. We’ll see some of the little baetis on the Yellowstone, and also the larger march brown mayflies. The march brown emergence can be hard to pin down, but once those meaty meals show up, the fish will be eating on top with abandon. Comfort food, maybe.

But the big show of the spring season around here is the Mother’s Day caddis emergence, which depending on water temperatures tends to get going in late April and early May, lasting until the water gets high and muddy. If you haven’t experienced a true “blanket hatch,” you’ll be amazed at the sheer number of bugs in the air, on the water (and in your eyes and nose). The dry fly fishing can be amazing, though sometimes the sheer number of caddis adults on the surface can make it hard for you and the fish to pick out your fly. The trout often seem more eager to eat an emerger than a dry, for what it’s worth.

Streamer fishing can be rather productive in the spring as well. Don’t hesitate to swing a baitfish/leech pattern through some slower and deeper water and hang on tight. Some of the biggest fish start showing up in “grip and grin” photos this time of year.

With almost nobody on the water and hungry fish, spring fishing in Montana is a treat, if you’re willing to brave the sometimes wintry weather. Whether you’re local or coming from elsewhere, we’ll be happy to set you up for success. Be sure to check out our latest fishing reports on our website (https://www.sweetwaterflyshop.com/fishing-reports/).