Fishing Journal
Montana General Fishing Season Opener: Beaverhead River, Georgetown Lake, Small Streams & Spring Fly Fishing Conditions
By the third Saturday in May, spring has finally taken hold across Southwest Montana. Cottonwoods are starting to green up, caddis are bouncing over the riffles, snow still hangs in...
Big Hole & Beaverhead Rivers Open April 1
April 1 is here, and with it comes the long-awaited opening of the Big Hole River and the Beaverhead River from Barrett’s Diversion Dam down to the mouth in Twin...
Montana Fishing License Changes: What Anglers Need to Know About FWP’s New Licensing System
As we head into the 2026 fishing season, this new licensing process is something anglers across Montana will need to adjust to. Purchasing licenses online ahead of time will likely...
Montana Snowpack Update: What It May Mean for the 2026 Fly Fishing Season
The latest USDA NRCS data at the end of February shows most of Southwest Montana sitting slightly below the long-term median but still in a fairly reasonable position for this...
August Fly Fishing in Southwest Montana – Early Mornings, Moths, and More
August in Montana can be a tricky month for anglers — warm afternoons mean we need to keep a close eye on water temps, but early mornings can be pure...
Stillwater Magic: Damsels, Sedge, and July Fly Fishing on Georgetown Lake
When July hits in southwest Montana, it’s time to load up the float tube and head to Georgetown Lake. Known for its healthy population of rainbow and brook trout, this...
Big Bugs & Bright Days: Salmonflies, Golden Stones, and Summer Fishing on the Big Hole
June in Southwest Montana is magic. The Big Hole River is coming alive — and not just with rising trout. Towering Salmonflies and Golden Stones kick off one of the...
Don’t Let a Bad Fly Line Blow Your Shot at the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch
Prepare for Montana’s Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch with new fly lines, free fishing weekend, spring fly fishing tips, and local guided trips from The Stonefly.
