Late August Montana Fishing Report
Montana Fly Fishing Report – Hopper Season with Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters
Late summer in Southwest Montana is always a special time to be on the water. While we’ve had a bit of smoke from local fires, conditions change day by day—some mornings start crystal clear, while others carry a haze across the valley. Fishing has been much the same: a mix of hot sessions and slower windows. But even with the ups and downs, one thing has been consistent—trout are still looking up for the hopper. Nothing beats watching a big head poke through the surface to crush a foam bug, and right now, we’re still seeing a good amount of those eats across our favorite rivers.
If you’re planning on fishing in the area, here’s what’s happening on the Madison, Gallatin, and Yellowstone Rivers right now.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
The Madison River continues to offer classic late-summer hopper fishing. Trout are holding along grassy banks, seams, and pockets, waiting for terrestrials to drop in. Some days are lights-out with big, splashy eats, while others require patience and a little creativity. Running a hopper-dropper rig has been producing when the surface bite slows down. Mornings have been the most consistent, but breezy afternoons can be fantastic as the wind pushes hoppers onto the water.
Gallatin River Fly Fishing Report
The Gallatin River has been a great option for anglers who like to cover water and explore everything from meadow stretches to canyon runs. Smoke has been lighter up high, making it a beautiful spot to escape and enjoy hopper fishing in clear mountain air. Trout are still looking up for big foam patterns, but smaller attractor dries and spruce moth imitations are also drawing strikes.
Flows are low, so careful wading and stealthy presentations are key. Whether you’re fishing close to Bozeman or heading into Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin is a great choice for a Montana fly fishing adventure.
Also be aware of hoot owl restrictions on the lower river. No fishing after 2PM
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
The Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48, has been a little moody but rewarding. Some days the hopper bite is red-hot, with cutthroat, browns, and rainbows crushing dries along the banks. Other days, you’ll need to work harder to find active fish. Water clarity has been solid, and mornings through early afternoons have been the best window.
Favorite Late-Summer Bugs
Hopper season is all about big foam and fun eats, and each river has its own patterns that have been producing consistently:
Madison River: Chubby Chernobyls, Thunder Thighs and Henneberry Hoppers are still the top picks, with a shiny dropper underneath when fish get selective.
Gallatin River: Pink Morrish Hoppers and small Thunder Thighs in the Valley and Spruce Moth imitations through the canyon have been steady. Smaller attractor dries like Parachute Adams or Stimulators are also worth carrying.
Yellowstone River: Morrish Hoppers and Thunder Thighs are fishing well along the banks, while ants and beetles are excellent choices for quieter afternoons when fish want something smaller.
Having a variety of hoppers and terrestrials in your box right now is key. We’ve had luck with pink and yellow hoppers throughout the day and tan hoppers in the afternoons if its cloudy. As for droppers, its been a mix bag but small shiny perdigons in #16-18 have been doing well, also smaller caddis nymphs with soft hackles have been a good choice.
Final Thoughts
Even with some smoke in the air, Montana still delivers those unforgettable late-summer moments. The fishing might not be on fire every single day, but the hopper bite is alive and well, and every drift holds the promise of a big, splashy eat. Whether you’re walking the banks of the Gallatin, floating the Madison, or chasing big water on the Yellowstone, now is the time to be out there.
At Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters, we’ve still got guides available for the prime hopper window. If you’re ready to experience big bugs, bigger eats, and the magic of late summer in Montana, we’d love to get you on the water.
