Fall Fly Fishing in Montana - Flies, Tactics, and Tips!
What to Expect for Fall Fly Fishing in Montana
When the first frosts settle on the banks and the cottonwoods turn gold, something changes on Montana’s rivers. The crowds fade, the air sharpens, and the trout—especially the browns—begin their pre-spawn push. For anglers who crave solitude, crisp mornings, and a shot at big, wild fish, fall is the season that delivers.
At Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters, we look forward to this time every year. Fall brings out the best in both the rivers and the fish, and it’s one of the most scenic and rewarding times to be on the water. Here’s what to expect when you’re chasing trout with us this season — from flies and techniques to weather, timing, and late-fall tactics as the season rolls into November.
The Flies and Techniques That Shine in Fall
Streamer Fishing: Big Flies, Aggressive Takes
Fall is prime streamer season in Montana. As water temps dip into the high 40s and low 50s, brown trout start feeding hard and defending territory ahead of the spawn. They become aggressive toward anything that looks like a threat or an easy meal.
Our go-to patterns include:
Mini Dungeon, Double Gonga, and Sex Dungeon for articulated action
Barely Legal, Dolly Llama, and Sparkle Minnows when we need flash and movement
Hot Bead Woolly Bugger, Sculpzilla, and Thin Mint for slower, colder water
These flies imitate baitfish, sculpins, and juvenile trout — high-protein meals that can draw explosive strikes.
Techniques that Work
We switch between several approaches throughout the day:
Stripping: Fast, erratic retrieves get reaction bites in warmer water or when fish are chasing.
Swinging: Slower, steady swings work great when temps drop and fish hunker near structure.
Jigging: Vertical “twitch” retrieves under the rod tip are deadly in slower pools and tailouts.
Using sinking lines or sink tips helps get flies down into the zone quickly. We’ll vary sink rates from intermediate to fast, depending on current speed and depth. Leaders are short and stout — usually 4 to 6 feet of 10–12 lb fluorocarbon.
When browns are staging near gravel or deeper ledges, we slow things down. Sometimes just letting the streamer hang, flutter, or “die” in the current is what triggers the biggest fish.
Read More about Specific Fall Streamer Tactics and Flies Here
Nymphing: Consistency and Control
As the water cools and trout metabolism slows, nymphing becomes a steady producer. Browns and rainbows slide into deeper buckets and seams where they can feed efficiently.
Our fall nymph lineup includes:
Perdigons, Tungsten Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, and Tungsten Splitbacks for mayfly imitations
Egg patterns and San Juan Worms as browns begin to spawn and eggs drift downstream
Midges and small baetis nymphs (#18–22) when the water gets cold and clear in November
Most success comes when the rig is tuned to bounce just above the bottom — constant adjustments with weight and indicator depth make all the difference.
Late morning to mid-afternoon usually brings the best window, when sunlight warms the water a few degrees and insect activity picks up.
Dry Flies: Subtle but Rewarding
While summer may own the big dry fly hatches, fall rewards patient anglers who love the challenge of small bug fishing.
Look for:
Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) on cloudy, calm afternoons
Midges and tiny pseudos on sunny, cool days
The occasional October Caddis fluttering over riffles in early October
Ideal patterns include:
Extended Body BWO (#18–20)
Film Critic BWO
Griffith’s Gnat
Cluster Midges
Parachute Adams and Purple Hazes (#16-20)
A dry-dropper setup — with a small mayfly or attractor dry up top and a nymph 18–24 inches below — lets you cover two feeding zones at once.
When November rolls in, dries become more of a midday treat than a daily guarantee, but those who slow down and look for soft risers in back eddies can still find some magic.
Mid-October Through November: Late Fall Tactics
By mid-October, Montana’s rivers have fully settled into fall mode. Brown trout are in their pre-spawn peak — moving upstream, staging near gravel beds, and feeding heavily ahead of spawning. Rainbows and cutthroat often follow behind, picking off eggs and dislodged insects.
This is when fishing slows down in pace but ramps up in reward. You’ll see fewer boats, fewer anglers, and more wildlife — elk bugling in the hills, migrating waterfowl, and snow starting to dust the peaks.
Key Adjustments for Late Fall Fishing
Start Later, Fish Shorter: By late October, we often start our trips around 10:00 a.m. and wrap up before sunset. The best bite tends to happen from late morning through early afternoon when the water warms slightly.
Slow the Presentation: Fish aren’t chasing as aggressively in 40-degree water. Swing or drift your flies naturally, and let them hang in the current longer.
Focus on Deep Water: Deep pools, tailouts, and slower midriver shelves hold more fish as temperatures drop.
Add Eggs and Midges: As browns spawn, eggs become an important food source. Pair an egg fly with a midge or small baetis nymph for late-season consistency.
Some of the biggest fish of the year are caught this time of season — not from fast retrieves or flashy presentations, but from slow, precise drifts where the fish feel comfortable enough to eat.
Weather and River Conditions
Fall weather in Montana can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the adventure. Early October often brings mild 60-degree days and bright foliage, while late October and November can feel more like winter — frosty mornings, occasional snow, and crisp, clear afternoons.
Wind is common in open valleys like the Madison, while the Gallatin’s canyon offers more shelter. Layering is critical:
Base layer to wick moisture
Mid-layer insulation like fleece or wool
Waterproof wading jacket
Warm hat and gloves for chilly mornings
And always extra socks — nothing ruins a day faster than cold feet.
Even with cooler temps, these conditions often bring the best fishing of the year. Clear water, stable flows, and aggressive fish make for unforgettable days.
What to Expect on a Guided Fall Trip
A fall day with Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters starts relaxed. We meet mid-morning once the frost lifts, discuss river conditions and tactics over coffee, and hit the water when the trout start waking up.
Expect fewer people, more wildlife, and the kind of stillness you rarely find in the height of summer. We tailor every trip to conditions — streamer floats, walk-wade nymph missions, or mixed-style days where we adapt as the light and water change.
By afternoon, when the golden light hits the cottonwoods and the river quiets, that’s when the big ones tend to show up — the kind of eats that stay burned in your memory all winter.
Final Thoughts
Fall fly fishing in Montana isn’t just about catching fish — it’s about soaking in everything this time of year offers. The solitude, the crisp air, the sound of the river, and the chance at a big, wild brown that only shows itself when the leaves are falling.
Whether you’re casting streamers through deep runs or watching tiny BWOs drift into a soft rise, fall is when Montana truly comes alive for anglers.
If you’re ready to experience it, book a trip with Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters. We’ll handle the gear, the logistics, and the local knowledge — all you need to do is show up ready to fish and enjoy Montana at its absolute best.
