Best Flies for the Montana Salmonfly Hatch
Best Flies for the Montana Salmonfly Hatch
What to Tie On for Big Dry-Fly Eats
The Montana salmonfly hatch is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and having the right flies can make all the difference. During the hatch (typically late June–early July on rivers like the Madison, Gallatin, and Yellowstone), trout key hard on large stonefly imitations — and certain patterns have proven themselves again and again.
Top Salmonfly Dry Fly Patterns
Here are the patterns that guides and shops frequently recommend for salmonfly fishing in Montana:
Chubby Chernobyl (Salmonfly Color) - The most versatile and widely fished pattern during the hatch. High-floating, easy to see, and perfect for dry-dropper rigs.
Supa Fly Salmonfly - A realistic profile with great segmentation and movement. Excellent when fish want something more natural.
Fluttering Stone (Morrish’s Flutter Bug) - A classic foam salmonfly imitation that sits low and triggers aggressive eats.
Dancin’ Ricky - A Montana staple. Durable and visible in fast water with a strong silhouette.
Carnage Stone - Extremely buoyant and built to hold up in heavy riffles and boulder water.
Sofa Pillow - Old-school and still deadly. Especially effective in softer edges and inside bends.
Blackout Stone Salmonfly - low-riding, extended-foam salmonfly pattern with a dark, high-contrast
Henrys Fork Salmonfly - Classic Pattern that works great as a smaller size stonefly
Water Walker (Salmonfly) - Foam-bodied with a wide profile that stays upright in heavy current.
Rogue Foam Stone / Rogue Salmonfly - Modern foam pattern with excellent floatation and durability — ideal for high-water runoff conditions.
Nymph and Backup Options
Even during the salmonfly hatch, trout often feed subsurface on stonefly nymphs staging along banks and in shallow riffles. Popular nymphs to carry include:
Pat’s Rubber Legs – classic migrator nymph for stonefly stages.
Bitch Creek Nymph – proven throughout the hatch window.
Prince Nymph / Mega Prince – fly that fishes well under an indicator or as a dropper.
Many anglers fish dry-dropper rigs combining a salmonfly dry with a heavy stonefly nymph below — especially when water is off color from runoff or fish aren’t fully committing on top.
Bonus: Don’t Forget Golden Stones
As the salmonfly hatch tapers, trout often transition to golden stoneflies, so carry a few yellow/golden versions of your favorite patterns to extend the bite window.
Tips for Fly Selection
Choose big, buoyant patterns with a strong silhouette that trout can see in varied light and water conditions.
Carry a few shade variations (brighter early, darker later) — real salmonflies darken as they age.
Be ready to switch sizes or profiles if fish turn selective — what works in one run may not in the next.
For a deeper breakdown of where and how to fish these flies during Montana’s salmonfly hatch — including river-specific strategies — check out our complete guides:
Madison River Salmonfly Hatch Guide
Montana Salmonfly Hatch Fishing Tips
Book Your Salmonfly Season Trip
The salmonfly hatch is short, intense, and unforgettable — and prime dates on the Madison, Gallatin, and Yellowstone fill fast every year. If you’ve been waiting to experience explosive dry fly eats tight to the banks, now’s the time to lock it in. We track runoff, water temps, and hatch progression daily so you’re on the right stretch at the right time.
Spots during peak salmonfly season are limited — reach out today to book your trip with Rising Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters and chase Montana’s biggest bugs of the year.
