Winter in the valley can be deceiving. Water, runoff, and timing matters higher up, in the places most people never see.
Reflections on the Yellowstone River, the mountains that surround Clyde Park and Livingston, and how fly fishing lives in the balance between change and constancy.
Some of Montana’s best fishing happens before most people think the season even starts. This piece looks at early spring conditions on the Yellowstone, Lower Madison, and Bighorn, and how to choose the right water from March through early June. It’s about timing, clarity, and knowing where the fish actually are.
Winter fishing on the Lower Madison River offers some of the most consistent cold-season opportunities near Bozeman, Big Sky, and Livingston. Here’s how we fish this stretch in winter, what the trout are doing, and how to plan a day when conditions line up.
Some of Montana’s best fishing happens before most people think the season even starts. This piece looks at early spring conditions on the Yellowstone, Lower Madison, and Bighorn, and how to choose the right water from March through early June. It’s about timing, clarity, and knowing where the fish actually are.
Matthew Swan · Owner‑Operator · MT Outfitter #26324
P.O. Box 1642 · Livingston, MT 59042
Phone: (406) 224‑8972 · Email: swanmatt@yahoo.com
Where We Fish
Yellowstone River
Spring Creeks
Madison River
Bighorn River
Where to Stay & Eat
Blog: Behind the Oars
Need help picking dates or the right river? Texting is fastest, but calls and emails work too.
