Runoff made simple
Snowmelt affects rivers differently. Freestones can rise quickly as temperatures warm, while tailwaters and spring creeks stay stable and fishable. Spring success comes from choosing the right water for the conditions you actually have.
Prime spring opportunities by river
This page is your seasonal roadmap. The river pages go deeper. Each option below has a real window when pressure is lighter, drifts are cleaner, and insect activity is consistent.
Bighorn River
Prime: April–early June
April on the Bighorn is one of the best ways to experience this river. You get clean drifts before weed growth ramps up and a noticeably calmer feel before peak-season traffic.
Why this window matters
- Stable tailwater flows below Yellowtail Dam
- Less pressure and more room to fish
- Cleaner drifts before heavier summer weed growth
Insects & what we target
- Midges: daily, especially mornings and calm afternoons
- Baetis (BWO): consistent April into May, often best on cloudy days
- Early caddis: can show as spring progresses
Lower Madison River
Prime: April–early May
The Lower Madison fishes best in spring before moss and heavy traffic become factors. It’s an ideal window for clean water, lighter pressure, and a traditional freestone day.
Insects & what we target
- Baetis (BWO): primary driver in April and early May
- Midges: steady support on colder mornings
- Streamers: strong during warming trends, wind, and changing light
Spring Creeks
March–July stability
Spring creeks are the backbone when freestones rise. They stay clear, technical, and reliable through runoff, and they’re a great fit for anglers who want certainty and dry-fly focus.
Insects & what we target
- Midges: early season staple
- Baetis (BWO): dependable spring hatches
- PMDs + caddis: build as we move toward early summer
Yellowstone River
Early window: pre–Mother’s Day
The Yellowstone often offers a strong early spring window before runoff peaks. When conditions line up, this can be some of the best quiet-season time on your home river.
Insects & what we target
- Midges: early and consistent
- Baetis (BWO): weather-dependent but important
- Skwalas: can show during warming trends
Where to stay for the Bighorn (Yellowtail Dam / Fort Smith)
If you’re traveling for the Bighorn, lodging is part of the plan. The simplest approach is to base yourself in or near Fort Smith so you can start early, adjust to weather, and spend your time fishing instead of driving.
Best fit for most anglers
Cabins, lodge rooms, or small rentals in Fort Smith are usually the sweet spot for spring trips. You get quick river access and flexibility if weather changes.
Simple budget + flexible options
Camping or a nearby-town commute can work as a fallback when Fort Smith is full. The tradeoff is less flexibility on early starts and hatch windows.
Tip: April is a prime window. Fort Smith is small, so the best lodging options go first.
Spring FAQ
Is spring “runoff season” a risk?
Only if you plan it like summer. Spring is about choosing the right water. Tailwaters and spring creeks remain stable, and we build your dates around water clarity, flows, and insect activity with flexibility to pivot.
What’s the best month for the Bighorn?
April is hard to beat for a clean, relaxed Bighorn experience before weeds and peak traffic. May and early June can also be excellent depending on weather and hatch timing.
Do you help with Bighorn lodging?
Yes. Fort Smith is small, so we treat lodging as part of trip planning. Tell us your dates and group size and we’ll recommend the simplest base near Yellowtail Dam and the river.
What insects should I expect?
Spring commonly features midges and baetis (BWO) as primary hatches, with caddis increasing as the season progresses. We match tactics to real-time conditions.
How do booking confirmations work?
All booking confirmations and payments run through BrindleShoot.
