In from Neil Travis:
Montana's fishing season is still very much 'out there.' The snow pack continues to build in the mountains, the Yellowstone and most of the other rivers are bank full or above and the run-off really has not started since it has been cool and wet for the last 2+ weeks. Given the current situation I do not believe that the Yellowstone will be approachable until at least the 2nd or possibly the 3rd week in July, and then it is likely to be high. About the only thing that could change that scenario would be a quick hot spell, and that would lead to major flooding like we saw in 96-97. Lord willing that is not in the cards. If it continues to be cool the run-off will come out slowly and major flooding, especially on the Yellowstone, will not happen. That having been said, I would caution anyone from coming to Montana anytime soon if they plan to fish the major rivers; including, but not limited too, the Yellowstone, Gallatin [heavy flooding now occurring], Missouri, Madison, and most of the streams in Yellowstone National Park. Even the Big Horn is high due to above average precipitation in May that filled the Yellowtail Reservoir much faster than anticipated. [The EXPERTS did not think that it would fill at all this year and had cut the flows in the Horn to 1,500 cfs] The flows there are now approaching 6,000 cfs. Fortunately it is clear and fishable, just watch where you wade!