Along with the fall run of brown
trout out of Hebgen Lake, we have the added pleasure
of a fall run of hard-hitting, hard-fighting, and large
rainbow trout. These fall run rainbows will also average
from two to three pounds with some larger. Most of the
fishing in late fall is on the upper Madison River near
West Yellowstone. Both spawning brown and rainbow trout
will work upstream out of Hebgen Lake as they look for the
choicest spawning areas. The browns will spawn in late
October and November. The rainbows are also on a spawning
run, but they will not spawn until mid-winter, far up the
Madison River in Yellowstone Park.
The portion of the Madison River which
runs through Yellowstone Park is one of the spawning run hot
spots during October. From the junction of the Gibbon and
Firehole Rivers to the Park line and down into Hebgen Lake,
there is about 16 miles of quality water, most of which is
paralleled by a Park road. The Firehole, Gibbon, and the
South Fork of the Madison also have fall runs of brown
trout. This time of the year, the Firehole River fishes best
on cloudy, rainly, or snowy conditions. Have some Blue
Wing Olives, sizes 16, 18, and 20, for some great dry fly
fishing.
The Missouri River offers some great fall
float fishing for large brown and rainbow trout. This unique
and beautiful tailwater fishery presents the angler a rare
opportunity of catching large trout on dry and wet flies. The
fall run browns average three to four pounds, with the possibility
of even larger trout. Over the years, trout as large as 5, 6, and
even 7 pounds have been taken on our fall guided trips to the
Missouri. Along with the browns, the Missouri River also offers
the angler some of the best dry fly fishing for wild rainbows.
This fall is our twelfth year of guiding fishermen on the Missouri
River. I think it is one of the finest fisheries in Montana, and
our guides and I look forward to September and the fall fishing
on the big Mo.
The lower Yellowstone near Livingston,
Montana is a favorite fall fishery. Here the river is large
with deep runs and big brown trout, a grear river for floating.
Deep wading and long casting with big streamers are the ticket
here. Special regulations on this section of river are helping
bring back good population of wild Native Cutthroat Trout to
the lower Yellowstone.
Fall weather is unpredictable. One day the
temperature could be up in the 60's, the next day there could be
five inches of snow. On cold days, the temperature can get
below freezing, however, the fishing is good. Insulated
underware, neoprene waders, a good warm hat, warm clothing, and
warm gloves are a good investment for such weather. The key
word here is warm, when fall fishing Montana and Idaho, the
area I call Yellowstoneland.
Stop at the shop if you'd like an
experienced guide, appropriate flies, or more
information on our fine fishing opportunities.~ Bob Jacklin
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