June Fishing Report: Southwest Montana

Current conditions as of June 5, 2026

*Madison River (Ennis section):* Flows at 1,850 CFS and dropping, down from a peak of 3,200 in late May. Visibility improving daily; targeting 3–4 feet by the weekend. Water temperature holding at 52°F in the mornings. Guides reporting good nymphing in the slower seams. Dry fly action has been limited to late afternoon spinner falls.

*What we're fishing:* Hare's Ear #14–16, Rainbow Warrior #16, and Copper John #14 on the nymph rod. Evenings, look for PMD spinners size 18–20 in the flats above Varney Bridge.

*Coming soon:* The Salmonfly hatch typically reaches the lower Madison between June 15–25. If you're targeting the big dry fly bite, now is the time to book, slots fill fast.

*Gallatin River (canyon section):* Running cleaner than the Madison. Flows at 820 CFS. The canyon is fishing well on smaller nymphs (Baetis, Pheasant Tail, midge larvae). Dry fly action has been sporadic. Watch for Pale Morning Duns in the early afternoon.

*Access note:* The lower canyon section (US-191 pulloffs) has been crowded. Consider launching from the upper canyon for fewer crowds and comparable fishing.

*Taylor River (catch-and-release section, Colorado):* Year-round tailwater is fishing excellently. Flows from Taylor Dam steady at 250 CFS. Spring Mysis flush has been consistent, fish feeding actively subsurface. Clients reporting 15–20 fish days on size 20–22 Mysis shrimp patterns. A few larger fish moving on the surface midmorning.

Booking outlook

June dates are filling for all southwest Montana guides. July is nearly gone. If you're thinking about a late-summer trip, contact guides now and lock in August. September through October for the brown trout spawn is still relatively open.