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.