 As a 2024 ORVIS® Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year Finalist, we're bringing you the ultimate guide to April fly fishing on Montana's Stillwater River. While our lodge sits along the East Rosebud, our expert guides specialize in the nearby Stillwater River, as well as our other expansive home waters, offering some of Montana's most productive spring fishing. April Fishing Conditions on the Stillwater The first half of April 2025 presents premium fishing conditions on the Stillwater River before the spring runoff. Our Orvis-certified guides target:
Luxury Montana Fishing Lodge Experience - Return from the Stillwater to our private lodge setting - Gourmet farm-to-table dining featuring Montana ingredients - Premium accommodations: Historic Log Lodge and Canvas Cabins - Full-service Orvis fly shop with latest gear and expert advice Conservation and Responsible Fishing Our commitment to sustainable fishing practices ensures the preservation of the Stillwater River for future generations. All guides follow Orvis-endorsed conservation guidelines during the critical spawning season. FAQ'sQ: What are the typical April conditions on the Stillwater River? A: Early April water temperatures range from 40-46°F, with clarity varying based on location. Mid-month sees temperatures rise to 46-50°F, perfect for caddis hatches. The boulder-strewn nature of the river provides consistent fishing opportunities even during moderate runoff. Q: What fishing equipment should I bring for the Stillwater? A: All of your gear and equipment are included as a part of your ALL INCLUSIVE package. What you will likely use is:
Q: How do you handle spring runoff conditions? A: The Stillwater's boulder-pocket structure provides fishable water even during moderate runoff. We also have access to clearer sections and can adjust locations based on conditions. Our diverse home water options, including private spring creeks, ponds, and local rivers, ensure productive fishing throughout the spring runoff season, with our experienced guides selecting the best options based on daily conditions and your fishing preferences. Q: What hatches can I expect besides Mother's Day Caddis? A: April features:
Q: What's your approach to Stillwater River wade fishing? A: Following Orvis guidelines, we emphasize safe wading techniques in pocket water, proper approach angles to avoid spooking fish, and strategic positioning for optimal drift presentation. Q: How do you structure a typical guided day on the Stillwater River? A:Our guided days are carefully crafted adventures that blend serious fishing with Montana-style fun: Morning Kickoff
Remember: While we take our fishing seriously, we believe the best days on the Stillwater are filled with laughs, learning, and making memories. As we say at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, "A bad day of fishing still beats a good day at work!" Book Your April 2025/2026 Montana Fly Fishing Adventure
Reserve your spring Stillwater River experience now. Our intimate lodge setting accommodates just 18 guests, ensuring personalized attention and expert guidance. Contact us at (406) 642-0184 or click below to visit our website and secure your dates.
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As the allure of Montana's pristine rivers and majestic landscapes continues to captivate anglers worldwide, planning your 2025 fly fishing adventure at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge has never been more enticing. Securing your reservation now ensures an unforgettable experience tailored to your desires. Here's why early booking is essential and what awaits you at our lodge.www.montanaflyfishinglodge.com
Prime Fishing Seasons: Timing is Everything Montana's fishing seasons each offer unique experiences:
High Demand for Prime Dates The increasing popularity of fly fishing in Montana means that prime dates fill up quickly. For instance, June and July are often fully booked months in advance. By reserving your spot now, you avoid the disappointment of missing out on your desired timeframe.headhuntersflyshop.com Benefits of Early Booking
Nestled along the East Rosebud River, our lodge offers:montanaflyfishinglodge.com
Planning your trip to Montana Fly Fishing Lodge involves selecting the most convenient and cost-effective flights to Billings Logan International Airport (BIL). Here's a comprehensive guide to assist you:flightsfrom.com Direct and Connecting Flights to Billings Billings Logan International Airport offers both direct and connecting flights through several major airlines:
Note: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge includes airport transportations to and from BIL airport! Optimal Days to Fly Choosing the right day to fly can significantly impact your travel costs:airadvisor.com
To secure the best deals:
If your schedule allows flexibility:
Note: Flight availability and prices are subject to change. It's advisable to consult the respective airlines or a trusted travel advisor for the most current information. Secure Your 2025 Adventure TodayThe magic of Montana's rivers, the serenity of our lodge, and the thrill of the catch are moments you'll cherish forever. By booking your 2025 fly fishing trip now, you ensure a personalized and unforgettable experience at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge. Contact us today to reserve your spot and embark on the fishing adventure of a lifetime. Note: Availability is limited, and prime dates are filling up quickly. Don't miss your chance to experience the best of Montana fly fishing. Spring Fly Fishing on the Yellowstone: Hatch Secrets, Gear Tips, and River History Unveiled2/10/2025 Spring is a transformative season along Montana's Yellowstone River, especially between Livingston and Billings. As the landscape awakens, anglers are presented with unique opportunities to engage in fly fishing. This guide delves into the optimal flies for spring, prevailing weather conditions, recommended attire, essential equipment, a brief history of the central Yellowstone River area, and an overview of the region's entomology.
Optimal Flies for Spring Fishing In spring, the Yellowstone River experiences significant hatches that entice trout to the surface. Key hatches include:
Spring weather in Montana is unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from chilly mornings to warmer afternoons. Anglers should be prepared for varying conditions:
To enhance the spring fly fishing experience on the Yellowstone River, consider the following gear:
The stretch of the Yellowstone River between Livingston and Billings is rich in history:
The Yellowstone River basin boasts a diverse aquatic insect population, vital for the river's ecosystem and of particular interest to fly anglers:
By understanding these elements, anglers can enhance their spring fly fishing experience on the Yellowstone River, leading to more successful and enjoyable outings.  As summer gives way to fall, September is one of the best months for fly fishing in Montana. With cooler temperatures, longer nights, and thriving trout populations, it's a prime time for anglers to take advantage of the many rivers in the region. South Central Montana, including rivers like the Yellowstone, Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin, offers a variety of conditions perfect for both wade and float fishing. Here’s what to expect and prepare for during this exciting season.
Water Temperatures: Ideal for Trout As daytime temperatures cool and nights grow longer, water temperatures in lower-elevation rivers stabilize, making them perfect for trout. Rivers like the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin become productive, while the Yellowstone River offers excellent subsurface fishing. Cooler waters not only bring fish into more active feeding zones but also make it easier to land bigger trout, especially during the late afternoon and evening. Insect Activity: Hoppers, Nymphs, and Streamers In early September, terrestrial patterns are still effective, particularly on warmer days. Hoppers, ants, beetles, and crickets play a key role in drawing trout to the surface. As the month progresses and temperatures drop further, nymphing becomes a major focus due to increased insect activity beneath the surface. Some essential flies for this time of year include: - Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) - Hoppers - Mahogany Duns - Woolly Buggers - Soft Hackle Emergers - CDC Caddis - Pheasant Tail Flashback BH Additionally, streamer fishing can be highly effective for targeting larger, more aggressive trout. Fall is known for trophy fish, especially as brown trout begin their pre-spawn phase. River Flows: Perfect for Float and Wade Fishing September typically sees ideal river flows for both floating and wading. However, as river levels drop, the trout might not always be found along the banks. Focus on deeper pools and mid-channel structures where fish are more likely to hold and feed. Whether you're drifting in a boat or stalking trout on foot, fall provides plenty of opportunities to cover water efficiently. Weather: Be Ready for Anything While South Central Montana offers beautiful, crisp fall days, the weather can be unpredictable. In higher elevations, September may bring snow, and sudden weather changes are common. Always pack layers and rain gear to stay comfortable on the water. Early mornings and late evenings can be particularly cold, so be prepared for a range of conditions. September offers a unique experience for fly fishers in Montana. With cooler waters, varied insect activity, and the potential for catching large trout, it’s a month full of exciting opportunities. Whether you're casting dries, nymphs, or streamers, the rivers around Montana Fly Fishing Lodge promise action-packed days and lasting memories. Remember to stay adaptable with your fly selection and gear—September is a month that rewards preparation and versatility. Ready to experience the magic of fall fly fishing in Montana? Montana Fly Fishing Lodge offers guided trips on the region’s most productive rivers, ensuring you make the most of this prime fishing season. Written by Katie Schepker
Fly fishing in Montana is more than just a sport—it's a way to connect with nature, experience the beauty of the rivers, and contribute to the conservation of delicate trout populations. At Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, we believe in responsible fishing practices that ensure the sustainability of our fisheries for future generations. Catch-and-release fishing is one of the most effective ways to protect and preserve the iconic trout that call Montana’s rivers home, but it’s important to handle fish with care to minimize stress and injury. To help you practice responsible catch-and-release, we've outlined essential techniques to make sure your experience on the water leaves a positive impact on the fish and the ecosystem. Why Catch-and-Release Matters Montana’s rivers, including the Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder, support diverse populations of native and wild trout, such as cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. While fishing is a beloved pastime, it also places pressure on these populations. By releasing fish back into the water unharmed, anglers can reduce mortality rates and help maintain healthy populations for years to come. Proper catch-and-release practices are essential for the fish’s survival. Studies show that trout released with minimal handling, reduced air exposure, and gentle techniques have a much higher chance of surviving and thriving. By following best practices, you can ensure that the fish you catch today will be there for future anglers to enjoy. Expert Tips from Our Guides Our expert guides at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge are passionate about both fishing and conservation. They understand that how you handle a fish can make all the difference. Here’s a great piece of advice from one of our guides: "Keep your hands wet, don't keep the fish out of the water for more than 30 seconds, and let them swim from the net when releasing." -MFL Guide This quote sums up the essence of catch-and-release fishing. Wetting your hands before handling a fish, limiting the time they spend out of the water, and allowing them to swim off on their own are simple steps every angler can take to minimize harm.  Key Catch-and-Release Techniques
Here are some best practices to follow to ensure the safe release of trout: 1. Use Barbless Hooks Using barbless hooks or pinching the barbs on your flies is an easy way to reduce injury to the fish. Barbless hooks are easier to remove, which means less time handling the trout and less stress on them. While you may lose a few fish in the fight, it’s a small price to pay for their long-term survival. Make sure to read the rules and regulations on barbed or barbless hooks on the MFW website. 2. Minimize Fight Time Trout are delicate fish, and a prolonged fight can exhaust them, making recovery more difficult. Use a strong enough tippet to land the fish quickly without breaking off. Once the fish is in your net, it will have more energy to swim away once released. 3. Wet Your Hands Fish have a protective slime coating that helps prevent infections and disease. When you handle a fish with dry hands, you can remove this layer, making the trout more susceptible to illness. Always wet your hands before touching the fish to keep that layer intact. 4. Keep the Fish in the Water Whenever possible, keep the fish in the water as you remove the hook. If you need to lift the fish out of the water for a photo, do so quickly and gently. Aim to keep the fish out of the water for no more than 15-30 seconds. A good rule of thumb is to hold your breath while the fish is out—if you need to take a breath, so does the fish! 5. Use a Rubber Net A rubber net is gentler on a fish’s skin and fins than traditional mesh nets. When netting the fish, try to keep it in the water while removing the hook. Allow the fish to rest and recover in the net before releasing it. 6. Let the Fish Swim Off on Its Own When it’s time to release the fish, avoid forcefully pushing it back into the water. Instead, gently cradle the trout in your net or hands and let it swim away when it’s ready. Fish that leave the net under their own power are more likely to recover fully and survive. Additional Considerations for Cold and Warm Water Fishing Water temperature plays a critical role in the survival of fish during catch-and-release. In warmer water (above 68°F), trout are more vulnerable to stress, and the likelihood of mortality increases. On hot summer days, consider fishing early in the morning or in higher elevation streams where the water is cooler. Conversely, in the colder months, handling fish for too long can be dangerous as well. Fish can become lethargic in frigid water, so the key is to minimize contact and ensure a smooth release. Supporting Conservation Through Your Actions At Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, we’re proud to be part of a broader conservation effort in the region. Our rivers are supported by organizations like Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Trout Unlimited, which work tirelessly to maintain the health of our waters. By practicing responsible fishing, you’re not only protecting trout populations but also supporting the ecosystem as a whole. Montana’s trout face numerous challenges, from climate change to habitat degradation, but anglers can make a significant impact by adopting conservation-minded practices. Simple actions like using barbless hooks, minimizing air exposure, and handling fish with care can collectively make a big difference in preserving Montana’s world-class trout fisheries. A Legacy of Responsible Fishing For generations, fly fishing has been an integral part of Montana’s outdoor heritage. The rivers here offer unparalleled opportunities for anglers to connect with nature, and it’s our responsibility to ensure these rivers remain healthy for future generations to experience. Whether you’re casting on the Yellowstone or wading the Stillwater, every fish you release with care contributes to the long-term sustainability of Montana’s trout populations. At Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, we encourage all anglers to practice responsible catch-and-release techniques and continue the tradition of stewardship on the water. Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of fly fishing in Montana’s pristine rivers. Written by Katie Schepker |
"No Place 'Speaks' Montana like...
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Contact Info:
Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
6 Running River Way
Absarokee, MT 59001
(406)608-8886
[email protected]
montanaflyfishinglodge.com
Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
6 Running River Way
Absarokee, MT 59001
(406)608-8886
[email protected]
montanaflyfishinglodge.com