Yellowstone Troutscout Fly Fishing Guide Service and Outfitter

Montana Fly Fishing

2008-08-15T16:26:00.001-07:00

Another great day on the Yellowstone.

Fly Fishing Montana

2008-08-15T16:23:00.001-07:00

A fun way to spend a family vacation.

Montana Fly Fishing

2008-08-15T16:20:00.001-07:00

I had a day off in early August and thought I would take myself fishing - Trey.

Fly Fishing Montana

2008-08-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

A nice catch for late July on the Madison River.

Montana Fly Fishing

2008-08-15T16:13:00.001-07:00

Watching the Madison River

Montana Fly Fising on the Madison River

2008-03-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Friends of mine and I have been traveling and wade fishing Montana for many years and until 2005 had never floated any of the rivers. In 2005 we decided to spend a few days at Mission Creek Ranch and were introduced to Trey Coon who guided us on a float down the Yellowstone. We had such a great time that we decided to call Trey for our trip in 2007 and fish the Yellowstone River again. Trey arranged for 2 boats and due to the excessive heat, suggested we fish the Lower Madison. After launching the boats Trey and Dain realized that the water was becoming unfishable. After rowing about a mile downstream, they got out of the boats and hitchhiked back for the trucks and trailers to move us to a location above Ennis and the Dam. Here we had a very successful day catching several large trout.

Many guides would have just fished the Lower Madison since they had already launched. However, Trey and Dain, being the professionals that they are, went the extra mile to ensure we had a successful float. I should add that 2 of our friends were rookies to fly fishing and floating, but they landed more than 20 large trout between them. Having fished with many guides in many places I can tell you that Trey is one of the most professional and pleasurable guides I have ever fished with and plan on fishing with him again.

Jim Helmbrecht Rochester, NY

Montana Fly Fishing Snow Pack Report

2008-03-12T17:48:00.001-07:00

This snow pack report is as of March 12, 2008 for the following river basins:
Upper Yellowstone River basin 106% of average
Lower Yellowstone River basin 111% of average
Madison River basin 110% of average
Gallatin River basin 109% of average
Missouri Headwaters 109% of average
Missouri Headwaters Main Stem 90% of average
Smith, Judith and Mussel Shell basin 93% of average
Sun, Teton and Marias River basin 107% of average
Big Horn River basin 112% of average
Flathead River basin 97% of average
Upper Clark Fork 96% of average
Lower Clark Fork 112% of average
Bitterroot River basin 109% of average
Jefferson River basin 105% of average

All in all these continue to be some of the best snow pack numbers we have seen across Montana over the last 6 - 7 years. We are very optimistic that Montana fly fishing this year will be very productive. I feel that even if we have slightly warmer than average temperatures through mid summer, the snow pack should provide us with continued better water flow as well as lower water temperatures.

Montana Fly Fishing

2008-03-02T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some fun picutes from Tom & Alexis in September, 2007. Montana fly fishing is something that is very near and dear to both of them. I have been guiding them for the past 4 years all throughout the Yellowstone River system. Over the years we have endured 50mph winds, cold weather, a bit of rain, and many beautiful sunny days. Tom & Alexis are dry fly enthusiasts and come to Livingston, Montana to enjoy the true dry fly experience. I want to thank both Tom & Alexis for letting me share their pictures and for all of the great times we have had. I am looking forward to having you back in my boat this September.

Montana Fly Fishing At Its Best

2008-02-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

The best price

on fly fishing packages in Montana

Spring & Fall Specials

April 1 - June 1

October 1 - October 30

(for mid summer prices please refer to our fishing and lodging page)

Enjoy the best of off season fly fishing that Montana has to offer. The variety of packages available gives you the opportunity to pick and choose based on the amount of time you have and your budget.

The fishing options are endless. Packages offered include fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin or Boulder Rivers, the three famous Spring Creeks (DePuy’s, Armstrong’s or Nelson’s) or any combination that you choose.

All lodging is at the historic Mission Creek Ranch. Formally the sight of Ft. Parker, Mission Creek Ranch is without a doubt once of the most beautiful and historic ranches in Montana. The ranch offers 2 miles of private access to the Yellowstone and one mile of access to the Mission Creek that meanders throughout the upper ranch. The lodge was built in 2001 and offers all the modern amenities along with spectacular views of the Absaroka Mountain Range. The entire facility is beautifully decorated with traditional western antiques and Montana memorabilia.

Fishing and Lodging Packages

3 nights ~ 2 days
Two full days of fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison or Boulder Rivers
Single Angler $1400.00
Based on 2 anglers / double occupancy $750.00 per person

4 nights ~ 3 days
Three full days of fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison or Boulder Rivers
Single Angler $1900.00
Based on 2 angler / double occupancy $950.00 per person

5 nights ~ 4 days
One full day on a Spring Creek, two days on the Yellowstone, Madison or Boulder Rivers. Final day is anglers choice.
Single Angler $2300.00
Based on 2 anglers / double occupancy $1250.00 per person

6 nights ~ 5 days
Two full days on the Yellowstone, Madison or Boulder Rivers, two days on Spring Creeks (Armstrong’s Nelson’s or DePuy’s). Final day is anglers choice
Single Angler $3250.00
Based on 2 anglers / double occupancy $1650.00 per person

Packages include all breakfasts, lunches, lodging, fishing, two-dozen flies, rods and reels, private access to two miles of the Yellowstone River and Mission Creek.

Not included with package: Transportation to and from airports, fishing license and gratuity.

Livingston Montana Fly Fishing

2008-02-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

Regis and I really enjoyed our float last September on the Yellowstone. Although I've been fishing my whole life and been to Montana several times, this was my first guided float trip in the west . Having observed guides on the Bighorn, I was not anxious to spend my precious fishing time trapped in a boat with an expert.

I decided to book Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters for the float since Regis was new to fly fishing and my attempts to teach him back east were mixed at best. What a great decision. I was amazed at Trey's ability to maneuver the boat, instruct the two of us, quickly get Regis into two "fish of lifetime." Here are pictures of two of Regis's fish. The rainbow was his first trout on a dry fly. The brown trout was 21" inches!

I've wade fished the Yellowstone several times and can say floating is the only way to truly experience its beauty, fish and wildlife. For me the true highlight was seeing the bald eagles, golden eagles and osprey.

My fear of expert guides was unfounded, we very much enjoyed Trey's company. I am looking forward to bringing my wife and daughters to Montana over the next several years and will be definitely including a Yellowstone float trip with Yellowstone TroutScout.

Bill Scherder

2008-02-19T18:21:00.000-08:00

Montana Fly Fishing, Lower Madison with Yellowstone TroutScout

2008-02-14T05:27:00.000-08:00

Fishing on the Lower Madison is truly one of Montana's finest fisheries. The 2008 fly fishing season is closer than you think. Let Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters share the experience of this fine river with you.

2008-02-11T18:23:00.000-08:00

To The Big O

2008-02-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

You know the old saying take a man fishing and you'll feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you'll feed him for a lifetime. The new saying is take your kid fishing and you'll enjoy the day, teach him how to fish and he might just turn it into his profession (thanks Dad) . This posting is for the benefit of my parents who I don't think have ever seen a web site. Aaron, if they are sitting with you at your computer, show them around, look at the testimonial page, the 21+ page etc.. Also can you show them the posts from January. Thanks for the help.

This Is Why Fly Fishermen Use Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters

2008-02-08T05:28:00.001-08:00

Fly Fishing enthusiast come from all over the world to enjoy fishing in Montana with Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters. We feel that our fly fishing program is the best that Montana has to offer and the proof is in the pictures.

Add Fly Fishing to your Family Reunion

2008-02-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

When planning your next family reunion, in the Livingston/Bozeman, Montana area why not consider enjoying a day of fly fishing on some of Montana's most beautiful rivers. Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters can offer some of the best that Montana has to offer. We can accomodate both the experienced and novice anglers, and even those who just want to sit back and relax and enjoy the amazing surroundings. We will tailor your day to your exact wants and needs.

Corporate Retreats in Montana

2008-02-08T04:41:00.000-08:00

When planning your corporate or business retreat, consider the great outdoors as a part of it. Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters is a full service fly fishing outfitter located in Livingston, Montana. We offer fly fishing float trips as well as relaxing evening floats down the Yellowstone River. What a better way to end your days of business meetings with a reward to your employees or clients with a trip that they will never forget. This could possibly be the best "thank you" you could give them.

Montana Fly Fishing at 9500 feet

2008-02-08T04:31:00.000-08:00

Yellowstone TroutScout Outfitters is truly a full service outfitter. In the photo above, our client asked about where to find the purest Yellowstone Cut-Throat in Montana. We traded in the drift boat for the helicopter and we headed for the high altitude lakes, just outside Yellowstone National Park.

Fly Fishing Web Sites Worth Visiting

2008-02-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

In the off season, I do a lot of homework on fly fishing, not only in Montana, but all over the world. Take a look at these sites. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.

http://www.midcurrent.com/ provides fly fishing information, advise, trip information, gear and media reviews as well as excerpts of the best fly fishing literature.

http://www.moldychum.com/ offers great fly fishing humor along with some nice photos and information on fly fishing.

http://www.flyfishchick.com/ is an enthusiastic lady who is all about fly fishing.

http://www.about-flyfishing.com is just what is states. Ian Scott does a great job on everything from writing about fly fishing to some showing some great fly patterns. He also provides excellent information on the Canadian fly fishing scene.

Montana Fly Fishing Snow Pack Report

2008-02-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

This is a list of the snow pack in mountain ranges and drainages throughout Montana. The snow pack throughout Montana and in particular the Yellowstone basin is signifiantly higher than it has been in the last few years. You will notice that the snow pack in some basins is as much as 50% - 70% higher than it was last year.
These numbers are as of January 31, 2008
Upper Yellowstone Basin . . .109% of average

Lower Yellowstone Basin . . .111% of average

Big Horn Basin. . .113% of average

Missouri Mid Stream Basin. . .94% of average

Missouri Headwaters. . .113% of average

Smith, Judith, Musselshell. . .93% of average

Sun, Teaton, Marias. . .104% of average

Kootenia River Basin. . .101% of average

Flathead Basin. . .90% of average

Upper Clarksfork Basin. . .90% of average

Lower Clarksfork Basin. . .101% of average

Bitterroot Basin. . . 106% of average

Jefferson River Basin. . .107% of average

Madison River Basin. . .116% of average

Gallatin River Basin. . .110% of average

The Yellowstone River, Corwin Springs is flowing at 550 CFS

Missouri River, Wolf Creek is flowing at 3370 CFS

The Lower Madison is flowing at 1130 CFS

The Gallatin River is flowing at 261 CFS

Boulder River is flowing at 141 CFS

Montana Fly Fishing in March & April

2008-01-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

Take advantage of early spring fly fishing in Montana on the Yellowstone, Madison and Missouri Rivers, as well as the Spring Creeks - DePuys, Armstrongs and Nelsons. The great thing about fly fishing in Montana in the early spring is that there are fewer people and the rates for lodging, guiding, and rod fees on the Spring Creeks are off season. As you can see from these photos, the fly fishing this time of year is still very good.

Montana Fly Fishing at 30 below zero.

2008-01-22T17:19:00.001-08:00

This picture was taken on January 21, 2008 at 30 below zero (with the wind chill). This stretch of the Yellowstone River runs through Livingston, Montana. Needless to say, with weather like this, fly fishing in Montana has been put on hold.

First Time Fly Fishing in Montana

2008-01-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

This is Regis's first fish on his first day of fly fishing. He had never had an opportunity to fly fish before, but was in town with some friends and decided to book a day with Trey on the Yellowstone River. With some good instruction and a little patience and practice Regis was able to get a great presentation into the right spot and this brown trout was the result.

Yellowstone River Fishing Report

2008-01-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

As you can see, the Yellowstone River is icy all over and not fishing. In the event that we do get a warm up, the ice will move out and making it safer to wade. Try fishing inside riffle corners, along seams and tail outs. Patterns are streamers - sizes 6 to 10, leaches, buggers, scuplins (black, brown, olive & rust). Nymphing are small red midge pupa and larva patterns - sizes 16 to 20, pheasant tails, wd40's and hare's ears.

Montana Spring Creeks Fishing Report

2008-01-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

Winter fishing in south western Montana is here. Most of the local anglers are at the vise tying their secret patterns. Right now fishing options are limited to the Spring Creeks. Winter wind in Livingston the past couple of weeks has been crazy and consistent. On January 4, 2008 we had sustained winds of 75mph with reported gusts of 150mph. When the winds aren't doing their thing, the Spring Creek Fishing can be pretty good. There is some dry fly fishing taking place, mostly midges, again, when the wind is not present. Your best bet is nymphing and will be for about 6 weeks. Fishing the runs and along weed beds have been producing well. Baetis activity this time of year is slow to non-existent. Patterns - size 18 to 22, are midge larvas, midge pupas, griffiths gnat, brassies, sawyers, pheasant tail, midge threaded worms, wd40's. Streamer patterns - size 8 & 10, are small leaches (brown, black and olive), small buggers (brown, black and olive).