Fishing Report - 10/16/2026
Montana
Flows/Temperatures (as of October 15th; click the name for real-time numbers)
Hebgen Outflow - 707 CFS
Kirby - 788 CFS
Kirby High/Low Temps - 53°/46° F
Cameron - 960 CFS
Cameron High/Low Temps - 48°/44° F
This Week's Weather Forecast in the Valley
Upper Madison
Well, the rain (and snow) had a good few days, but seems to be on its way out again. That fall chill is in the air, however, and seems to be here to stay, just like the hungry attitude of the fish! As the water continues to cool, you'll be finding fish more and more in their "winter homes," aka holding in deeper, slower water. The mornings are still productive despite the cold, so if you can bear to get out from under your covers and put on some nice warm layers, you've got a good day of fishing ahead of you.
In my experience, fish have been many looking to eat sub-surface with both streamers and nymphs bringing success, but a good amount of brave fish have been rising eagerly to feed on BWO's, especially around 10 a.m.
Black and/or olive have been the best streamer colors for me; whether it be a small leech or large articulated baitfish, it's all about the right place, the right time, so keep covering water and changing things up.
I hate to say it, but there really hasn't been one or two specific nymphs working for me; caddis, stoneflies, and general mayfly attractors are all on the table. Don't be afraid to stray from those confidence patterns, people!
Dry Flies - Low Water Baetis, Tilt Wing BWO, Sprout Baetis
Nymphs - Olive Hotspot, Red Neck, Flashback Hares Ear, Magic Fly BWO
Streamers - Simi Seal Leech, Sparkle Cone, Crystal Bugger
Hebgen Outflow - 707 CFS
Kirby - 788 CFS
Kirby High/Low Temps - 53°/46° F
Cameron - 960 CFS
Cameron High/Low Temps - 48°/44° F
This Week's Weather Forecast in the Valley
Upper Madison
Well, the rain (and snow) had a good few days, but seems to be on its way out again. That fall chill is in the air, however, and seems to be here to stay, just like the hungry attitude of the fish! As the water continues to cool, you'll be finding fish more and more in their "winter homes," aka holding in deeper, slower water. The mornings are still productive despite the cold, so if you can bear to get out from under your covers and put on some nice warm layers, you've got a good day of fishing ahead of you.
In my experience, fish have been many looking to eat sub-surface with both streamers and nymphs bringing success, but a good amount of brave fish have been rising eagerly to feed on BWO's, especially around 10 a.m.
Black and/or olive have been the best streamer colors for me; whether it be a small leech or large articulated baitfish, it's all about the right place, the right time, so keep covering water and changing things up.
I hate to say it, but there really hasn't been one or two specific nymphs working for me; caddis, stoneflies, and general mayfly attractors are all on the table. Don't be afraid to stray from those confidence patterns, people!
Dry Flies - Low Water Baetis, Tilt Wing BWO, Sprout Baetis
Nymphs - Olive Hotspot, Red Neck, Flashback Hares Ear, Magic Fly BWO
Streamers - Simi Seal Leech, Sparkle Cone, Crystal Bugger
Hebgen/Quake Lake
Well, I've got good news and bad news. The bad news is those lake dry fly days are not to return until next spring (except in the case of a good midge hatch); the good news is that streamer days are here in full force! Fish are moving and looking for hardy meals to sustain them as winter quickly approaches. Smaller leeches are still the most productive overall, but bigger patterns are not off the table by any means.
Nymphs - Turkey Callibaetis, Ice Cream Cone, Pheasant Tail
Streamers - Hot Bead Leech, Simi-seal Leech, Rowley Leech
Well, I've got good news and bad news. The bad news is those lake dry fly days are not to return until next spring (except in the case of a good midge hatch); the good news is that streamer days are here in full force! Fish are moving and looking for hardy meals to sustain them as winter quickly approaches. Smaller leeches are still the most productive overall, but bigger patterns are not off the table by any means.
Nymphs - Turkey Callibaetis, Ice Cream Cone, Pheasant Tail
Streamers - Hot Bead Leech, Simi-seal Leech, Rowley Leech
Yellowstone National Park
Madison, Firehole, Gibbon - After the weekend of real Montana fall weather, the rivers on the west side of YNP have come alive in earnest. On the Madison, swinging (and stripping) through runs has been especially productive in the mornings and evenings while the afternoons are still sunny, but it looks as though with the next week rain and snow are to come once again, so don't be too disheartened by the sun's return if you are raring to get more shots at a nice fall-run brown.
Bring your bear spray and make plenty of noise; there have been quite a few grizzlies spotted right around the park boundary on the Madison.
Yellowstone River - As of 10/8, the fishing on the Stone has picked up slightly, especially if you're looking to swing soft-hackles for a (potential) big ol' cutty.
Northeast Corner - If you, like me, are unwilling to let go of those dry flies juuuust yet, throwing a hopper/attractor is still enticing those lovely risers! If you find yourself in the area and they aren't looking up, swinging a small streamer or soft hackle always does the trick.
Bring your bear spray and make plenty of noise; there have been quite a few grizzlies spotted right around the park boundary on the Madison.
Yellowstone River - As of 10/8, the fishing on the Stone has picked up slightly, especially if you're looking to swing soft-hackles for a (potential) big ol' cutty.
Northeast Corner - If you, like me, are unwilling to let go of those dry flies juuuust yet, throwing a hopper/attractor is still enticing those lovely risers! If you find yourself in the area and they aren't looking up, swinging a small streamer or soft hackle always does the trick.
Author's Note -
Writing the last report of the season has made me reflect on how grateful I am to all of you who gave the fishing report a glance, trusted my recommendations, reached out to talk fishing, or just told me they enjoyed reading. Now to enjoy a winter of steelheading, freezing, finishing a college degree, and, on occasion, reminiscing on summer days on the Madison. Thank you all!!
See you on the river,
- Nina Lett
MRO Assistant Manager & Guide
Writing the last report of the season has made me reflect on how grateful I am to all of you who gave the fishing report a glance, trusted my recommendations, reached out to talk fishing, or just told me they enjoyed reading. Now to enjoy a winter of steelheading, freezing, finishing a college degree, and, on occasion, reminiscing on summer days on the Madison. Thank you all!!
See you on the river,
- Nina Lett
MRO Assistant Manager & Guide
Thank you all for great season!!
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