October is prime time on Montana’s rivers. Water temps are perfect, flows are stable, and browns are fired up. Streamers are producing big fish on the Yellowstone, Madison, and Big Hole as they stage up for the spawn. Cloudy days are bringing strong blue-winged olive hatches, so dry-fly fans still have some fun left too.
On Fort Peck and Canyon Ferry, walleye fishing remains steady with most fish holding deep. Crankbaits and crawler harnesses are doing the work. Smallmouth are slowing a little with the colder nights but are still biting along rocky points when the sun’s out.
Most alpine lakes are just about done for the season, but lower-elevation stillwaters are fishing well for trout on spinners and streamers. Fall fishing is in full swing, and this stretch of weather might be the best window before winter starts moving in.
