Montana Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Southwest Region
Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone is famous for summer 'gulper' fishing, with rainbows and browns sipping callibaetis and midges off the surface.
Looking for the latest Hebgen Lake fishing report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with current conditions, wind, stocking news and the flies working now at Hebgen Lake.
Water level
Wind forecast
Hebgen Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Cold and close to ice. Browns are moving toward the Madison arm inlets.
Strip leeches and streamers in the arms on calm days.
Stocking report
See the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocking information for the latest stocking at Hebgen Lake and other Montana waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Hebgen Lake, bring: Mini Leech #8-10, Woolly Bugger #6-10, Parachute Adams #14-16, Zebra Midge #16-18, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Hebgen Lake lake details
| Access | Ramps and shoreline off US-287 and Hebgen Lake Road. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,500 ft |
| Nearest town | West Yellowstone, Montana |
| Best season | Summer and fall |
| Fish | Rainbows and browns |
| Regulations | Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 to 12 ft leaders, 4X to 5X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Ice fishing for rainbows and perch. |
| Camping | Custer Gallatin National Forest campgrounds around the lake |
| Kids | Yes in summer. |
| Good to know | Grizzly country. Carry bear spray. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice fishing.
Spring
Ice-off in late spring.
Summer
Gulper season with callibaetis.
Fall
Browns in the arms.
How to get there
From West Yellowstone, take US-191 north and US-287 west to Hebgen Lake.