Hebgen Lake

This world-renowned Montana lake is particularly known for its exceptional dry fly fishing, and a favorite of our guides. The lake is primarily known for its populations of brown and rainbow trout. These trout can reach impressive sizes, making it a popular spot for anglers seeking trophy fish.  

Hebgen Lake is famous for its "gulper" fishing. The "gulpers" refer to the sound made by large trout as they greedily sip mayflies off the surface during the peak hatches. The main events are the hatches of Callibaetis mayflies, typically occurring from late July through early September, and the smaller Trico mayflies, which often emerge around mid-July and last into September. These hatches can bring significant numbers of impressive trout, often averaging around 19 inches but sometimes much larger, to the surface in a feeding frenzy. Successfully targeting these fish requires accurate casting and a delicate presentation of your fly imitation.  

While the dry fly fishing during the summer hatches is the main draw, Hebgen Lake also offers opportunities for streamer fishing, particularly in the early spring right after ice-off when hungry trout patrol the receding ice shelves. Nymph fishing with midge and early Callibaetis patterns can also be effective, especially before the major hatches begin. Terrestrial patterns like Spruce Moths and flying ants can become important later in the season.  

Fishing on Hebgen Lake is not usually a full-day experience. When afternoon breezes riffle the surface, our guides usually move to another great fishing location nearby, like the Madison River or the Box Canyon.