Summer arrived to Bozeman back in late June and has been surprisingly mild thus far – which is hard to believe as it sounds like the rest of the world has been baking for a few months. Our summers are typically hot with daytime temperatures reaching into the mid 90’s and even the low 100’s a few days. We have had many days in the mid 80’s to low 90’s but are yet to hit the century mark here in Southwest Montana. The winter snowpack, mild spring, and relatively mild summer temperatures, coupled with afternoon thundershowers have all come together to create a relatively ideal fly-fishing situation for the Bozeman area in 2023.

The lower drainage fisheries like the Jefferson, lower Madison, and lower Gallatin rivers are all currently on Hoot Owl restrictions. This is typical for July and August as peak irrigation demands draw water levels down, resulting in reduced flows which then translates to increased water temperatures. Restrictions and closures vary across the state and even day to day, it’s always a good idea to check the “Restrictions and Closures” map on Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks’ website before heading out to new waters this time of the year.

Hopper fishing has gotten good across the region with the Yellowstone and Madison both yielding some great days and fish in late July. The stretch between Lyons and Varney on the upper Madison is in great shape right now and the crowds – once you get away from the boat ramps – really have not been as bad as one might here. The Yellowstone is very busy with recreational floaters around the weekends but offers so much water that it is easy to find a quiet stretch by going early or being flexible with your plans. We have been getting fish on dries, streamers, and nymphs, throughout the river with the best fishing coming east of Livingston during the earlier parts of the day.

The weather forecast is calling for highs in the 70’s and low 80’s on their extended forecasts – starting on August 2^nd. That is good news for the rivers, fish, and anglers! There is no way to know what things will look like in a few weeks at this time, but I do know that conditions over the next week or two are looking much better than we would normally expect this time of the year.

Get out there and enjoy some of the best wild trout fishing of the year on our home waters around Bozeman this August. Whether you are out with friends, family, just yourself, or one of our Bozeman fly-fishing guides – the next few weeks should provide some of the best hopper fishing we have seen in recent years. If you would like to experience Montana hopper fishing with one of our professional fly-fishing guides, just send us an e-mail or book online to make a reservation.