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Bozeman Mt. Fly Fishing Guide: Gus Prissel Q&A's

Posted by: Alex

Date: 02/05/2026

I reached out to Fins and Feathers guide Gus to talk about how his winter has been, check in with what he’s been doing on and off the water during the offseason, and what he’s most looking forward to as the Montana guide season gets closer.

Meeting Montana Fly Fishing Guide Gus Prissel

Gus is the kind of guide who makes people feel comfortable on the water the second they step into his boat. He has a real passion for fly fishing, especially dry fly fishing, and the personality to match.

What he brings to the Fins and Feathers Guide Service team is a well-rounded understanding of our local rivers and the ability to tailor each day to whoever is in his boat. Whether that means nymphing in the morning and throwing hoppers in the afternoon, or throwing streamers on a cloudy day, Gus enjoys helping people find their own connection to fly fishing.

A Conversation With Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Gus

What are you looking forward to most about the 2026 season in Montana, and how does guiding here compare to Idaho?

I’m looking forward to getting back in the boat this spring, seeing bugs start to hatch, and seeing our rivers all come back to life. To me Guiding in Montana feels different from Idaho because of the variety.

Montana fly fishing offers a wide range of rivers, lakes, and small streams, and it feels like you can tailor a day to almost any style of fishing. Idaho, by comparison, can feel more repetitive. In Montana, you can always find something different.

How many years have you been fly fishing, and who got you into it?

I’ve been fly fishing for about 18 years. I started fishing with my dad and my two uncles, all of whom were fly fishing guides. Being around it from a young age made it feel natural.

How has school been this year, and how much longer do you have?

School has been going well. I’m a senior and should be finishing up within the next year. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Montana State studying education. Learning how to teach has been rewarding, and it’s also given me the flexibility to keep fishing.

Have you been fishing this winter? Where?

Yes, I’ve been able to get out a fair amount with the warmer winter. I’ve spent time on the Missouri River and closer to home on the Madison and Gallatin Rivers, mostly nymphing. I’m looking forward to spring and summer when bugs start hatching, and dry fly fishing becomes my main focus again.

What’s your favorite river around Bozeman, and what time of year do you enjoy most?

My favorite river around Bozeman is the Yellowstone River. It offers a wide range of opportunities, from technical dry fly fishing in the upper sections to targeting larger fish on streamers further downriver.

My favorite time to fish the Yellowstone—and Montana in general—is late spring, right around the tail end of runoff in mid to late June. It’s an underappreciated window, and some of my favorite days on the water come during that time.

Do you see yourself staying in Montana after school? Would you ever want to guide elsewhere?

I’d love to stay in Montana for a while, but there’s also a lot of the world I haven’t seen or fished yet. Exploring new places is appealing.

That said, I don’t see myself guiding anywhere else. Montana sets the bar pretty high, and I think it’s one of the best places there is to guide and share fishing with people.

What techniques and rods do you enjoy most, and what are your favorite hatches to fish, on your own and while guiding?

When I’m wading, I prefer dry fly fishing whenever possible. I really enjoy fishing my Winston Air 2 in a 9-foot 5-weight, because it presents flies delicately but still has enough power for hopper-dropper rigs when needed.

When I'm on the oars, I’m happy doing whatever makes the most sense that day—dry flies, nymphs, or streamers. For guiding, I really like the Redington Classic Trout because it's a versatile and dependable rod.

I’m especially excited for the salmonfly hatch on the Upper Madison River and for the terrestrial season later in the summer.

If you could target any species anywhere in the world on a fly rod, what would it be?

I’m a trout angler at heart. I enjoy saltwater fishing and other freshwater species like carp and bass, but sight fishing for large trout feeding on the surface is what really does it for me. I’d love to return to Chile and get another chance at that kind of fishing.

Have you picked up any new gear recently?

I picked up the Simms Dry Creek Boat Bag in the large size. I’m looking forward to using it this season and having more space to organize fly boxes and gear in the boat.

In your opinion, when is the best time to plan a fishing trip to Montana?

Any time you can make it out is a good time, but spring is the best, especially for skilled anglers. Late spring on the Yellowstone River can offer excellent fishing for aggressive rainbow trout, and it’s a great window that often gets overlooked.

What Do Our Customers Think About Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Gus?

"I can’t personally thank Gus and the whole team at Fins and Feathers for an awesome 3-day experience, thrills, and great laughs!! Gus was an amazing teacher, listener, and partner in these adventures.

The scenery on the Yellowstone was bar-none one hell of a float!! Between the Maddison and Yellowstone, we easily had over 30 fish to the net, with a good dozen being picture worthy! Best 3-days, bar none!"

- Cam C.

More Reviews About Gus From the 2025 Bozeman Fly Fishing Season

"My son and I fished for two and a half days with Fins and Feathers and could not have been more pleased. We were with Gus all three days. We were on a drift boat on the Yellowstone and Madison and we waded on the Gallatin. And we caught some really nice fish - some brown, some rainbow, and some cutthroat trout as well as some whitefish. It was our first fishing trip to Montana, and it was a dream come true. Toby made the booking easy, Alex orchestrated from the shop, and Gus did the rest on the river. We can’t wait to do it again."

- Richard H.

"We floated on the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers and had a killer time. We had the full spectrum of experience levels with some guys that were getting comfortable casting indicator rigs in the wind and others that were really focused on streamer fishing. Our guides were Will Allen and Gus Prissel and these 2 were pros and we caught several huge fish on both rivers. I would highly recommend this guide service!"

- James T.

"We were on vacation for my son’s senior trip and booked with F&F. Our guide, Gus, did an awesome job teaching us to fish and put us on some great fish. It was an experience we will never forget! We are so thankful for this experience!"

- Dee K.