Fly Fishing Bozeman in November
Posted by: Alex
Date: 10/30/2025
Bozeman fishing in November is a much more relaxed, quieter version of what most anglers picture when they think of Montana fly fishing. The rivers drop into their lowest flows of the year, hatches are irregular, and the days become noticeably shorter. It’s cold, the mornings are long, and fishing becomes more deliberate.
November Weather Conditions and Fishing
By November, things on the rivers around Bozeman start to slow down. The water drops, the air turns cold, and the crowds are gone. It’s a quiet time of year that feels different from any other month. The big hatches have mostly run their course, the days are shorter, and the fishing becomes more focused. You don’t go out expecting fast action all day—you go for the calm, the open water, and the handful of good fish that are still looking to eat.
- The Gallatin River is one of the best places to fly fish in Montana during November. The water in the canyon runs low and clear, which opens up many areas that are too deep to wade in the summer. Anglers can cover more ground, take their time, and really pick apart the water. Most of the fish sit in slower runs and deeper seams, so small nymphs and midges work well. It’s also one of the prettiest times of year to be there—the snow starts to dust the peaks, the trees along the banks fade to yellow and brown, and most days, it’s just you and the river.
- The Upper and Lower Madison River fish well, too, but in a different way. The Valley Garden fishing access site on the Upper Madison River becomes very popular with wading anglers targeting pre-spawn brown trout returning to the river from Ennis Lake. On the lower Madison, near Bozeman, the fishing is solid through the middle of the day when the sun warms things up. Nymphing with bwo and attractor fly patterns is the standard, but streamer fishing can bring some surprises, especially on cloudy afternoons. The water is clearer now, and the slower current makes reading the river easier.
- The Yellowstone River starts to feel big and open once the flows drop. Long gravel bars, side channels, and edges that were off-limits in summer become perfect for wade fishing. The river runs clear this time of year, and the scenery through Paradise Valley is hard to beat. This is a great month to find solitude on the busiest summer sections. It’s that kind of fishing—peaceful, simple, and about as Montana as it gets.
Dry-fly fishing is limited to bwo hatches in the middle of the day. Most of the action is subsurface now, with small nymphs and attractor patterns. The fish eat less often but more predictably, so it’s about making good drifts and staying patient.
For those who live and fish here, November is one of the most underrated months of the year. It’s quiet, the rivers are clear, and you get to experience fly fishing in Montana in a different light. Some of the best days of the year happen now, not because of how many fish you catch, but because of how it feels to be out there.
What to Expect Fly Fishing Bozeman Rivers
Fishing in November is more about patience than covering water. Trout aren’t feeding aggressively like they do in early fall, so smaller flies and multiple drifts become key. Nymphing becomes more reliable, with flies like the zebra midge, eggs, and a good selection of size 16-18 perdigons being flies you want to keep in your box for most conditions. This is also the time of year when fishing lighter tippet matters more.
Streamer fishing can still be effective, although it’s slower. You’ll get fewer strikes, but the ones you do get are often from solid fish. Browns are mostly spawning by now, so they’re not as widely spread out, and most anglers leave them alone to protect those redds. Rainbows and whitefish stay active and willing, giving anglers steady action when fished correctly.
Skwala Fishing Gear for November Conditions
Having the right gear is a big part of staying comfortable while fly fishing in Bozeman through November. Waders are essential this time of year, and we recommend something durable and warm like the RS Wader from Skwala. They’re built for long, cold days in the water, with a design that keeps you dry without feeling bulky. Pairing them with Skwala’s Fusion Pants and a Fusion Tactical Hoodie gives you the warmth and flexibility needed to fish comfortably all day. Skwala is a Bozeman-based fly fishing company committed to making the best gear for anglers, by anglers.
The Reward of Late Season Fly Fishing in Bozeman, MT
Fishing this late in the year is all about managing expectations. You won’t catch fish in all of your favorite summer spots, and the bite windows are short. Fly fishing in Bozeman in November might not have the numbers or hatches of summer, but there is something unique about Montana in the fall that is worth experiencing. For those who don’t mind the cold, it’s a rewarding time to see Montana’s rivers in their calmest state.
Join one of the Fins and Feathers Guide Service experts in Bozeman, MT. fly fishing guides for an off-season day trip exploring the lower Madison River this winter. Discounted trip rates are available November - February, reservations can be made via email, booked online, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.
