Meet The Guide: Mike Lanzarini
Posted by: Alex
Date: 03/28/2026
I caught up with Bozeman fly fishing guide Mike Lanzarini to talk about his offseason, fishing our local waters, and what he’s most excited for as another Montana fly fishing season approaches.
Fly Fishing With Montana Fly Fishing Guide Mike
We had another amazing fishing trip with Mike Laranzini with Fins and Feathers this July on the Madison. This is our fourth year fishing with Mike. Every year, my son and I have a wonderful experience and catch great fish. Mike is extremely knowledgeable about the rivers of southwest Montana.
Mike is a great guide and extremely hard-working. He is entertaining, informative, and a great teacher. He is patient with his anglers and year after year finds a way to put us on great fish. Fishing with Mike is the highlight of our summer. I can’t thank him enough for the good times and for instilling my son's love of fishing.
- Jeff Eastman
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Mike Lanzarini
Mike has spent years guiding on the rivers around Bozeman, and is passionate about our home waters. When he’s not guiding, he’s usually fishing with his family on the Lower Madison or Gallatin Rivers. He also ties a lot of his own flies, and it carries over into how he fishes. Years of experience in Bozeman, along with time spent guiding in other parts of the country, have shaped Mike into a valuable member of our team.
What have you been up to this off-season? How has your winter been?
Between both boys in ski lessons and basketball, and tying flies, I've got a lot to keep me busy. When the wind lies down, I’ve been sneaking out to the Gallatin River in the afternoons.
What two hatches are you most excited for this year?
PMDs, no question. When those show up, everything else is going on. It’s right before the big bugs, sometimes overlaps, sometimes sticks around after. It’s just a good window, all around.
What is your favorite Bozeman river to fly fish, and what time of year?
Spring on the Gallatin River. The water’s in a good place—not too high, not too low. It’s a read-and-run river. You can go out for 30 minutes or a full day and still get something out of it. It’s a great river to have close by.
What technique and fly rod do you enjoy the most?
Dry dropper, no question. If I could fish it every day, I would. I like a 9’ 6wt Sage R8—something with enough backbone to reach out there, especially when the wind comes up. A moderate-fast rod just handles everything we do out here better.
Who got you into fly fishing? Where? How long have you been doing it?
My uncle got me into it when I was younger, probably pre-teen. We were fishing the Meramec River in Missouri, down in the Ozarks. That’s where it all started, and I fell down the rabbit hole of fly fishing.
When do you think is the best time to plan a fishing trip to Montana?
Late June. It’s just a reliable window—good water, good bugs, and things usually line up.
What do you enjoy most about guiding in Bozeman?
Getting to see a sunrise every day. The drive to work never gets old. There’s no bad stretch of river out here. Every day is just a good day, start to finish.
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