Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Bryan Williamson

Originally from Seattle I grew up fly fishing the rivers and lakes around the greater PNW for steelhead, salmon and trout. My introduction to the sport started at age 9 when my great-grandfather gave me a beginner fly-tying kit, and my dedication to the sport has only grown since that day.

After graduating from Washington State University, I spent a few decades in the advertising industry, and during that span, I would make annual drives to Montana and Idaho to fish the Rockies. Needless to say, it was a relatively easy decision to relocate permanently to Bozeman and further pursue my lifelong passion of fly fishing.

My personal favorite technique is dry fly fishing but equally enjoy a day watching a strike indicator “go under”, if that is the recipe for success. I bring a laid-back patient approach with my clients and enjoy coaching anglers of all levels. My goals for every day on the water are to catch fish, enjoy the day and have fun.

FAQ's of our Bozeman Fly Fishing Guides

What’s your favorite summertime hatch to fish on the rivers around Bozeman?

My favorite hatch to fish in the summer is the caddis hatch, it consistently provides great dry fly fishing in the evenings up until dark and you only need a couple patterns to have consistent success.

What’s one tip that you find yourself offering guests to help improve their casting during the day?

Easy....stop your hand at your ear and pause for a full second.

If you could only fish with one fly rod on the rivers around Bozeman, which length and line weight would you pick?

A 9' 6 weight. Light enough to cast dries, perfect for nymphing under an indicator and strong enough to throw a streamer in most conditions.

What’s your favorite fly fishing method to use during guide trips? Nymphing, streamer fishing, dries, dry/dropper?

Nymphing, only because it is the easiest and quickest way to get a beginner to be proficient at putting fish in the net. If someone has had some experience casting I enjoy throwing dries/dry droppers. If they can really handle a stick we're throwing streamers!

What are your 3 favorite river sections to guide fly fishing near Bozeman?

(1) Upper Madison River - Varney to town. It just has so much diversity..we can float all the way through or stop to wade and hit buckets, riffles and runs all day as well. (2) Missouri River - any section. The float is beautiful and there are lots of big fish (is there any other reason??). (3) Yellowstone River - Paradise Valley. Cutthroat and stunning scenery.

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Trip Resources

From the Montana Fly Fishing Blog