Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Jackson Krause

Jackson Krause Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide

Jackson began his fishing career as a bass, pike, and walleye angler, and didn’t understand how fly fishing worked until his grandfather gave him a fly rod and showed him the art of the fly cast on the banks of the Gallatin. Since then, Jackson has fly fished extensively through the Mountain West and is fortunate to call Bozeman, MT, home. While enrolled at Montana State University, colloquially “Trout U”, Jackson was able to explore the diverse fisheries of Southwest Montana, sometimes when he should’ve been in class. During the summers, he began guiding in Cordova, Alaska, targeting all five Pacific salmon species.

Eventually, he graduated and the allure of guiding in Montana took over. Jackson is a patient and passionate teacher and is comfortable fishing with anglers of all ability levels. He believes the indicator of a successful fishing trip isn’t fish in the net, but improving your skills, fostering a deeper connection to the ecosystem and fishery, and having a memorable experience with some jokes along the way is what it’s all about.

FAQ's of our Bozeman Fly Fishing Guides

What's your favorite summertime hatch when fly fishing near Bozeman?

Throughout the summer, there are two hatches that make me especially giddy to fish- the Salmonfly and the Brown Drake hatch. The Salmonfly hatch, if timed correctly might be the most fun you can have with a fly rod. It’s hard to beat large trout coming out of the water for a big ‘ol foam fly that eventually sinks from teeth marks! For the purist in me, the brown drake hatch is incredible for presenting a “headhunting” style of fishing in the evenings, picking out big sipping browns on the Lower Madison.

What's a common tip you give your guests to help them improve their casting?

The pick-up and the pause are the most integral parts of the cast. A strong pick up off the water, like you’re pulling a hammer back, is the foundation of a strong cast. Furthermore, learning to lengthen the “pause” in your back cast for longer when you have more line out is the secret to nice, straight casts. Accelerate to a hard stop and give it a count!

What's your recommendation for the best all-around fly rod configuration for the Bozeman fly fishing rivers?

It’s very difficult to beat a 9’ 6 weight for versatility in Southwest Montana. Whether you are using nymphs under an indicator, throwing a big heavy streamer, or casting a chubby on the bank, the 6 weight can do it all effectively and is still appropriate for fighting trout that can be a bit bigger around here.

Nymph, dry, dry/dropper, or streamer fly fishing...what's your favorite?

It’s hard to pick one because they each have their moments, but for me personally, I am a huge fan of a streamer eat from an aggressive fish.

List your 3 favorite river sections to guide on around Bozeman. This could be one of three rivers or even three on one river.

-The “bird” float on the Yellowstone (Grey Owl to Mallards Rest)

-McConnell to Joe Brown on the Yellowstone

-Palisades to Storey Ditch on the Upper Madison

Additional Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Trips Resources

From the Montana Fly Fishing Blog