Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Kaden Kelley

Kaden was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, and has been fishing in the surrounding lakes and rivers his entire life. He joined the Fins and Feathers Bozeman fly shop team in 2021 and continued with Yellow Dog Fly Fishing following their purchase of the retail business in late '22.

Kaden spends any time he can get out on the river and is the youngest Montana fishing guide on the Fins and Feathers Guide Service staff.

He has spent time teaching classes during his time and the shop, making him great with new anglers. He is a persistent angler and coach on the water, bringing a positive and entertaining attitude to each outing.

FAQ's of our Bozeman Fly Fishing Guides

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

My favorite summertime hatch in the Bozeman area is a tight race between the salmonfly hatch and the Brown Drake mayfly hatch. The salmonfly hatch can be a hard hatch to time right, but when you do, it can produce some of the best dry fly eats of the entire year. The Brown Drake hatch is a special one as well because of that magical power hour right before dark when all the spinners come down to the water as the sun sets.

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

When I'm teaching my clients to cast, I find that the tips that are most helpful are to keep a strong wrist, break at the elbow, and keep your back cast just behind your ear.

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

If I had to pick one rod to fly fish with on the rivers near Bozeman, I would pick a nine foot six weight rod. I find a six weight can do it all from throwing small dries to a big streamer of heavy nymph rig.

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

My all-time favorite way to fly fish with my clients is a dry dropper setup. It's my favorite because you have a chance at getting that awesome hopper eat, but still have the nymph below to help get some more fish to the boat if they are being finicky.

Name your 3 favorite Bozeman area rivers to guide on during the season.

My top three sections of river to float are Pig Farm to Springdale on the Yellowstone River Lyons Bridge to Ruby Creek on the Upper Madison River and Carbella to Point of Rocks on the Yellowstone River

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Trip Resources

From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog