Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 04/20/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Bozeman area is in a good place right now, even with the recent stretch of colder nights. It’s slowed bug activity a bit, but fish are still feeding and most rivers are producing.
The Gallatin remains a solid choice. Fish are holding in the buckets and deeper runs, and nymphing with rubberlegs and smaller perdigons or blowtorches has been the most consistent. Streamers are worth mixing in down in the valley, but dry fly activity has backed off with the cooler weather.
The Lower Madison has been productive. Fish are set up in the deeper runs and responding well to flashy perdigon-style flies paired under crayfish patterns. It’s still mostly a subsurface game, and getting flies down has been the difference.
The Upper Madison is fishing well, especially around Ennis. There’s been some pressure, but fish are still holding in the buckets and feeding. Nymphing has been consistent, streamer fishing has picked up, and there are still some midges and BWOs around during the afternoons.
The Yellowstone is a bit more variable. It’s fishable below Livingston, but anglers need to be selective and stay on softer water. Nymphing and some streamer fishing have been the better approaches right now.
If you’re fishing around Bozeman, plan on staying subsurface for most of the day. Focus on depth and the right water, and things will come together.
Additional Resources:
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In April
Recommended Flies
Pheasant Tail
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Juju Baetis
Olive Mini Dungeon
Skiddish Smolt
Prince Nymph
Parachute Adams
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Bozeman Fly Fishing
A year-round trout fishing destination, the Bozeman MT fly fishing options are endless. Learn more about fly fishing in Montana on our blue-ribbon waters in our "Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide" online.
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