Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 05/15/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Runoff is showing up everywhere around the Bozeman area right now, and conditions are changing quickly day to day. Warmer daytime temperatures have pushed flows up across most of the freestone rivers, and even with cooler nights slowing things down slightly in the mornings, a lot of rivers are continuing to rise.
The Gallatin is high and dirty and firmly in runoff conditions. Fishing has become difficult, with most fish pushed tight to the banks and softer water. Heavy nymph rigs fished slowly along inside seams and flooded edges are really the only option right now.
The Yellowstone is also high and off color and not a great option at the moment. The river continues to rise, and a lot of the softer water fish were using earlier has changed quickly. Dry fly fishing has mostly shut down with the added color and water.
The Jefferson is continuing to get tougher as runoff builds. Most fish are pushed into slower side water, and conditions are changing fast with the warmer weather.
The Upper Madison is still holding together better than most of the area freestones, although the West Fork has blown out and the river below has picked up color, especially down through Ennis. Nymphing and streamer fishing are still productive in the better sections.
The Lower Madison remains one of the better options around Bozeman right now. Flows have come up, but the river is still fishable and producing fish. Nymphing with crayfish patterns and smaller perdigons underneath has been the most consistent setup.
Spring creeks like DePuy’s continue to fish well and remain the most stable option in the area. BWOs and midges are still providing good opportunities for technical dry fly fishing.
At this point, runoff is taking over across much of southwest Montana. Focus on slower water, fish deep, and expect conditions to keep changing if the warm weather sticks around.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
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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