Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 04/17/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Old man winter has returned to the Bozeman Montana area for the next day or so. Temps have dropped with some snow on the ground. The weather shapes back up going into the weekend but there is still some fishing to be had if your'e willing to bundle up. The Lower Madison River and the Gallatin River are our best local options right now. Nymphing has been hot on both and the Lower Madison should have some great dry fly action.
For our nymph rigs we are running a basic line up of flies. A worm has been the go to lead fly in the Lower Madison. On the Gallatin a Pat’s Rubber Leg as well as a worm have been getting love. For our dropper nymphs a small Perdigon, Zebra Midge, or Micro May should work just about everywhere. Focus your nymph fishing on the deeper slow moving water and add some split shot to your rig to make sure those flies are getting down quickly.
If you see some fish rising to the surface they could be eating Midges, Blue Wing Olives, or both. To make sure we are covering the whole menu we like to fish a double dry fly set up. In the front try fishing a Blue Wing pattern like a Sparkle Dun or olive Parachute Adams. Behind the blue wing tie on your smaller Midge pattern like a Giffiths Gnat or Peacock Cluster. A 9-12 foot 4x leader should do the trick.
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Black and Red Spanish Perdigon
Gray Sprout Midge
Bozeman Fly Fishing
Bozeman is centrally located for convenient access to the best fly fishing in Montana on the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson Rivers. Myriad small streams, mid-sized rivers, and reservoirs provide "off-the-beaten-path" opportunities for the adventurous angler fishing near Bozeman MT.
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.
Additional Bozeman Fly Fishing Resources
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Trips
Post Date: 03/29/2025
The Bozeman fly fishing options are among the best in the US with legendary wild trout rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Jefferson, and Missouri each within easy striking distance...
Learn MoreMontana River Shuttles
Post Date: 03/29/2025
River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...
Learn MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...
Learn MoreBozeman Fly Fishing Area Map
Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
