High winds have been the main story around the Bozeman area this week. Fishing has still been good when you can find stretches with some protection from the wind, but getting clean drifts has been the biggest challenge across most rivers.
The Gallatin River has been fishing well overall. Fish are holding in deeper runs and slower buckets, and nymphing with pat’s rubberlegs, zebra midges, and small perdigons has been producing fish. Focus on the deeper water and work around the wind where you can.
The Lower Madison River has also been a good option. Nymph rigs with zirdles, clouser crays, or dead drift crays up top with a sunburst perdigon or yellow sally nymph below have been producing fish. The deeper runs and slower inside water have been the most consistent.
The Upper Madison River continues to fish well despite the wind. Nymphing with pat’s rubberlegs paired with zebra midges, lightning bugs, or small olive perdigons has been producing fish. Streamers like rusty trombones and goldies can move a fish if you’re willing to cover water.
The Yellowstone River has been the toughest with the wind this week. When conditions calm down, fish are still eating nymphs like san juan worms, pheasant tails, and baetis nymphs through the deeper runs.
Overall fishing around Bozeman remains good for early spring. The key has been working around the wind, fishing deeper water, and focusing on the warmest part of the afternoon.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in March
Pheasant Tail
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Juju Baetis
Olive Mini Dungeon
Skiddish Smolt
Prince Nymph
Parachute Adams
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
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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