Bozeman Fishing Reports

Date: 09/30/2025

Current Conditions

Fishing around Bozeman has been good, but we are seeing the fall seasonal changes start to set in. Days are shortening, insect activity is tapering off, and trout are shifting habits. Our local rivers are still offering solid fishing, but the tactics are leaning more toward subsurface options.

Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone is holding well, with stable flows and good clarity. Nymphing is the play, using stonefly attractors or rubberlegs up top, followed by small perdigons, prince nymphs, or zebra midges. Dry fly chances are limited, but in Paradise Valley, hecubas remain worth probing on slow water.

Gallatin River
The Gallatin has been consistent and remains a solid all-day option. Dry-dropper setups during afternoons still pick up fish, but most activity is happening below the surface. Nymph rigs with stonefly and sculpin patterns, followed by blowtorches, zebra midges, or small perdigons. Streamer action is growing, especially in valley reaches, goldie, sculpzilla, and mini dungeon are good choices.

Upper Madison
The Upper Madison is fishing well. Cooler temps have helped stabilize things, and fish are active through most of the day. Nymph rigs with stonefly attractors paired with midges or perdigons are continuing to produce fish throughout buckets and mid river. Dry fly rises are rare, though a few mayflies pop up midday. 

Lower Madison
The Lower Madison is fishing great. Nymphing continues to be the most reliable method, patterns like zirdles, zonkers, and worm imitations down to small perdigons or blowtorches. Overall, the river is low and clear, with minimal weed growth.

Additional Resources:

- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide

- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October

Recommended Flies

Skiddish Smolt

Parachute Adams

BWO Sparkle Dun

Juju Baetis

Olive Mini Dungeon

Black Pat's Rubberleg

Prince Nymph

Pheasant Tail

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