Sign Up For Our Email Newsletter - "The Digital Fly Swatter"

* indicates required
trout-icon trout-icon trout-icon trout-icon trout-icon

Bozeman Fishing Reports

Date: 03/13/2026
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

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 Guide

- Bozeman Fly Fishing in March

Recommended Flies

				  Flashback Pheasant Tail TNG G Bd PT

Pheasant Tail

				  Use a Pats' Rubberleg for Madison River fishing in high-water.

Black Pat's Rubberleg

				  Juju Baetis Craven

Juju Baetis

				  Streamer fly fishing in Montana with Mini Dungeons is productive throughout the state.

Olive Mini Dungeon

				  Skiddish Smolt Hickman Natural

Skiddish Smolt

				  Prince Nymph

Prince Nymph

				  Fly fish the Mayfly hatches on the rivers near Bozeman, Montana.

Parachute Adams

				  Rainbow spanish bullet

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.


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 More

Montana 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 More

Montana 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 More

Bozeman Fly Fishing Area Map



Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog


Ask Us A Question

Sign Up For Our Email Newsletter - "The Digital Fly Swatter"

* indicates required