Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 10/20/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Fall fishing around Bozeman has been steady this week. Cool mornings and mild afternoons have kept rivers in great shape, and a mix of clouds and sun has created good fishing windows across the area. We’re seeing consistent mid-day activity, fewer crowds, and the first signs of stronger blue-winged olive hatches starting to show up.
Gallatin River
The Gallatin River continues to fish well both in the canyon and through the valley. The water has a slight tint from recent rain but remains very fishable. Nymphing has been the best option with pat’s rubberlegs, wire worms, and perdigons all producing. Streamers like the mini dungeon and sparkle minnow are moving fish in the lower valley, and BWOs should become more consistent over the next week.
Lower Madison River
The Lower Madison has been steady with trout feeding well through the middle of the day. Nymphing has been reliable with crayfish patterns, zirdles, and smaller droppers like lightning bugs or zebra midges. Streamer fishing has had good moments with sparkle minnows and goldies in shaded water, and a few BWOs are starting to show on calmer afternoons.
Upper Madison River
The Upper Madison is in great shape right now. Flows are stable, and fish are eating well throughout the day. Nymphing remains productive with rubberlegs, worms, and smaller mayfly patterns, while streamer fishing continues to pick up with cooler weather. More BWOs are appearing each day, especially on cloudy afternoons.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone has a touch of color from recent weather, but it hasn’t slowed things down much. Nymphing is steady with stonefly attractors and small droppers, and streamer fishing has been solid with patterns like the goldie and mini dungeon in olive or black. As the water clears up, we should start to see more blue-winged olive activity in the afternoons.
Overall, fishing around Bozeman has been great for late October. Nymphing remains the most consistent across all rivers, streamer fishing is improving, and BWO hatches are becoming more reliable each day. With stable flows, cool weather, and light pressure, it’s one of the best times of the year to be on the water.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Recommended Flies
Pheasant Tail
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Parachute Adams
BWO Sparkle Dun
Juju Baetis
Olive Mini Dungeon
Prince Nymph
Skiddish Smolt
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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