Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 02/23/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Cold weather and wind have made things tougher across the board. Most rivers are offering short windows at best, and access can change day to day with ice and snow. This isn’t an all-day deal right now.
The Lower Madison River has been cold and inconsistent. There’s open water, but the bite has been limited to the middle of the day. Nymphing has been the only solid approach. If you’re not near the bottom, adjust weight before changing flies.
The Gallatin River has been hit or miss. Ice shelves are still present, and the mornings are slow. If you go, plan on fishing late morning into early afternoon and focus on deeper runs. Nymphing is your best bet. Dry flies aren’t a factor.
The Yellowstone River is largely locked up or not worth the effort right now. Heavy shelf ice and limited access make it a low-confidence option.
Additional Resources:
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Recommended Flies
Pheasant Tail
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Juju Baetis
Olive Mini Dungeon
Skiddish Smolt
Prince Nymph
Parachute Adams
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.
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