Bozeman Fishing Reports

Date: 09/12/2025

Current Conditions

Cooler nights and recent rainfall have helped improve fishing across the Bozeman area. Water temps have dropped into a better range for trout, and rivers that were recently under hoot owl restrictions, like the Jefferson, are starting to fish again. Hatches are still on the light side, but conditions are steadily improving. Blue-winged olives should begin to show with shorter days and consistent cold fronts.

Jefferson River
While flows are still low, cooler water has opened the river back up to fishing again. Nymph rigs with zirdles, worms, or flashy attractors are doing well. Dry-dropper setups have been moving fish in the slower stretches near Twin Bridges. Traffic is light, making it a good option for a quiet day on the water.

Gallatin River
The Gallatin continues to produce, especially in the canyon and upper stretches. Water down low has a greenish color. Dry-dropper rigs are still the go-to, foam patterns like hoppers and ants on top, with smaller beadhead nymphs below. As temps keep dropping, streamer fishing will become more viable.

Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone is steadily improving. Hopper fishing is slowing but still producing. Mornings and evenings are seeing better streamer action, with trout hitting small sculpin and baitfish patterns. As water temps continue to fall, expect more consistent surface activity with BWOs as we move further into September.

Lower Madison River
The Lower has seen a noticeable shift with cooler weather. Fish are active longer into the afternoon, and nymphing has been the most consistent method. Crayfish, sowbugs, and small attractors are getting eaten, and there’s a bit of topwater action picking back up with hoppers. Weed growth is still an issue, but it’s starting to thin out in some sections. Hoot owl restrictions remain in effect, so mornings are still your best bet.

Additional Resources:

- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide

- Bozeman Fly Fishing this September

- Guide to Bozeman Fly Fishing in September

Recommended Flies

Skiddish Smolt

Purple Haze

Parachute Adams

BWO CDC Comparadun

BWO Sparkle Dun

Juju Baetis

Olive Mini Dungeon

Tan Morrish Hopper

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