Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 05/10/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Water conditions around Bozeman have finally given way to the heat and melting snow. Most of the lower elevation rivers and streams are high and muddy right now - those that aren't...will soon be with the warm water and rain in the forecast (along with cooler temps.
Lower Madison Fishing Report Summary
Caddis are still out on the lower Madison, and we expect the bugs to still be around and important until flow increases are seen. The better fishing has been subsurface using both larva and pupa patterns. This is a great hatch to swing soft hackles, especially if you aren't seeing any rise forms.
Nymph fishing with tandem rigs that include a small crayfish like the Clouser Cray or a Dead-Drift Crayfish continues to be a reliable bet with a small dropper. We have been getting more and more fish on larger pheasant tail variations and yellow sally nymph imitations the past few days.
Jefferson River and Big Hole Fishing Report Summary
The Big Hole is surprisingly holding it's own with some terrific caddis dry fly fishing. Stable flows and ok visibiltity are keeping the fish happy over there - it should blow out anyday now... The Jefferson is dirty, we wouldn't mess with it for a few weeks.
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
The Upper Madison has been really solid, but the impacts of runoff are starting to show up in the Madison Valley as the West Fork and various smaller streams are finally puking mud into he river. The flow remains fishable, but the dirty water is not too inspiring! There is a window of fishable water between the West Fork and Raynold's Pass, as well as the upper section of the river, "between the lakes"
Watch the weather and check the streamflow stations before heading out the next few weeks as you plan your next Bozeman fly fishing outing. Runoff season is fast-approaching, so enjoy this week or two of pre-runoff madness!
Additional Resources:
Recommended Flies
Olive Clouser Crayfish
Iron Sally
PMD Jigster
Pink Lite Brite Perdigon
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Hare's Ear Guides Choice
Orange Psycho Prince Jig
Peacock Elk Hair Caddis
Bozeman Fly Fishing
Bozeman is centrally located for convenient access to the best fly fishing in Montana on the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson Rivers. Myriad small streams, mid-sized rivers, and reservoirs provide "off-the-beaten-path" opportunities for the adventurous angler fishing near Bozeman MT.
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
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