Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 08/11/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Fishing around the Bozeman area remains strong as we move into the heart of August. Flows are holding steady and water conditions are healthy across our main rivers. Most systems are fishing best from first light into early afternoon, with success hinging more on timing, water choice, and presentation than major shifts in flow or weather. Guides and DIY anglers alike are focusing on the right windows and targeting productive water to stay into fish throughout the day.
Yellowstone River
From Gardiner down through Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone is in excellent condition. Consistent flows and clear green water are setting the stage for both dry-fly and terrestrial fishing. PMDs are still producing steady morning action, while hopper eats are gaining momentum as the day warms. Grassy cutbanks, shaded inside turns, and midriver shelves are all worth working. Nymphing with large stonefly imitations and small tungsten droppers is also producing well. No closures are currently in effect, but it’s smart to check before fishing multiple sections.
Upper Madison River
The Upper Madison is delivering solid fishing from Quake Lake through the float stretches below Lyons Bridge. Large foam hoppers and attractor dries are pulling fish from the banks and seams in the mornings, with hopper-dropper rigs staying productive through midday. Nymphing with small jigs, perdigons, and PMD-style nymphs remains a steady bet. Hoot-owl restrictions are active from Ennis Lake to 8 Mile Ford, so wrap up on that stretch by 2 p.m.
Gallatin River
The Gallatin continues to fish well, particularly in the canyon near Big Sky where cold, clear flows keep trout active longer into the day. Dry-dropper rigs are producing consistently, with chubbies and smaller nymphs trailing behind leading the way. Spruce moths are showing in the upper river, creating exciting dry-fly opportunities along timbered banks. Terrestrial fishing is picking up too—ants, beetles, and early hoppers are worth fishing tight to the edges. Below Amsterdam Road, hoot-owl restrictions are in place, so focus efforts upstream.
August offers an excellent mix of tactics across the Bozeman area—technical dry-fly fishing in the mornings, hopper-dropper work through the day, and the occasional streamer or terrestrial surprise. It’s prime time to be on the water.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in August
- Guide to Bozeman Fly Fishing in August
Recommended Flies
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
Orange Psycho Prince Jig
PMD Comparadun
Circus Peanut Water Walker
Yellow Sally Stimi
Golden Thunder Thigh Hopper
Tan Morrish Hopper
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Dave's Hopper
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
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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