Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 04/11/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The weather forecast is looking just a bit cooler over the weekend around the Bozeman Montana area. Temperatures aren't too bad still hanging in the forties and fifties but there is some rain/snow in the forecast. That being said, if you're willing to bundle up, the rainy weather can make for some great dry fly fishing. The Lower Madison River is our best local option to chase some rising fish. The Gallatin River has been nymphing great and the Yellowstone River is our go to for the streamer angler right now.
Our nymph rigs are fairly basic; a red worm followed by a Zebra Midge, small Perdigon, Lighting Bug, or a Micro May should work just about anywhere. If you are nymphing the Gallatin of the Yellowstone just swap the worm out for a Pat’s Rubber Leg. Focus your nymphing on the deeper slow moving holes and make sure to add some split shot to get those flies down quickly. If streamers are calling your name, head to the Yellowstone and try slowly fishing a Mini Dungeon or a Sculpzillas in white or olive.
If you're itching to throw some dry flies head to Lower Madison River in the later half of a cloudy day and focus on the slow moving water close to the banks. These fish usually aren't too picky and basic dry fly patterns will do the trick. Set up a 9-12 foot 4x leader with a Griffiths Gnat, Peacock Cluster, or a Sparkle Dun in size 16-20.
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Black and Red Spanish Perdigon
Gray Sprout Midge
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.
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