Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 12/08/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Winter conditions have settled into the Bozeman area, but anglers still have good opportunities on the warmer days. Most rivers have cold mornings, forming ice along the edges, so the best fishing continues to be from late morning into mid-afternoon. Nymphing is the primary approach across the region, with midges, small attractor patterns, and winter stoneflies producing the most consistent results.
Gallatin River
The Gallatin is holding up well for early December with clear flows and no major ice chunks yet. Fish are concentrated in deeper water, and nymphing with small stonefly patterns, zebra midges, and slim perdigons is working. Streamers are limited but can move a trout or two on warmer afternoons.
Lower Madison River
The Lower Madison remains one of the easier winter options near town. Zirdles, crayfish patterns, worms, and midges are producing once the day warms. Fish are settled into soft water, and depth control matters more than fly selection. Streamer fishing is fair during mild weather.
Upper Madison River
The Upper Madison is clear and accessible but cold in the mornings. A later start is best. Rubberlegs, midges, and small perdigons are working in deeper slots. Streamers have a narrow window on mild afternoons but aren’t a main focus.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone has shelf ice forming along the banks, but some stretches remain fishable. Nymphing with small stoneflies, midges, and simple beadheads is the best bet. Rising fish are unlikely, and streamer fishing is slow but possible during warmer spells.
Jefferson River
The Jeff offers a short midday window. Most trout are in slow, deep winter water, responding best to small stoneflies, midges, and perdigons. Streamers have limited use right now.
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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