Bozeman Fishing Reports
Date: 11/17/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Fishing around Bozeman has been steady this week, with clear water and mild conditions across the region. Cold mornings have made for slow starts, but by late morning through the afternoon, most rivers have been fishing well. With fewer anglers out and solid water clarity, this has been a great stretch for late-fall fishing before winter fully settles in.
Gallatin River
The Gallatin has stayed consistent from the canyon through the valley. Nymphing is the best approach right now with rubberlegs, wire worms, and smaller droppers like perdigons or zebra midges. Streamers have been turning fish in the lower river—mini dungeons, goldies, and sparkle minnows in olive or black are all good options when clouds roll in.
Lower Madison River
The Lower Madison continues to fish well during the warmer parts of the day. Zirdles, zonkers, and worms up front followed by zebra midges or pill poppers are producing steady action. Streamer fishing has been solid on overcast days with smaller baitfish and sculpin patterns in olive, tan, or rust.
Upper Madison River
The Upper Madison near Ennis is in good shape and fishing has held strong through mid-November. Larger stonefly and worm patterns followed by small droppers like perdigons or frenchies are reliable setups. Streamer anglers are finding success with goldies, sculpzillas, and mini dungeons fished through deeper runs during cloudy afternoons.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone remains a solid option with clear water and steady flows. Nymphing with smaller stonefly attractors and midges has been productive, while streamers are working well in deeper water and around structure. Late mornings into the afternoon have been the most consistent time to be out, and a few BWOs and midges are still bringing fish up when the clouds stick around.
Overall, Bozeman’s rivers are in great shape for this time of year. Focus on the afternoons, fish low and steady with nymphs, and be ready with a streamer when the light drops. It’s classic November fishing across southwest Montana.
Additional Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Recommended Flies
BWO Sparkle Dun
Pheasant Tail
Juju Baetis
Parachute Adams
Olive Mini Dungeon
Skiddish Smolt
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Prince Nymph
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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