Boulder River MT Fly Fishing in July
The Boulder River crests in late June and drops into prime fly fishing condition in early July. The optimal floating window usually appears between July 4th and mid-July, when streamflow levels are between 800 and 1500 CFS. These levels enable our highly experienced guides to safely navigate the myriad “rock gardens” and small rapids in inflatable rafts, giving clients excellent fishing from the boat and productive wading opportunities throughout the day.
Anglers fishing the Boulder River in July can expect pleasant wet-wading conditions, beautiful scenery, and an abundance of 10-14-inch wild trout.
As the water levels come down in late July, the upper river begins to fish well and become manageable for wade angling. Footing remains challenging, however, as the riverbed consists of round, slippery rocks. Mobile, fit anglers can find abundant access along the Forest Service road leading to the headwaters. This becomes small stream fly fishing as summer progresses. Use fine tippets with medium-sized dry/dropper rigs.
Boulder River Fly Fishing Hatches in July
This Montana freestone river flows through vast tracts of agricultural farmland along the lower 35 miles. Trout key into terrestrial insects such as grasshoppers, ants, beetles, and spruce moths by late July.
Nocturnal-hatching golden stones, caddis, and pale morning duns (PMDs) are the most prevalent aquatic insects on the river in July. Insects are far more abundant on the lower river than the upper river sections.
Slow-rising trout can be found along the riffle edges, bankside seams, and next to rocks during PMD hatches and spinner falls. Larger fish tend to feed selectively on Rusty Spinners in the Boulder Forks area just before sundown in mid-late July.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guides Pro-Tip:
Slow-rising trout can be found along the riffle edges and bankside seams, next to rocks during PMD hatches and spinner falls. Look for larger fish to feed selectively on Rusty Spinners in the Boulder Forks area near sundown in mid-late July.
Boulder River Fly Box for July
Boulder River Fly Fishing Techniques in July
Dry and dry-dropper rigs are the summertime mainstays on the Boulder River near Big Timber. Fish attractor dry fly patterns, like Chubby Chernobyls, Royal Wulffs, or Purple Hazes in sizes 12-16 on 9-foot, 5X leaders. Hopper patterns followed by small, weighted nymph droppers, like Purple Lite-Brite Perdigons or Spanish Bullets, in sizes 16-18 are angler favorites.
Leave the nymph and streamer rigs in the truck when fly fishing the Boulder River in July—dries or dry-dropper rigs should suffice.
Boulder River Fly Fishing Trips in July
Floating the Boulder River offers the right anglers an exceptional Montana fly fishing experience. The scenery, water, and trout all come together to create a second-to-none day trip. If you are lucky enough to fish with our Bozeman fly fishing guides during this magic water window, consider asking about a day trip on the Boulder River.
Peak fishing conditions on the Boulder River typically occur during the first two weeks of July. This, however, is primetime everywhere in Montana. We have many other options that are better suited to guests with less mobility or who simply don’t want to deal with potentially hazardous rapids or portages. The Boulder is a unique experience to consider adding to a multi-day itinerary.
This is dry/dropper or dry fly only fishing, best suited to intermediate or advanced fly casters. Anglers can expect a flurry of activity as our guides navigate obstacles while offering quick instructions on the next spot to place your flies.
Reservations with our Bozeman fly fishing guides can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019. Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips for over two decades and welcomes anglers of all skill levels on our Montana fly fishing trips near Bozeman.