Bozeman Fly Fishing
Bozeman is an outstanding destination for western fly-fishing, centrally located among several world-class rivers. The Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Madison Rivers are short drives from town, each boasting well over 50 miles of blue-ribbon trout water easily accessible to anglers.
Whether it’s the Salmonfly hatch in late June, the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch in late April, Hopper fishing in August, or streamer fishing for trophy Brown Trout in the fall – it’s all legendary and it all happens here.
Anglers of all skill levels thrive on the blue-ribbon waters near town. The advanced angler relishes opportunities to hook into trophy trout with dries or streamers on numerous rivers. The novice angler quickly improves their fly fishing game while surrounded by stunning landscapes in this yet unspoiled piece of the west.
Best Time Ever
"It was a totally excellent experience. Excellent country to fish in. Excellent accommodations. I'm a first time fisherman, and I learned every day of our 3 day trip. I landed a nice variety of fish, including a fighting brown trout that swam under the boat. Kudos to the Fins and Feathers staff, ownership, and especially our guide."
- Neil C.
Montana Rivers near Bozeman
Yellowstone River
The longest free-flowing river in the lower 48, the Yellowstone River meanders through diverse landscapes, presenting an array of Montana fly fishing experiences.
From the thrilling whitewater stretches of Yankee Jim Canyon to the extensive riffles near Big Timber, the river is ever-changing.
Ideal for floating anglers, this iconic river is framed by stunning mountain backdrops and banks lined with Cottonwood trees.
Madison River
From its origins at the confluence of the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers to its joining of the Gallatin and Jefferson to form the Missouri River, the Madison River is among the world’s best trout fishing rivers.
The “50-Mile Riffle” section upstream of Ennis and the lower river, below Ennis Lake, are less than an hour’s drive from Bozeman. Key to Bozeman fly fishing, outings to these renowned river sections are ideal for day trips.
Gallatin River
The river begins as a bubbling mountain stream at its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park and transforms into a big, meandering river as it flows towards the mouth helping form the Missouri River.
Anglers who prefer wading can enjoy the blue-ribbon waters near Big Sky, where access is abundant. Floating the lower river is a great option for those who want to avoid the summer crowds.
The Gallatin River flows south to north through the Gallatin Valley.
Jefferson River
The least heralded of the blue-ribbon trout waters near Bozeman, the Jefferson is a large river that runs low during the summer because of intense, upstream irrigation demands.
It is a favorite among experienced Bozeman anglers for big fish opportunities and the solitude the river provides.
The "Jeff" fishes best early in the summer during PMD hatches and in the fall when Brown Trout begin to move throughout the river during their pre-spawn rituals.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Through the Season
April Fishing
The transition from winter to spring is first realized among Montana anglers with the arrival of April hatches on the rivers near Bozeman…
May Fishing
The runoff abates in June, bringing the world-renowned Salmonfly hatch to the Madison and Brown Drakes to less heralded waters in the…
June Fishing
The runoff abates in June, bringing the world-renowned Salmonfly hatch to the Madison and Brown Drakes to less heralded waters in the…
July Fishing
Primetime conditions arrive to the blue-ribbon trout waters near Bozeman, this is an ideal time for a Montana fly fishing trip to the rivers in…
August Fishing
Hoppers and nocturnal Golden Stones become the focus of trout on the Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers during the hot days of…
September Fishing
Cooling waters reinvigorate the Montana fish in the rivers around Bozeman with the arrival of Autumn and changing of the seasons…
Bozeman Fly Fishing Trips
With so many world-class rivers within easy reach of Bozeman, anglers fishing here are treated to a diverse fly fishing experience. From day trips to weeklong Montana fly fishing tours, our experts craft custom experiences to fit your skills and schedules.
One day, float the lower Yellowstone and fish hoppers in solitude near Big Timber. On the next day, enjoy a float and wade trip on the Madison below Ennis. The choices are endless.
Many first-time anglers book our Bozeman fly fishing guides for just a day but often reserve another before it's over. Options abound for anglers of all skill levels.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Vacations
Guests are able to book Bozeman Montana fly fishing trip packages that include day trips with our Bozeman fly fishing guides and lodging with a preferred Bozeman hotel.
These fly fishing vacations can be customized to fit your group's itinerary with options like additional nights and single rooms. Review the options and send us an inquiry using our Contact Form or e-mail to confirm availability or get a quote on custom options.
You can also book our Bozeman fly fishing guides for day trips in the Bozeman area while reserving Bozeman lodging on your own.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Reports
Wondering if Salmonflies are hatching on the upper Madison? Maybe there was a heavy rain up the Taylor Fork drainage last night and you aren’t sure if the Gallatin is dirty or not.
Before you head out to the rivers around Bozeman, check out our Montana fishing report for current conditions, local hatches, and recommended fly patterns.
These reports are based on feedback from our Bozeman fly fishing guides and friends in the Montana fly fishing community. We update them regularly throughout the season.