Autumn arrives in Bozeman by the end of September, bringing a changing of the leaves lining the rivers and cool, crisp air to the valley. Elk can be heard bugling in the mornings along the blue-ribbon Montana fly fishing rivers near town. The summer crowds thin considerably, leaving the rivers to the anglers fishing for the increasingly active trout.
The Bozeman community comes alive as students return to Montana State University, making for some great nightlife downtown. September is a great time of the year to plan a Montana fly-fishing trip to Bozeman.
The rivers cool dramatically, triggering the aggressive tendencies of Brown Trout. September and October are prime months to target trophy Brown Trout. Yellowstone River fishing is almost entirely subsurface as anglers search for big fish on the move. The Jefferson and lower Madison Rivers fish well once again as irrigation demands decrease and water temperatures drop. Floating the Gallatin River provides reliable action and respite from other anglers fishing in the region.
Late-season hopper fishing persists on the Jefferson and lower Yellowstone Rivers once water temperatures drop in early September.
Gallatin River fishing in the canyon stretches offers technical fishing for the advanced angler during fall BWO hatches on cloud days. Long leaders, fine tippets, and stealthy approaches are key to success.
Casting streamers for big Brown Trout is the focus for many anglers fishing the Montana rivers throughout the fall. This is the best time of the year to target these fish on the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers.
Try the waters of the Missouri River, below Toston Dam to find solitude and a few chances at some truly large Brown Trout. There aren’t many trout in the river here, but there are some big ones that become increasingly active with cooler weather. Keep your expectations low and swing big!
As we race to the “finish line” of our Montana fishing season, every Bozeman fly fishing guide welcomes the arrival of Autumn. Fall BWO hatches on the Yellowstone and lower Madison Rivers bring fish to the surface on calm, overcast days. Consistent sub-surface fishing rewards anglers fishing with small nymphs along foam lines and in the back eddies. Bozeman fly fishing trips in September are ideal for anglers with all skill levels.
Fins and Feathers has been guiding Montana fly fishing trips for over two decades. Our experts look forward to the variable Montana fishing conditions of fall in the Bozeman area. Novice anglers will enjoy the diverse fly fishing experiences and changing landscapes of fall in Montana.
Advanced anglers fishing for big fish will appreciate the efforts of our experts as they methodically cover each run with the hope of our guests coming tight to one of the legendary Brown Trout of these Montana Rivers.
Guest should be prepared for variable conditions when booking for late September and early October. The weather is likely to be fine, but be sure to watch it closely as snow and rain are common as fall progresses in Montana.
Reserve your Bozeman fly fishing trip with the expert at Fins and Feathers well in advance for September day trips. Reservations can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019. Contact Us for help crafting a custom Montana fly fishing tour of the blue-ribbon trout waters around Bozeman.