Bozeman MT: The Home Waters

The Trout Capital of Montana

Centrally located in the heart of the best fly fishing in Montana, world-renowned wild trout rivers, streams, and stillwater fisheries surround us. The Yellowstone, Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson rivers are nearby and easily accessed from our hometown. A diverse collection of small streams, medium-sized rivers, and spring creeks flank these big-name rivers, making Bozeman MT the epicenter of Montana fly fishing.

Other regional legends include the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Missouri rivers, each within easy striking distance of town. Local stillwater fisheries like Hebgen, Quake, and Ennis lakes are famous for their midsummer dry fly fishing.

Founded in 2000, Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been a fixture in the Bozeman MT fly fishing scene for over 25 years. Experience, expertise, and a collection of special permits enable our Montana fishing guides to introduce anglers to all of the amazing trout waters that we call home.

Yellowstone River Fly Fishing

The Yellowstone River flows through Livingsont, Montana, attracting fly fishers from around the world to test their skills against its rainbow, brown, and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. It offers diverse trout fishing opportunities, from Yankee Jim Canyon to Columbus. Unspoiled beauty and wild, Montana trout offer a rewarding angling experiences.

Upper Madison River Fly Fishing

The upper Madison River is a world-class wild trout stream in southern Montana referred to as the "50 Mile Riffle." It is one long riffle dotted with boulders and flowing through the wide-open expanses of the Madison Valley.

Its scenic beauty and abundance of wild trout make it a bucket list destination for anglers from around the world.

Gallatin River Fly Fishing

The Gallatin River boasts of more than 75 miles of blue-ribbon trout water, which can be easily accessed from various roadside turnouts along HWY 191 and throughout the Gallatin Valley. It meets the Jefferson and Madison Rivers to form the Missouri River, near Three Forks in Montana. Wade along the river through the Gallatin Canyon or float the lower river and explore rarley touched waters.

Lower Madison River Fly Fishing

The lower Madison River has diverse wild trout habitats and character between Ennis Lake and Headwaters State Park.

Spring hatches and fall streamer fishing offer opportunities for advanced anglers. The river's scenic beauty makes it enjoyable for novice anglers as well.

Jefferson River Fly Fishing

The Jefferson River starts at the convergence of the Ruby, Big Hole, and Beaverhead Rivers and flows until it meets the Madison and Gallatin. It offers a unique Montana fishing experience through rugged canyons and rural agricultural fields.

The fly fishing experience varies annually and depends on winter snowpack and spring moisture.

East Gallatin River Fly Fishing

The East Gallatin River is a small stream that runs through the eastern side of the Gallatin Valley and is one of the top spots near Bozeman for DIY-wading anglers.

Fishing while floating the Gallatin River is permitted downstream of the East Gallatin confluence with the West Gallatin, near Manhattan.

Depuy's Spring Creek Fly Fishing

This iconic spring creek is a year-round wild trout fishery near Livingston that runs through a working ranch that allows limited daily angler access with a trespassing fee.

The spring creek has some of the best dry fly fishing in Montana during prolific early summer caddis and mayfly hatches.

Boulder River Fly Fishing

Located south of Big Timber, the Boulder River is a medium-sized freestone stream with exceptional angling opportunities from late June through mid-July while floating with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.

DIY Wading anglers can escape the crowds and cover a lot of water while fly fishing in Montana here during late summer.

Missouri River Fly Fishing

This 35-mile stretch of river below Holter Dam offers some of the best Montana fly fishing. Rich in invertebrate biomass, the river supports a robust population of rainbow and brown trout near Craig, Montana.

Upstream of Holter Dam, the river is a mix of warm and cold-water fisheries, each appealing to a range of Montana anglers.

Dearborn River Fly Fishing

This river joins the Missouri River near Craig, Montana, and is highly regarded as the most scenic day trip in central Montana. The season is short - most years - with the primetime being between late May and mid-June.

Floating the Canyon stretch is a long day, but it is worth the effort when conditions are ideal.

Beaverhead River Fly Fishing

Flyfishing Montana on the Beaverhead River is an experience every serious angler should have on their list. Trophy brown trout fishing in tight quarters makes days on this river truly unique.

Join our staff of Montana fishing guides for a day or two of fly fishing in Montan near Dillon on your fly fishing vacation.

Big Hole River Fly Fishing

Montana fly fishing on the Big Hole River is the quintessential western trout fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels and interests. Diverse fly fishing and spectacular scenery make this river a favorite for Montana anglers. Angling conditions varies yearly based on winter snowpack with the best fishing early and late in the season on the Big Hole.