Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview
There is a lot to be excited about in Bozeman, MT for fly fishing anglers. Over the past week we have been treated to as good of a Mother’s Day Caddis hatch as we’ve seen on the Madison River, clear water on the Yellowstone River, quality sight fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, and exceptional catch rates on the Missouri River. Our Montana fly fishing guides have been back to work, on the water with anglers, and the excellent conditions have made for some memorable trips. We want to give all of the anglers that have supported us and our guide staff a big THANK YOU for giving us the opportunity to work, in spite of tough times for all.
Our Local Trip Specials will continue to run through May. Local anglers will enjoy significantly discounted rates on our Full Day and Half Day Montana fly fishing trips. 100% of proceeds from these trips are going directly to our guides, as the outfitter we are not taking a booking fee. This is a great opportunity to directly support local business and to explore and learn more about fly fishing in your own backyard. Contact us directly for more info.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
The Missouri River is currently the best option for anglers planning a Montana fly fishing trip now thru the end of May. Our anglers and guides have enjoyed strong hatches of BWOs and March Browns have started to show up over the past week and we expect more of the same in the near future as the forecast remains cool and overcast. Nymphing on the upper river has also continued to remain excellent with sowbugs fished deep producing the most consistent results. Streamer anglers will have to work for it, but can expect solid catch rates on overcast days with streamers fished low and slow, through the feeding zones.
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report
Depuy’s Spring Creek is always a May-favorite for our anglers and guides and 2020 has been no exception. Catch rates have been solid with great nymphing daily and good hatches most afternoons. Midges and BWOs are on the menu. Armstrong and Nelson’s Spring Creeks are also great options, offering technical and rewarding fishing with similar hatches.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
The Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch has been a roller coaster ride over the past few weeks on the Madison River. Warm weather brought out the thickest hatch of bugs in recent memory a few afternoons and evenings. Dry fly fishing was there for those willing to hunt for it, but the trout by in large stayed below the film with nymphing producing the best results. The past week and near future have and will hold cooler weather making for less than ideal conditions for the continuation of the hatch. The best of it may be behind us. Streamer fishing and nymphing will continue to be great through mid-June. Expect dead drifted streamers and large attractor nymphs to be the top producers as flows increase.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Anglers experienced with the ebbs-and-flows of May fly fishing on the Yellowstone River have been rewarded with some memorable days over the past week. While runoff hit the river hard in late April, it has come back into shape for the time being. Our anglers and guides were treated to a few great days of fly fishing and were able to hit the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch. The freestone nature of the Yellowstone River takes a lifetime to learn, but keep an eye on flows over the next few weeks and you might just hit it right.
Gallatin River Fly Fishing Report
Cooler weather has made for good fly fishing on the Gallatin River both near Bozeman and Big Sky, Montana. Flows have dropped and clarity has improved. While there are better options, anglers will likely find plenty of open water and space on the Gallatin right now, which can make it a good option for anglers that prefer solitude. Stonefly nymphs and annelids will be king.
