Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview
Plenty of solitude on the water in Bozeman, MT. Stay local, stay safe, and go fish. The good news is that the fly fishing has been great on all of our local rivers. The daily rhythm this spring has been nymphing in the morning followed by streamer fishing or dry fly fishing in the afternoon. The fish have still largely been holding in their normal winter lies and targeting deeper, slower runs will be the most productive. We are starting to see some fish move into faster water but don’t expect to find them scattered across the river until later in the spring. The spring Blue Winged Olive (BWO) mayfly hatch has begun with good numbers of bugs hatching on calmer and overcast days. The trout have been looking up and on them as soon as they pop. Has made for some exciting afternoons.
We would encourage all anglers choosing to fish during this health crisis to exercise cautious judgment with their angling decisions. Water is dangerous and needs to be respected, but right now more than ever.
Our guided Montana fly fishing trips are on hold through 4/10/20 as per the Montana State directive to shelter in place and close non-essential business. Our Montana fly fishing guides are looking forward to getting back on the water with anglers, but health and safety will remain our top concern. In the meantime, please be in touch with any questions or concerns and to coordinate future fly fishing trip plans. Explore our trip offerings, meet our guides, and learn more about fly fishing with the Montana Angling Company.
Gallatin River Fly Fishing Report
The Gallatin River will remain the best bet for local anglers in Bozeman, MT looking to get into some great wade fishing. Nymphing with large attractor nymphs, stoneflies, annelids, PTs, and midges has been extremely productive and will continue to be through the end of March and well into April. Afternoon hatches of midges and BWOs will make for some good dry fly and dry-dropper fishing in the coming weeks. The Gallatin River is both close to town and offers plenty of wide open space: a great option for anglers during these strange times to get out for some fishing.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
The Madison River has settled in nicely to spring conditions and anglers can expect good fly fishing on a daily basis. Nymphing has been consistently productive with large attractors, stoneflies, and annelids followed by a smaller midge or BWO trailer. Dry fly fishing has been solid most afternoons for those willing to hunt for rising fish and that know where to find them. The streamer fishing has been good in the right type of water: deep and slow. Flows are ideal for wade fishing access. Both the upper and lower Madison River will remain great options through the coming weeks for local anglers looking to get out for some fresh air.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
Business as usual on the Missouri River this March. The nymphing has been solid. Streamer fishing has been solid. Dry fly fishing has been good when the bugs are out. Conditions will only improve through month of April. Scuds, sowbugs, and worms will be the nymphs of choice. Smaller and flashier streamers will get eaten. Hatches of midges and BWOs will keep fish looking up.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Our guides and anglers have been treated to some great spring fly fishing on the Yellowstone River this year. If the wind is mild, the fishing will be good. Midges and BWOs have been out most afternoons and the streamer bite has been improving daily. Looking ahead in the coming weeks we expect conditions to only improve as water temperature continues to increase. At this time we strongly recommend all but the most experienced rowers avoid floating the Yellowstone River. There are considerable obstacles and hazards along the entire length of the Yellowstone River, creating an enhanced risk for anglers and first responders.
April is one of our favorite months to fly fish in Montana. Our Spring Special Guide trips are normally an exciting kick-off to the Montana fly fishing season. While we are sad to not be on the water daily with anglers, sharing the experience of fly fishing in Montana, we look forward to getting out on the water with everyone soon, once we are all healthy and safe. Be well and fish on!
