Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview
Summer is in full swing in Bozeman, MT and our anglers and guides are happy to report great conditions on our local rivers and streams. Mid-July is the best time of year if variety and dry fly fishing are at the top of your Montana fly fishing trip wish list. The Yellowstone River, Madison River, Missouri River, Gallatin River, Yellowstone National Park, and small tributaries are all fishing great, and anglers in Bozeman, MT have the option of fishing any of these great waters on a daily basis.
Early summer stonefly hatches are in the rearview at this point, but strong hatches of caddisflies, yellow sallies, and tricos have kept trout on the feed. Hoppers and ants are also on the menu now with 2020 shaping up to be another banner hopper season. Flows have started to level out on most of our area rivers, making both float and wade fishing great options in the weeks ahead. Now is the time to grab your rod, head to the river, and go fish!
Anglers still interested in Montana fly fishing trips are encouraged to contact us today. We still have good availability for trips based in both Bozeman, MT and on the Missouri River in Craig, MT for August, September, and October. Due to some coronavirus related cancellations, several of our top guides have last minute availability. Our outfitter handles all trip bookings personally and is looking forward to planning your next Montana fly fishing adventure.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
The Yellowstone River has been the main event for our anglers and guides as of late. The Yellowstone is in as good of shape as anglers could ask for with great dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing all on the table. Sunny days have made for slower action in the late-afternoon but the bite has been solid most days until 4PM. Caddisflies and stoneflies are the two main items on the menu, with the afternoon hopper bite improving daily. Our Yellowstone river fly fishing guides have been fishing the entire length of the river, from Gardiner down through Big Timber and beyond, with solid fishing had on all reaches.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Rock solid on the Madison River. Dry fly fishing has been consistently great with caddisflies, yellow sallies, stoneflies, and terrestrials all on the menu. We have found big fish looking up all along the Upper Madison. Nymphing has been steady as well as drifting streamers. A note for anglers: The Lower Madison River is under permanent hoot owl restrictions and shuttle companies in Ennis, MT are operating at restricted capacity. Get off the lower river early and call ahead to make sure you can get a shuttle.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
Dry fly mania in Craig, MT. Caddisflies, PMDs, tricos, and terrestrials all have the mighty Missouri River trout looking up. Our guides are reporting good fishing with anglers most days, with some tough afternoons on the sunniest and hottest of days. Nymphing has also remained productive along the whole river. Short, deep, and everywhere in between can catch fish on the Missouri River this time of year. Set your depth and go find it.
Yellowstone National Park Fly Fishing Report
The Yellowstone River and tributaries are fishing great, with anglers finding uncrowded waters daily. Soda Butte Creek, Slough Creek, the Lamar River, and the Yellowstone River are the best bets for great dry fly fishing. The cutthroat bite has been excellent with #10-16 attractor dry flies being the main fare. Look for the hopper bite to really kick off in the coming weeks.
