Bozeman Fly Fishing
Planning the Best Bozeman Fly Fishing Trip
Fly fishing trips in Bozeman, MT are the best way to enjoy a day on one of our local Montana rivers. Bozeman offers anglers more miles of blue ribbon trout water than just about anywhere in the west. The Yellowstone River, Madison River, and Gallatin Rivers run just outside of town and the endless fly fishing opportunities in Yellowstone National Park just past them. Our Montana fly fishing guides have spent decades on the rivers in Bozeman and understand what it takes to make your next Bozeman fly fishing trip, the best one yet.
Our 5 tips for the Best Bozeman Fly Fishing Trips draw on our experience, as well as feedback from longtime anglers, planning trips all year long. Anglers interested in learning more about fly fishing with the Montana Angling Company and our professional fly fishing guides in Bozeman, MT are encouraged to contact us to learn more.
1. Know Before You Go
The blue ribbon fly fishing opportunities in Bozeman, Montana are endless and vast. Researching your trip and arming yourself with knowledge and information about Bozeman and the surrounding area will be a great start. There are endless online resources, including our own blog, with great recommendations and descriptions of the rivers, productive tactics, access points, hatches, and more in our region.
Lodging and non-angling activities in Bozeman are also best researched ahead of time. Anglers that put in the time before their trip will make the most of their time on the water. Our recommended resources for Bozeman Fly Fishing Information:
2. Timing is Everything
Every season offers different fly fishing opportunities for anglers on a Bozeman fly fishing trip. Knowing when to go is just as important as knowing where to go. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall fly fishing trips are all remarkably different experiences, each with its own charm.
Anglers that prefer dry fly fishing over everything will find the months of July, August, and September to be the best fit. Those that want solitude will likely enjoy fly fishing in Bozeman in April and October. Anglers wanting the best shot at trophy fish will find the streamer fishing in Bozeman is best in the Spring and Fall. Thinking about fly fishing the salmon fly hatch? June 25-July 10 is your best bet. Anglers should time their trip to align with their preferred fly fishing experience.
3. Consider Booking a Fly Fishing Guide
There are a lot of great reasons to hire a fly fishing guide on any Montana fly fishing trip. Professional and local knowledge goes a long way towards making your trip fun, safe, and productive. There is a reason why when our guides travel to fly fish elsewhere they hire guides: when your time is limited in an area, a good guide will help you make the most of it. Even spending just one day with a fly fishing guide can give you access to local knowledge that would otherwise take years to acquire.
The learning opportunities for anglers on a Bozeman guided fly fishing trip are well worth it. Our Montana fly fishing guides have dedicated their lives to our local Bozeman rivers and sharing their experience with anglers. Booking a day on the water is a great addition to any Bozeman fly fishing trip.
4. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
There are more rivers, streams, and lakes to fly fish in Bozeman, MT than an angler could hope to fly fish in a lifetime, let alone a trip. Narrowing down your options and focusing on one, or two drainages at the most, will make your trip more productive. It will take days for anglers to get dialed in on access and tactics for a new river. Instead of trying to fish it all, plan to fish one river well. Anglers that do will spend more time on the water fly fishing, instead of driving around thinking about it.
Wade fishing anglers will find the Gallatin River and the wade-stretch of the Madison River downstream of Ennis and upstream of Lyons Bridge to be great starting points. Float fishing anglers will find great fly fishing on the Yellowstone River and the float stretch of the Upper Madison River and Lower Madison River.
5. Plan in Advance
Want to make the most of your next Bozeman fly fishing trip? Do your best to book your trip well in advance. The best lodging and fly fishing guides for prime dates often book 6-8 months ahead of time. While trip bookings to Bozeman can also be accommodated on short notice, anglers wanting to stay at our preferred fly fishing lodges or book a trip with a select guide will want to plan ahead and contact us in advance. July, August, and September Trips in Bozeman, MT are our most in demand trip offerings. Overnight Trips and Adventure Trips are also limited offerings that anglers should consider booking ahead of time.
Montana Fly Fishing
Montana Fly Fishing in December
Fly fishing during the winter month of December in Montana is highly weather dependent. Winter weather is the real deal in Montana and the harshness of the cold and wind should not be understated. That being said there is something magical about winter fly fishing: the snow is falling, the air is crisp, and every trout is well earned.
Anglers fly fishing in December will be rewarded with an experience unlike any other. December is often the mildest of the winter weather we see. Destinations are limited to wade fishing on the Gallatin River and Madison River and float fishing on the Missouri River. Most of our Montana fly fishing guides have put up their boots for the season, but there are still a few around available to share a day on the water with anglers.
Highlights
What to Expect in December
Anglers fly fishing in Montana in December should be expect cold. Montana cold. Temperatures vary significantly from -40F to +40F. Generally colder weather means calmer wind, which is ideal for fly fishing. Anglers properly prepared with comfortable waders, boots, and outerwear will be comfortable in all conditions and reap the rewards of spending a day on the water in December. Snow capped peaks, wide open water, and solid fly fishing await willing anglers.
Where to Fly Fish in December
The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks offer the best fly fishing for anglers in Montana in December. DePuy’s, Armstrong’s, and Nelson’s Spring Creek run near-constant temperature and offer open water year run, even on the coldest of days. These creeks offer refuge for trout from the freezing waters of the Yellowstone River and hold their highest fish counts through winter and early spring. Midges are king during the winter months and make for excellent nymphing on a daily basis as well as sporadic dry fly fishing opportunities. Warming huts on DePuy’s Spring Creek offer a welcome respite from the cold for anglers to seek shelter in and warm frozen hands and rods.
Wade fishing on the Gallatin River and Madison River can also be productive. Sub-zero temperatures often result in floating ice and ice shelves that makes fly fishing dangerous if not impossible. Daytime temperatures above 20F will make for the best conditions.
Float fishing is generally limited to the Missouri River in December. Boat ramp accessibility is always the primary consideration as early season storms often make for limited access. Always check the boat ramp before backing down. Do not back down if there is significant ice build up. You likely will not make it back up.
December Fly Fishing Tactics
Nymphing will be the most effective fly fishing technique throughout the winter months on all of our Montana rivers. Midges, worms, stonefly nymphs, and pink attractor flies will be the top producers on our freestone rivers. Midges, sowbugs, scuds, and pink attractors will be the top producers on the Missouri River tailwater. Midges, midges, and midges will be the go to flies for the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks.
December Fly Fishing Trips
Anglers interested in Montana fly fishing trips in December will find our Winter Special Trips to be a great value and the best way to enjoy a day of winter fly fishing with our Montana fly fishing guides. Safe weather is a minimum requirement for a December fly fishing trip, but anglers will enjoy a fun day on the water as part of every trip. We do not recommend planning a trip to Montana for the sole purpose of fly fishing in December, but if you find yourself in Bozeman, MT and want to get in a day or two of fly fishing, we would encourage anglers to book a winter fly fishing trip with the Montana Angling Company.
Contact us to learn more about fly fishing in December in Montana.
Montana Fly Fishing
November Fly Fishing in Montana
By November in Montana fall is on its way out, winter is on its way in, and anglers will find the last chance for great fly fishing in Montana. Winter fly fishing in Montana can be fun and productive, but the ability to float, wade, and fly fish on our blue ribbon rivers on a consistent basis is limited beyond the month of November. Anglers fly fishing in Montana in November should be ready for anything, but can count on generally favorable conditions both in Bozeman, MT and on the Missouri River in Craig, MT.
When conditions are right for fly fishing in November, anglers will be treated to some truly great fishing in total solitude. The crowds from summer are long gone, hunters are up in the hills chasing elk, pressure is minimal, and the fly fishing can be outstanding. Nymphing and streamer fishing will be the most productive tactics, but strong hatches of mayflies can make for great dry fly fishing on certain days. Our Montana fly fishing guides have generally great availability through the month of November and all trip bookings are recommended to plan ahead, but wait to book no more than a week out once we have a feel for the weather.
We have many fond memories of fall days in November spent fly fishing on the rivers of Montana. When conditions permit, it can be truly special.
Highlights
What to Expect in November
Anglers should expect to encounter any and all conditions fly fishing in Montana in November. Be prepared for the cold and snow. Be prepared for sunny and warm. Be prepared for windy and rainy. We see it all in November. Wind is the major factor that limits fly fishing productivity. Often fly fishing is best on cold and snowy days. As long as the wind is calm. In November we tell all anglers you just have to go to know. When conditions are right anglers can expect great fly fishing.
Anglers should expect to start and end their fly fishing trips late in November. Our Montana fly fishing guides generally meet anglers between 9AM and 10AM in November and often later. The fly fishing in November is best from 12PM until dark. Cold mornings generally mean tough fishing. Hatches of BWOs and midges are limited to the afternoon. Sleep in and stay out late.
Anglers fly fishing the Missouri River should expect good fly fishing on the tailwater section near Craig, MT. This stretch offers the best late-season dry fly fishing in the state. Nymphing and streamer fishing will also be productive from the Dam to Cascade.
Where to Fly Fish in November
We recommend anglers fly fishing in Montana in November focus their efforts wherever angling conditions are the most favorable. By that we mean wherever the wind is the calmest. Windy in Bozeman? Head to the Missouri River. Windy on the Missouri River? Head to Bozeman and fish the Yellowstone or Madison River. Windy everywhere? It is never windy everywhere and experience will pay off under these circumstances.
November Fly Fishing Tactics
Nymphing and streamer fishing techniques will be the most productive for anglers fly fishing in November. Hatches are generally inconsistent and often thin. Dry fly fishing can be productive at times, when strong hatches of BWOs and midges bring trout to the surface, but often inconsistent in November. On the Missouri River anglers can expect the best chance for quality dry fly fishing. Nymphing will be best with sowbug and scuds #12-16 on our tailwater rivers and with stoneflies #6-10)and attractor nymphs #12-16 on our freestone rivers. Streamer anglers should mix up patterns and presentation depending on conditions, but generally smaller, flashier streamers produce in November.
November Fly Fishing Trips
November fly fishing trips with the Montana Angling Company are a good choice for anglers that value solitude on the water above all else or have flexibility for dates. We generally do not recommend planning a Montana fly fishing trip in November for a first trip, for beginner anglers, or for anglers that are not willing to fly fish in tough conditions. However anglers that are up for often challenging conditions will be rewarded with great fly fishing for wild trout on our Montana Rivers. Float fishing trips on the Missouri River, Yellowstone River, and Madison River will be the best options as well as wade fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks.
Contact us to learn more about Montana fly fishing in November.
Montana Fly Fishing
The Best Dry Fly Hatches in Montana
Anglers travel from all across the world to enjoy the excellent dry fly hatches afforded to us in Montana. From April through October, anglers can count on strong hatches that make for great fly fishing on all of our blue ribbon rivers. Hatches peak on different rivers and at different times of the year, so understanding where and when to fly fish in Montana is key for the best dry fly fishing. Our Montana fly fishing guides have fished them all and know every hatch offers its own unique opportunities and challenges for anglers. Dry fly fishing in Montana is as fun as fly fishing gets and our top 5 hatches are the best in Montana.
1. Salmon Fly Hatch in Bozeman, MT
The granddaddy of them all. The annual salmonfly hatch in Bozeman, MT is Montana dry fly fishing at its finest. Many anglers make the annual pilgrimage to the Yellowstone River and Madison River during the salmonfly hatch on the hunt for trophy Montana trout on dry flies.
For the uninitiated salmonflies are giant stoneflies that hatch in huge numbers generally between June 20 and July 10 on the rivers near Bozeman, MT. The sheer size of the bugs is shocking, averaging 3-4 inches in length, and even the biggest and baddest of trout in our rivers are willing to come up for such a large meal. When you hit it right it is hands down the most fun dry fly fishing an angler will ever have. It just never gets old watching a trout demolish a #2-8 dry fly.
Timing the hatch is often the biggest challenge, as weather and conditions significantly affect the start, peak, and finish of the salmonfly hatch. Anglers can generally expect good salmonfly action on the Madison River by June 20th, peak conditions by the end of June, and the end of the hatch by July 10th. The salmonfly hatch on the Yellowstone River usually kicks off by the 1st of July, peaks by the 4th of July, and runs up through Gardiner, MT by the 10th of the month.
2. PMD Hatch on the Missouri River
The favorite hatch of anglers that enjoy technical dry fly fishing. The Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatch on the Missouri River offers spring creek style sight-fishing for some of the largest average size wild trout in the state of Montana. Trout hunting at its finest.
The PMD is a #14-18 yellow body mayfly that reliably hatches from June 10th well into July on the Missouri River. The quality of hatches vary day to day, but anglers can count on strong numbers of trout actively feeding on the surface daily. The Missouri River is world famous for its pods of rising trout and anglers will frequently encounter these large groups of 10-20+ during the PMD hatch.
The trophy trout on the Missouri River command an angler’s respect and a perfect presentation is often necessary. Some of the largest brown trout of year are caught by anglers during the PMD hatch, as the huge numbers of relatively large mayflies make for an easy meal. Anglers hoping to catch a trophy trout should expect to put the time in hunting and working single rising trout. Challenging yet rewarding dry fly fishing, perfect for seasoned anglers.
3. Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch on the Yellowstone River
The Mother’s Day Caddis hatch in Montana is best described as a blizzard of bugs. Anglers are often left speechless by the amount of caddisflies on the water at the peak of the hatch. Our trout take advantage of this mega hatch and are on the feed, eating small tan caddis by the mouthful. We feel it is the best gift a mother could ask for: world-class dry fly fishing.
The hatch generally kicks off in late April on the lower Madison River running through mid-late May on the Missouri River but peaks right around mother’s day on the Yellowstone River. While the hatch comes every year, conditions on the Yellowstone River are not always perfect. A warm April generally means run-off begins before the bugs get going making for tough conditions. Cooler weather will inevitably delay the hatch into run-off as well. When temperatures are just right anglers will find some of the best dry fly fishing of the year.
These caddisflies are #16-18 tan caddis with a bright green abdomen. The best fly fishing is generally early in the hatch as the bugs are emerging and into the early afternoon. By the time the blizzard of bugs peaks and whole mats of flies start to float down the Yellowstone River, the trout are often already gorged from a day’s worth of eating. Choosing a pattern that stands out from the crowd is often the key to success, otherwise your fly is just one of many. While the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch on the Yellowstone River is often hard to hit, it is a roll of the dice that is always worth it.
4. Spring and Fall BWO Hatch
The Blue Winged Olive (BWO) mayfly hatch in Montana comes every Spring and Fall is a favorite amongst all of our anglers and Montana fly fishing guides. While the bugs are small #18-22 olive body mayflies, the hatches are strong and the trout get on them. The hatch is available to fish on almost all of our Montana rivers in April and October.
Anglers will find the best dry fly fishing on the Yellowstone River in April and the Missouri River in October. What we love about this hatch most is the solitude on the water that comes with it. Spring and Fall fly fishing in Montana often presents anglers will tough conditions but anglers that aren’t deterred by the cold or wind will be treated to empty rivers and great dry fly fishing.
What the BWO lacks in size it makes up for in quantity and anglers will often encounter blanket-hatches that bring seemingly every fish in the river to the surface. The dry fly fishing ranges from easy to technical, and offers fun challenges and opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. River flows are often low during April and October in Montana making for great wade fishing conditions during the BWO hatch. Anglers can often spend whole afternoons stalking rising trout on a single flat.
5. Hopper Fishing in Bozeman, MT
August is hopper season in Bozeman, MT. While hoppers do not hatch in the sense that other flies do, they are present in huge numbers from late-July through mid-September with peak conditions in August. On the best years the banks of the Yellowstone River and Madison River will be alive with hoppers clicking in concert daily. Anglers walking through hayfields with find clouds of hoppers jumping with each step. Every trout in the river will be eagerly waiting for its next meal.
Anglers will find success with dry fly grasshopper imitations of varying size and color. #4-14 flies can all be productive depending on water type and conditions. Consistently productive colors include tan, yellow, and cream as well as brighter colors including pink and purple. Our Montana fly fishing guides generally prefer float fishing and covering water when fly fishing with hoppers. Consistently targeting the best holding water in the river is the key to success.
Hopper fishing conditions vary on a year-to-year basis, but anglers can count on consistently good hopper fishing on all but the lowest flow and highest water temperature years. Sunny windy days in August often make for the best action, but there is an element of randomness to hopper fishing that always keeps an angler on their toes. The best trout often come when you least expect it.
While there are many great hatches to fly fish in Montana, our top 5 hatches to fly fish in Montana are the most consistently productive for anglers. Anglers interested in booking a Montana fly fishing trip to enjoy the best hatches in Montana can contact us to learn more about our fly fishing trips and guides.
Fishing Reports, Madison River Fishing Reports, Missouri River Fishing Reports, Paradise Valley and Spring Creeks Fishing Reports, Yellowstone River Fishing Reports
Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview
Quiet on the rivers in Bozeman, MT this November. We have been on the Yellowstone River and Madison River this past week and have been spoiled with perfect fall weather, total solitude, and great fly fishing. The blue winged olive hatches of October are on their way out but strong hatches of midges have taken their place. Calm days will make for quality dry fly fishing.
Maybe the early winter prompted folks to call it a season but there is still some great fly fishing to be had. Looking at the weather coming up, we will have quite a few more nice days with warmer fall weather. We have our annual Thanksgiving trip on the books with a great group of anglers and friends on the Missouri River coming up followed by a few more fly fishing trips in Bozeman to close out the 2019 season. All good things must come to an end and 2019 sure was a good one.
This will likely be our last fly fishing report for 2019. If we get into some good winter fly fishing we’ll keep you posted, but look for our Montana fishing forecast for March to drop in late February and reports to start back up shortly thereafter.
2020 Montana fly fishing trip bookings are coming in daily and many of our guides are starting to book up for prime dates. Want to fish in May-June on the Missouri River or July-September in Bozeman? Give us a shout today.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
As fun as it gets on the Yellowstone River right now. Flows are perfect for floating and wading along the entire length of the river. The trout have moved into cold water lies and the nymphing off of drop offs and shelves has been excellent. Mid-day hatches of midges have made for exciting dry fly action. Sight fishing will be your best bet from here on out. Streamer fishing has been fair at best. Wind will be the main factor that will affect the quality of fishing. Better head elsewhere when the south wind gets going.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
A lot of open water and good fishing on the Missouri River now through the end of the month. Anglers headed downstream of Craig will likely find complete solitude. Late fall hatches of midges will get fish up on the surface in the afternoon through the evening. Don’t expect huge numbers but anglers committed to dry fly fishing will be rewarded. Nymphing and streamer fishing will be the most productive tactics. The sowbug bite on the upper river has been solid. Deep will be the name of the game from here on. 6ft+ is a good starting point.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Conditions on the Madison River are prime for wade fishing. We like to use our drift boats to taxi between spots, stopping to fish the best holes. The trout have started to move into winter lies in deeper slower water and anglers are better off targeting likely holding water that fishing the whole river. It’s hard to catch fish when they aren’t there and vice-versa very easy when you’re right on them. Nymphing will be the most productive tactic on the Madison River from now through winter. Look for large caddis patterns, stoneflies, worms, midges, and flashy mayflies to be the top producers.
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report
Good conditions on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. Lots of trout moving in. Nymphing with midges, scuds, and sows has been consistently good. Hatches are waning, but expect good numbers of fish up on midges most afternoons. Be mindful of redds: the brown trout spawn will continue through the end of the month.
General Late-Season Fly Fishing Note
Our guides’ advice: Do not under estimate the elements and be prepared for the north wind to kick up anytime. Be cautious rowing and wading and check boats ramps for ice before putting in. Stay warm and stay safe in the colder weather.
