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.
