Bozeman Fly Fishing Summary
Happy Independence Day! The 4th of July is a big deal in Montana. Rodeos rule in small towns, parades in bigger, and a good ol’ time of it everywhere. Our larger rivers may be crowded but it’s a holiday weekend after all, and everyone is out for the same reason: to have some fun, so join in!
The fly fishing has also been pretty dang fun all over as of late. The Missouri River and Madison River are in prime shape with strong hatches and good flows. The Yellowstone River is dropping and fishable, although not quite in prime form yet. Our smaller freestone rivers are all right on the cusp. Our Montana fly fishing guides have been all over recently showing anglers great days at both our Bozeman and Missouri River Basecamps. July is a great time to be an angler in Montana.
Salmonfly madness has hit the Madison River over the last week and the big bugs are out and about. They are starting to show on the upper river but still around down through town. Anglers willing to commit will be rewarded with some great fish, but don’t expect huge numbers. Good angling will be rewarded. We were lucky enough to cross paths with a handful of truly special fish in the last week. But they never come easy.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
The annual PMD hatch is in full-swing. The trout ate anything #14-18 and yellow the last couple weeks but have and will become smarter. Cripples, spinners, and down-sizing will be the name of the game. Pods of fish up most morning from Wolf Creek down to Cascade. Big singles can be found on the banks later in the day. Bring your A-game and you will be rewarded. Our fly fishing guides are all great teachers that work with anglers to improve their dry fly game. Challenging yet rewarding. Nymphing on the Missouri River has also been outstanding with sowbugs remaining the top choice up at Holter Dam but PMDs, Caddis, and Crayfish ruling the further down you go. Deep and short will both produce.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Salmonfly madness is here! The big bugs can be found from Ennis up through Cameron, with some of the largest fish in the river looking up for them. Commitment to the big bug will be rewarded. Don’t be discouraged by a slow morning or couple hours, stick to your guns and the trout will come. And hold on tight when they do. Strong hatches of caddisflies, PMDs, and Yellow sallies have kept the small dry game productive as of late. Our anglers and guides have been treated to some great fish coming to the net on the Madison River over the past week. The salmonfly hatch is one of the best opportunities each year to catch fish well in excess of 20-inches on a dry fly. Nymphing remains as strong as ever. You could do worse than fishing a Pats Rubber Legs #4-8 to a #14-16 green caddis anywhere on the Madison River right now. The lower river remains a good option for anglers wanting to stay close to town but early starts and a good sense of humor are mandatory. The toobers are here!
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Fishable. Not prime yet, but flows are just over 11k and visibility is improving. Salmonflies are around making dry-dropper fishing an option. The best bite will be nymphing or with streamers. Focus on the calmest water you can find. By the 10th flows should be below 10k and the fishing should be excellent.
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report
Excellent hatches of PMDs now through the end of the month and into July. Hope your rods are already reserved as availability is scarce. Want to get in on the action? Book your 2020 rods today.
Yellowstone National Park Fly Fishing Report
Stillwater fishing is king in Yellowstone National Park for now. The rivers are the west side are getting warm and the rivers in the Northeast Corner aren’t quite in shape yet. Nez Perce Creek would be a good bet for anglers than want moving water.
