Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview
Flows are solid, water is cold, and the fly fishing has been great in Bozeman, MT this August. Dry flies have been king on all of our local rivers with hoppers and stoneflies producing some of the largest average size fish we have consistently seen in years. Some days it has seemed like every big brown in the Yellowstone River and Madison River have been looking up and eager to crush the first big hopper that comes their way. Sure makes things fun.
Our anglers and fly fishing guides have been staying busy with bent rods and wet nets everywhere our guiding has taken us. Everywhere is good right now, so load up your gear, head to Bozeman, and go fishing. We still have some guide availability for September 2019 but days are booking fast. Book your 2019 trip today.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
Great fly fishing from Gardiner to Columbus. Hoppers are thick just about everywhere and making for solid dry fly fishing from first light until dark. Some days are better than others, but even the slower days have been good. Bigger hoppers generally garner less strikes but bigger fish. Change colors and patterns until you settle in on the action you are looking for. Ants, stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies round out the dry fly game. Maybe nowhere better to be in the state right now than the Yellowstone River. We’ll see you out there!
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Déjà vu all over again. 2018 was as good of hopper fishing as we’ve had on the Madison River and 2019 has been as good or better. Warmer and windier days have produced the best action, but the fly fishing has been as steady as it gets. Big fish having been coming to the net daily and our guides and anglers have had great fishing from Lyons Bridge all the way down to Ennis Lake. Throw at the bank or in the middle. We like big hoppers and heavy water. Just remember to set that hook and hold on.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
Dry fly fishing on the Missouri River continues to be dynamite with tricos providing lots of shots at actively rising fish and hoppers and ants keeping the blind-game interesting. Some of the biggest fish of the year will be taken on hoppers in August through early September. Can’t fool a stubborn fish? Try an ant, beetle, or other small terrestrial. Nymphing has and will continue to produce more fish than grass in 2019. For best results head upriver: crayfish, weight flies, Czech nymphs, midges, and sowbugs are the top picks.
Yellowstone National Park Fly Fishing Report
August is our favorite month for fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park. The northeast corner is our favorite region and the Yellowstone River, Slough Creek, the Lamar River, and Soda Butte Creek are all fishing great. Terrestrials and attractor dries are the name of the game. Small hoppers, ants, beetles, parachutes, and stimulators will keep the many cutthroat of the region looking up and well fed. We like to show up early, go for a hike, and find some solitude. Flows are perfect for easy wade fishing across the park and our guides are always up for showing anglers some places off the beaten path.
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fly Fishing Report
Hatches have been thin making for less than ideal conditions for the dry fly fishing, but nymphing has remained solid and terrestrial fishing has rewarded the diligent and patient dry fly angler. Mid-August is never prime time on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, but for anglers wanting challenging yet rewarding fly fishing, there is still no better option than DePuys, Armstrong, and Nelson Spring Creeks.
Gallatin River Fly Fishing Report
Flows are perfect for wade fishing from top to bottom and the East Gallatin. Dry fly fishing has been great and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Spruce moths are out as well as terrestrials. Fishing in the Gallatin Valley with small hoppers has been excellent. Evening hatches of caddis have been great. The Gallatin River is the best easy-access option for anglers in Bozeman.
Stillwater River Fly Fishing Report
Flows are still way above average making for great float fishing conditions and access down through the lower river. Hoppers, hoppers, and more hoppers on the Stillwater River right now which has made for great days for our anglers and guides. Soul fishing at its finest on the Stillwater River: tie on your favorite dry and go fish!
