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2023 Montana Fly Fishing Season Kick-Off

Missouri River Brown Trout

2023 Montana Fly Fishing Guides and Trips

It is officially fly fishing season again in Montana and our guides are ready for what is shaping up to be another great season. We have had a busy winter with our Winter & Spring Special Trips going out on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks near Bozeman, MT and the Missouri River near Craig, MT. These trips are a great way to get out for some early season action, with anglers treated to wide open rivers, good fishing, and a great discounted rate.

Looking ahead at what’s to come, we have had an excellent winter with cold temps and a great snowpack sitting just above average. Pending extreme weather this spring we are looking forward to normal flows and cold water all summer long. The Yellowstone River fished excellent following the early season flooding of 2022, with great catch rates and healthy trout by late July, with strong hatches through the fall. We are looking forward to what should be a great Salmonfly and stonefly hatches this year by early July.

Our calendar is booking up quickly for prime dates in 2023. Our Montana Fly Fishing Lodges in particular have limited availability for May-July. If you are planning a trip for 2023 and want an “all-inclusive” experience, the time to book is today.

2023 Bozeman, MT Fly Fishing Trips

Close to home in Bozeman, MT we are expecting really great fly fishing by early April on the Madison River, the Yellowstone River, and the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. All three have great early season hatches with the Yellowstone River offering consistently great dry fly fishing my the middle of the month. Streamer fishing can be another great option early season and gives anglers a chance at truly trophy sized trout.

With a strong snowpack we are expecting a full run-off season from May-late June. During this time frame anglers will do themselves well by planning on fly fishing the Missouri River near Craig, MT. By late June we expect flows on the Madison River to drop, salmon flies to pop, and the fly fishing to be solid. We expect the Yellowstone River to fish well soon after. The prime float trip season of 7/1-8/15 is booking fast. Contact us today for more information and to book your 2023 Bozeman fly fishing trip.

For 2023 we are expanding public water wade trip offerings. These trips are perfect for 1-2 anglers with a sense of adventure looking to explore some of Montana’s hidden gems. These trips are all on smaller water and require hiking 1-3 miles during the course of a day. Late July-mid September is the best time for these trips.

2023 Missouri River Fly Fishing Trips

Our fly fishing guides on the Missouri River have already been hard at work in 2023 getting anglers into some great fly fishing this winter and we are looking forward to a great spring ahead. The Missouri River basin has had an excellent winter and we are expecting good flows throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Generally this translates to great early season fly fishing in April, excellent catch rates in May-early June, and strong hatches of caddisflies and mayflies from mid-June through October.

Prime dates for May and June are just about fully booked, but we do have availability for 2-3 days trips for smaller groups of 1-4 anglers. The nymphing in May will be as good as it gets and the dry fly fishing in June should be great. We have had excellent hopper fishing the past 3 summers in August and we expect 2023 to bring more of the same, followed by great hatches and fly fishing in September and October.

New for 2023 we are offering lodging packages with 3 different lodges on the Missouri River. Expanded offerings have increased our availability. Ready to book? Contact us today for more information and to plan your 2023 Missouri River fly fishing trip with our Montana fly fishing guides.

2023 Yellowstone National Park Trips

Want to learn about our guided trips in Yellowstone National Park? Find us on the Destination Angler Podcast, where our outfitter talks all things Yellowstone. Great way to learn more about fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park with our guides.

We look forward to fly fishing with you in 2023! Contact us today to plan your next Montana fly fishing trip.

Notes From Downstream

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More Information on Fly Fishing Guides, Trips, & Outfitting

Top 5 Montana Fly Fishing Trips for Beginner Anglers

Top 5 Montana Fly Fishing Trips for Beginner Anglers

The Best Fly Fishing Trips in Montana for Beginners There is nothing our Montana fly fishing guides enjoy more than introducing the art of fly fishing to new anglers. The joy on an angler’s face that follows teaching someone to cast a fly rod, present a fly, and...

read more
5/21/2023 Bozeman, MT Fly Fishing Report

5/21/2023 Bozeman, MT Fly Fishing Report

Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview Spring has arrived to Bozeman, MT and our fly fishing guides have been making the most out of it with excellent fly fishing conditions on the Missouri River, Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, and Madison River. Strong hatches of BWOs, March...

read more
Top 5 Rivers to Fly Fish in Bozeman, MT

Top 5 Rivers to Fly Fish in Bozeman, MT

5 Best Fly Fishing Rivers in Bozeman, Montana Fly fishing in Bozeman, MT is a world-class experience that brings anglers from all over the country and beyond to fly fish the many blue ribbon rivers surrounding town. With the headwaters of the Missouri River to the...

read more

Day Trips

We offer full-day and half-day trips, as well as float and wade fishing options, that cater to seasoned and beginner anglers alike. Book your fly fishing trip with our professional guides.

Custom Trips

Our custom Montana fly fishing trips are the best way to start or build on your Montana fly fishing journey. Enjoy unique trip offerings and Montana’s best rivers with our Montana fly fishing guides.

Angler couple enjoying winter fly fishing

Winter and Spring Specials

Take advantage of special rates on your spring and winter fly fishing trips in Montana. Enjoy the same great fly fishing, world-class rivers, and professional guides all year long.

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Enjoy custom fly fishing outfitting and expert guiding across Montana and Yellowstone National Park. Learn more about all of our guided Montana fly fishing trips.

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