Bozeman Fly Fishing Overview
Spring has sprung in Bozeman, MT and April is always a favorite time for fly fishing in Montana for our anglers and fly fishing guides. Cooler mornings make for great nymphing and streamer fishing, with mid-morning hatches of Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Mayflies, midges, skwalas, and larger March Brown mayflies making for excellent dry fly fishing or dry-dropper fishing most afternoons.
The rivers around Bozeman, MT are quiet and anglers can expect solitude on the water most week days. Nicer weather on weekends has brought anglers out of their winter slumber, but a short drive past the popular put-ins will make for weekend solitude as well.
The Missouri River has been the star of the fly fishing show as of late with above average catch rates nymphing on the upper river. Closer to Bozeman, the Yellowstone River and Madison River have also been productive with the best fly fishing in the afternoon. Our anglers and guides have found success daily with nymphs, streamers, and dry flies all accounting for trout in the net.
Due to ever increasing demand for fly fishing in Montana and COVID-rebookings from the 2020 season our Montana fly fishing guides already have limited availability for most of the prime-2021 season from May thru October. Anglers interested in booking a Montana fly fishing trip are encouraged to book as far in advance as possible, last minute availability for trip booked inside of 2 weeks will likely be non-existent for June, July, and August.
Missouri River Fly Fishing Report
The Missouri River is the go-to river for our anglers and Montana fly fishing guides in April. 2021 has spoiled us so far with great fly fishing from Holter Dam, thru Craig, and downstream to Cascade. Nymphing has continued to be the most productive tactic with anglers enjoying above average catch rates on the upper river. Streamer fishing has been productive downstream of Craig, MT and dry fly fishing opportunities have been available daily. Expect the dry fly fishing to only improve as we move late into the month and into May with BWO hatches improving daily. Overcast and rain will be the best forecast for the bugs to show and trout to rise.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Report
The Yellowstone River has been rock solid since mid-March and looking ahead conditions will remain great until flows spike due to snowmelt. Nymphing has been great with stonefly nymphs #8-14 and a variety of mayfly, caddis, and midge attractor flies #12-18. Mornings are still cold so no rush to the water: anglers will find the best bite from 1PM-5PM. Strong hatches of BWOs and midges have made for the most consistent dry fly fishing in the Bozeman area.
Madison River Fly Fishing Report
Good to great on both the Lower and Upper Madison River as of late. The streamer bite has been solid and anglers willing to commit to the strip will find big brown trout. Nymphing will put numbers in the net. The trout have started to spread out, but deeper slower runs have remained the most productive. Consider stopping and wade fishing. Dry fly fishing has been limited to slower water and slicks, but keen anglers will find rising trout in shallow riffles as BWO hatches improve on overcast days.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks Fly Fishing Report
DePuy Spring Creek, Armstrong Spring Creek, and Nelson Spring Creek are always spring favorites for anglers in Bozeman, MT. The best wade fishing around. Nymphing has been productive daily with strong hatches of midges and BWOs on cooler, overcast days. Look for these hatches to remain strong through late-May with “bad weather” making for the best fishing. Walk slow, observe the stream, and match the hatch!
