Floating and fly fishing the Stillwater River with our professional guides is the ultimate whitewater fly fishing trip for anglers that enjoy fast-paced fly fishing in a world-class scenic setting.

The snow is falling, midges are hatching, trout are rising, and there isn’t another angler around. Winter fly fishing in Montana is an unique experience that can make for special days on the water, when conditions are right.

Spring in Montana means it is time to dust off the fly rods, renew fishing licenses, and head to the river for the start of a new fly fishing season. March 1st is the kickoff of the official fishing season in Montana. Our anglers and Montana fly fishing guides are always eager after a long winter to enjoy some great Spring fly fishing. By the middle of March, winter’s grasp loosens on our Montana rivers and anglers can expect improving conditions through April and into May.

Anglers should expect challenging but rewarding fly fishing in February. While winter weather is tough, high pressure systems make for often favorable conditions and good fly fishing throughout the winter in Bozeman, MT. We would not recommend planning a Montana fly fishing trip during the winter months, but if you find yourself in Bozeman and want to go fly fishing there are options.

Montana is a paradise for dry fly fishing. Anglers will find strong hatches and rising trout throughout the Montana fly fishing season. World-famous hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, terrestrials, and midges on our blue ribbon rivers draw anglers from all over the world to experience dry fly fishing in Montana.

All of that being said there can be some great fly fishing opportunities as well. I often tell a story about a 3-night overnight fly fishing trip on the Missouri River I went on with some friends years ago. We fished and camped on the river each day and each night. Temperatures were between 25-45F, weather was mild, the fly fishing was great, and we didn’t encounter another angler.

Fly fishing during the winter month of December in Montana is highly weather dependent. Winter weather is the real deal in Montana and the harshness of the cold and wind should not be understated. That being said there is something magical about winter fly fishing: the snow is falling, the air is crisp, and every trout is well earned.

By November in Montana fall is on its way out, winter is on its way in, and anglers will find the last chance for great fly fishing in Montana. Winter fly fishing in Montana can be fun and productive, but the ability to float, wade, and fly fish on our blue ribbon rivers on a consistent basis is limited beyond the month of November. Anglers fly fishing in Montana in November should be ready for anything, but can count on generally favorable conditions both in Bozeman, MT and on the Missouri River in Craig, MT.

Anglers travel from all across the world to enjoy the excellent dry fly hatches afforded to us in Montana. From April through October, anglers can count on strong hatches that make for great fly fishing on all of our blue ribbon rivers. Hatches peak on different rivers and at different times of the year, so understanding where and when to fly fish in Montana is key for the best dry fly fishing. Our Montana fly fishing guides have fished them all and know every hatch offers its own unique opportunities and challenges for anglers. Dry fly fishing in Montana is as fun as fly fishing gets and our top 5 hatches are the best in Montana.

October is fall fly fishing at its finest in Montana. Anglers will find great fly fishing on our blue ribbon rivers in Bozeman, MT as well as the Missouri River. Fall in Montana offers the combination of excellent fly fishing, strong hatches, beautiful scenery, and open space that makes every Montana fly fishing trip in October memorable.