Bozeman Fishing Report:

Gallatin River:

The Gallatin River is a little muddy down here in the valley today from this weekends rain. However, a short drive into the canyon will provide you with clearer water, with the clarity improving the further you go toward Big Sky. Spruce moths are still the hot ticket item in the Canyon. Hoppers have begun moving their way toward the river and should start fishing well within the next week. The fish haven’t quite keyed in on them fully in all areas. Areas of river near meadows will produce better hopper numbers right now.

Recommended Flies:

Snowshoe Spruce Moth #12-14

Purple Haze #12-16

Elk Hair Caddis #12-16

Diamond Soft Hackle #14-16

RL Stonefly #8-10

Madison River: Lower

We’ve been hearing a few more reports from the Lower Madison River recently, as the water temperatures have been cooling down significantly in the mornings. Hoot Owl restrictions remain intact, however getting out for an early float of wade fish has been producing solid hopper dry fly fishing and nymphing with crayfish beadhead combos. A hopper dropper rig would be a good combination for producing solid fish numbers.

Recommended Flies:

Western Lady Hopper #8-10

Morrish Hopper #8-12

Royal Wulff #14-16

Thin Skin Crayfish #4-6

Prince Nymph #14-16

Madison River:

The fishing on the upper Madison River has been good. The fishing can be on and off during the heat of the day, leaving mornings and evenings the best time to get out. Morning fishing with Nocturnal Stones for dries and Ants/Beetles has been the way to go. In the evenings, you’ll see Caddis and Spruce moths popping off on the surface.

Recommended Flies:

Elk Hair Caddis #14-16

Chubby Chernobyl (Black/Tan)

Snowshoe Spruce #12

Purple Lightning Bug #14-16

SH Js Hare’s Ear #14-16

Yellowstone River: (3,000 CFS)

Due to the recent rain, the Yellowstone River received another big spike of mud from the Lamar River last night and is still running high and dirty. Fishing will be slow until this plug of mud clears up. If you do try to head out try fishing nymphs and streamers.

Recommended Flies:

Girdle Bugs #4

Wooly Bugger #4-6

Prince Nymph #10-16

Hare’s Ear #12-16

Morrish Hopper #8-12

Missouri River:

The Missouri River is continuing to fish quite well. Hopper fishing has been the ticket with fish keying in on them on the surface during the day. Tricos are also another great option for dries on the surface. Nymphing has also started to become an option with the aquatic weeds beginning to clear out.

Recommended Flies:

Young Hopper #10

Carnage Hopper #10

CDC Trico Spinner #18-20

Rusty Spinner #18

Lil’ Spanker #18

Butte Fishing:

Dry fly fishing has been good on the Big Hole despite the water temperatures. Trico hatches have been abundant in the early morning and PMD’s are working well. Caddis and Chubbies are working great on the surface. Beadheads or San Juan droppers are getting a lot of action as water temps warm during the afternoon.

The Beaverhead is still fishing fair despite flows. Crane fly activity as good. Muddler Minnows and New Age Buggers are great options. Grasshopper patterns have been hit and miss.

The Wise River has been fishing well with Terrestrial Patterns such as ants and bees. Purple prince or Purple Batman have been excellent on the river bottom.

San Juans have been working well on the Ruby Reservoir and caddis and hoppers have provided good surface action.

The Jefferson is fishing slow to flies due to warm water conditions but nightcrawlers are working well.

Georgetown is fishing fair for Kokanee Trollers. Wedding rings and small blades are working best.

(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors)