The following report is by Fins and Feathers out of Bozeman, MT, and they scored the Bozeman area fishing a 5/5:
Current Conditions
Cool mornings and mild afternoons have made for great fishing around Bozeman this week. Rivers are clear, flows are stable, and fish are feeding well through most of the day. BWOs are starting to show more consistently on cloudy afternoons, and nymphing has stayed reliable across all of our local waters. Browns are staging for the spawn, and streamer fishing has been improving each day with the cooler weather. With light pressure and steady conditions, fall fishing around Bozeman is in full swing.
Lower Madison River
The Lower Madison River has been fishing well, though the bite has varied a bit with the weather changes. Cooler temps have cleared up the water and helped keep fish active through the afternoon. Nymphing with crayfish patterns, zirdles, and worms followed by smaller droppers like perdigons or zebra midges has been the best approach. Streamer fishing has had its good and bad days, but single hook sparkle minnows and mini dungeons are still worth throwing, especially with more clouds in the forecast.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is fishing steady and in great shape for fall. Flows are stable, clarity is good, and with more clouds and cooler days ahead, anglers can expect BWOs and small mayflies to start showing up more regularly. Nymphing with larger stonefly attractors followed by small droppers like perdigons and lightning bugs has been the most consistent setup. Streamer fishing has also been solid, with fish keying in on darker patterns worked through deeper runs and structure.
Gallatin River
The Gallatin River continues to fish great this week. Clear water, steady flows, and cool nights have kept fish active both in the canyon and through the Gallatin Valley. Nymphing has been the most productive with rubberlegs, small perdigons, and princes doing the heavy lifting. BWOs are starting to make more regular afternoon appearances, especially on overcast days. Streamer fishing is improving as well, with smaller sculpzillas, ditch witches, and single hook sparkle minnows turning fish in deeper water.
Additional Resources:
– Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Recommended Flies
Pheasant Tail
Black Pat’s Rubberleg
Parachute Adams
BWO Sparkle Dun
