Bozeman Montana Fly Fishing Guides

Bozeman Fly fishing, in the world-class trout waters of the Gallatin, Jefferson, Madison, Big Hole and Yellowstone Rivers, is one of the best experiences an angler can have.

Overview

Southwestern Montana has been a mecca for trout fishing in the United States since the early 1930s. Rivers near Bozeman, Montana, like the Yellowstone, Madison, Gallatin, and Big Hole, and Jefferson entice novice and experienced anglers year-round to battle spirited fish in pristine, rushing waters beneath snowy mountain peaks.

Best Fly Fishing Rivers

Gallatin River
Originating at 10,000 feet in northwest Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin River continues north through Gallatin Gateway, Belgrade and Manhattan, Montana, offering great brown and rainbow trout all the way until it joins the Madison and Jefferson Rivers, creating the Missouri River.

Jefferson River
The Jefferson flows about 70 miles through farmland and canyons, offering excellent brown trout fishing opportunities in the upper section, between Twin Bridges and Cardwell, before it meets the Gallatin and Madison Rivers to form the Missouri River at Headwaters State Park.

Madison River
The Madison is formed by the Firehole and Gibbon Rivers in Yellowstone National Park and runs north through West Yellowstone, Ennis and finally Three Forks to join the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers. The section between Quake and Ennis Lakes is known as the “fifty mile riffle,” and features great rainbow and brown trout fishing.

Big Hole River
Big Hole River begins its journey in the Beaverhead Mountains, boasting high populations of blue ribbon trout ranging from wild brown, cutthroat, rainbow to graylings as it flows 155 miles from the Continental Divide to empty into the Jefferson River.

Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River has more than a hundred miles of world-class trout fishing with a healthy mix of rainbow, brown, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

Rentals and Fees

Consider hiring an experienced and knowledgeable supplier, outfitter, and local guide listed on this page that can help make your Bozeman Fly Fishing trip a huge success.

These experts are passionate about fly fishing and want you to succeed. They know the hot spots, the best fly, and have suggestions and advice to enhance the skills you already have or teach you as a beginner.

License Information

All nonresidents 15 years and older are required to obtain a fishing license. A licensed adult must accompany anyone under 15 years old. Those living in Montana for 6 months or longer are considered residents and may apply for resident licenses.

• Temporary 2-day fishing permit = $15.00
• Temporary 10-day fishing permit = $43.50
• Full Season fishing = $60.00
• Conservation license (required with all forms of fishing licenses above) - $10.00

For More Information:

Montana Department of Fish Wildlife & Parks
1400 South 19th
Bozeman, Montana 59715
406-994-4042