Bozeman Montana Fishing Report 10/31/2025
Rising Trout Fly Fishing — Current Montana Fishing Report Updated October 31, 2025
We’re sitting in a beautiful stretch of mild fall weather, and it looks like it’s going to hang around a bit longer. Cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and steady flows are keeping the fishing consistent across all our main rivers.
Overall, nymphing has been the most productive approach on nearly every piece of water right now. As water temps cool, trout are holding deeper and eating smaller bugs — so if you’re not finding fish, adjust your weight and depth until you’re ticking bottom. Midday has been the sweet spot for activity as the water warms up and fish slide out to feed.
Everything across southwest Montana — from the Yellowstone to the Gallatin — continues to fish well, and it’s a perfect time to get in one last stretch of fall fishing before winter starts knocking.
Yellowstone River Fishing Report
Current Flow: ~ 1,550 CFS at Livingston
The Yellowstone is running clear and stable with excellent visibility and fish that are still very willing to eat. Nymphing has been lights-out from late morning through midafternoon, especially on overcast days. Focus on seams, inside edges, and slower runs where fish are settling in for fall.
Streamer fishing is still consistent in the afternoons when the water warms up.
Flies:
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail #16, Split Case BWO #18, Zebra Midge #20, Olive Perdigon #16
Dries: BWO Sparkle Dun #18–20, CDC Comparadun #18, Griffith’s Gnat #20
Streamers: Sparkle Minnow (sculpin), Mini Dungeon (black or olive)
Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to add a bit more weight to your nymph rig — most eats are coming right on the bottom. The difference between drifting over their heads and feeding them can be one small split shot.
Upper Madison River Fishing Report
Current Flow: ~ 701 CFS at Kirby Ranch
Classic fall conditions up high on the Madison. The mornings are cold, so there’s no rush to get out early — things really pick up late morning into the afternoon as the water warms and trout get active. Nymphing is the top producer, with small baetis and midges trailing a stonefly or attractor nymph.
Streamer fishing remains solid, particularly on cloudy days or during the afternoon light. Browns are getting fired up and are staging in their usual haunts — focus on tailouts and slower seams near gravel.
Flies:
Nymphs: Pat’s Rubberlegs #10, Olive Perdigon #16, Zebra Midge #18–20, Micro May #18
Streamers: Sculpzilla (olive or black), Trevor’s Sculpin, Mini Dungeon, Woolly Bugger (Olive or Black)
Dries: BWO Cripple #18, Parachute Adams #18
Pro Tip: If your nymph rig feels lifeless, lengthen your leader and add a touch more weight — fish are sitting deep and tight to the bottom.
Lower Madison River Fishing Report
Current Flow: ~1,160 CFS below Ennis Dam
The Lower Madison has been fishing steady and consistent with a strong nymph bite throughout the day. Midday remains the most productive time window, and fish are feeding in the deeper troughs and along weed edges.
Baetis and midges are hatching regularly on cloudy afternoons, giving anglers a shot at some subtle dry-fly eats. Streamers are producing well on overcast days — especially smaller, natural tones stripped slow through the current.
Flies:
Nymphs: Perdigon #16, Rainbow Warrior #18, Zebra Midge #20, Scud #14-16
Streamers: Slumpbuster (natural or olive), Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex (gold/copper)
Dries: BWO Parachute #18, Purple Haze #16–18
Pro Tip: With steady flows and clear water, lighter tippet (5x) and longer leaders are helping get more bites.
Gallatin River Fishing Report
Current Flow: ~ 441 CFS at Gallatin Gateway
Water Temp: low 40s°F
The Gallatin is fishing great right now and remains one of the most reliable fall options. Nymphing small, dark patterns through the deeper pockets and tailouts has been consistent, and midday is the best time to be on the water.
Streamer anglers are finding action in the deeper pools and along undercut banks, particularly in the Big Sky section. Baetis hatches have been solid on cloudy afternoons, with fish sipping in the softer water — a fun, technical dry fly opportunity if you’re watching closely.
Flies:
Nymphs: Frenchie #16, Silver Perdigon #16, Zebra Midge #18, Rainbow Warrior #18
Dries: BWO Sparkle Dun #18–20, CDC Comparadun #18, Griffith’s Gnat #20
Streamers: Dolly Llama, Mini Dungeon, Small Sculpzilla #6–8
Pro Tip: Focus on deep pocket water and riffle drop offs — fish are feeding low but consistently when you’re at the right depth.
Overall Outlook
With this stretch of mild weather sticking around, we expect steady, consistent fishing across the region for at least another week. As days shorten and the water cools, trout are feeding heavily in the afternoons — and nymphing remains the ticket.
If you’re ready to take advantage of these perfect fall conditions, now’s the time to get out there.
Winter Guide Trip Rates start Nov. 1 and we are starting to book for the 2026 guide season.
