Do I need a license to fish near Bozeman?

Yes, if you are 12 or older. See the prices above.

Which river is best for a beginner?

The Madison. It is big and open, and fishing from a boat gives you room to learn.

When is the best time to fly fish the Gallatin?

Right after runoff and through mid to late summer. Spring and fall have their own hatches.

Can I wade the Gallatin?

Yes. Wading is the main way to fish it. Roadside pullouts in the canyon give easy access.

Not to fish from the bank, but a guide helps if you are new or want to float.

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Fly Fishing local Rivers

A Montana river flowing past a rocky canyon wall, with autumn grasses along the bank.

The Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers are some of the best blue-ribbon trout streams in the country, and all three are a short drive from Bozeman. Expect rainbow and brown trout, classic dry-fly water, and outfitters in town who can set you up with a guide, gear, or a drift boat trip for the day.

Whether you've fished for years or never held a rod, it's an easy half or full day trip and one of the best ways to spend time on Montana water.

Which river?

The Gallatin and the Yellowstone are the more exciting rivers to fish. People love the Madison for its space.

Gallatin. Best for wade fishing, and a fun whitewater river when the flows are right.
Madison. A big, wide-open river with plenty of room to spread out, which makes it a good choice for beginners fishing from a boat. Ennis Lake separates the upper river from Bear Trap Canyon below it. Early in the season, float it to fish. Later in summer, many people rent a tube and float the Warm Springs to Black's Ford stretch, about half an hour from Bozeman. Locals call it the bikini float, and there are still good fish in there. Ennis is a fun stop, with a tiny fly shop and a couple of little restaurants.
Yellowstone. The most scenic float. Many trips run through Livingston, about 30 minutes from Bozeman.
Farther away. The Jefferson, the Missouri and other rivers.

When to fish the Gallatin

The river is open all year. Fishing is usually best right after spring runoff and through mid to late summer.

Late March and April: Midges and mayflies hatch, and nymphing works well.
June: Salmonflies and golden stoneflies hatch.
Summer: Hoppers and other terrestrials in the afternoon. Caddis and mayflies in the morning and evening.
Late September into October: Streamers.

Wading or floating

Most of the Gallatin is fished on foot. The lower river, from Manhattan to the Missouri, is open to floating. Floating the canyon takes serious whitewater rowing skill, so hire a guide.

The license you need

Anyone 12 or older needs a Montana fishing license. Most anglers need a base license, a Conservation license and the Aquatic Invasive Species pass. Children 11 and under do not need any of them.

Nonresident prices, with the $17.50 Conservation license and AIS pass included in each total:

1 day: $14 base license, $31.50 total.
5 days: $56 base license, $73.50 total.
Full season: $100 base license, $117.50 total.

Prices as of October 2026, from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Fishing the upper river inside Yellowstone takes a separate park permit.

Local shops and guides

Montana Troutfitters: Bozeman's oldest fly shop, open since 1978. Float trips, wade trips and gear.
Yellow Dog Outfitters: The Four Corners shop, formerly Fins and Feathers.
Montana Angler: Guided day trips on Montana rivers.

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