Those of us lucky enough to live around Bozeman have largely chosen to do so because of the close proximity to good fly fishing. The ability to get in a quick pre- or post-work/class fishing session is better in Bozeman than almost anywhere else, with several great rivers within an easy half hour’s drive. There’s a reason Montana State University sells logoed “Trout U” apparel in the bookstore. Here are some of the best spots near town the next time you have a couple of hours and want to wet a line:
Gallatin River
Head west on Main Street, and you’ll shortly cross the Gallatin River near Four Corners, just a few miles outside Bozeman. From Bozeman, you can be at the Gallatin River in 15 minutes, but you can also drive up or down the river much further if you want. While a few public fishing access sites exist downstream until the Gallatin’s confluence with the Madison and Jefferson in Missouri Headwaters State Park, where they form the Missouri River, most anglers head south from Four Corners and drive upriver towards Big Sky to fish. Once in the Gallatin Canyon, which begins about 12 miles south of Four Corners, you will be largely on National Forest land and will frequently find pull-offs on the highway where you can access the river. While the Gallatin receives a high amount of pressure from local anglers, the huge amount of accessible water means you can always just drive or walk a little further to get away from other fishermen.
Lower Madison River
Just within a half an hour from Bozeman (if you don’t get stuck behind a line of cars on Hwy 84), the Lower Madison is another great option for a quick and easy fishing day. Especially in May and June, when the days are long and bugs are hatching, you’ll find many anglers headed to the Lower Madison for the evening hatch. Most of the fishing on the Lower Madison takes place between Black’s Ford, where Highway 84 hits the river, and Warm Springs Fishing Access, a few miles further upriver. There is very good access to both sides of the river in this stretch, and it’s easy to get to from Bozeman. Going downriver from Black’s Ford to the Grey Cliff or Cobblestone access sites takes quite a bit longer, as you have to drive down the gravel Madison Road, and fish numbers start to drop off as well.
Yellowstone River
While getting to the Yellowstone River from Bozeman is easy, successfully fishing it might not be, unless you have a boat. The sheer volume of water, in addition to its fast pace, makes the Yellowstone River a tough one to walk-and-wade fish successfully. There are certainly a few good spots around Livingston you can get to on foot if you’re willing to explore. Still, good holding water on the Yellowstone River is generally pretty spread out due to its size, and it's often tough or impossible to move between spots without a boat. The river’s proximity to Bozeman makes it a great option for an easy float trip; however, and it is one of the most scenic rivers around.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
Opposite from the Yellowstone River, the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks that flow into the Yellowstone just outside Livingston, are wade anglers' dream streams. Low flows, shallow, clear water, bankside trails, ranch access roads, and strategically placed warming huts make the spring creeks some of, if not the best, wade fishing options there are. While you do have to pay to access the creeks, they cap the number of anglers, so it doesn't feel crowded, and on the right days, the additional cost can be well worth it.
Small Rivers
A few small rivers exist within 30 minutes of Bozeman. From tributaries in the mountains to meadow rivers, Bozeman isn't short of options for good walk-and-wade fishing on smaller waters. These small creeks serve up a variety of types of fly fishing. Anglers can scramble on small pocket-water creeks, stalk undercut banks on willow-lined meadow creeks, or even explore a few options with all characteristics. We won't name the smaller creaks--you will just need to "blue line" them yourself.
Lakes & Ponds
While Bozeman is much better known for its rivers and creeks than its stillwaters and lakes, several good options near town can offer a fun change of pace. Hyalite Reservoir is a popular spot, and the lake holds good numbers of cutthroat trout, as well as a few grayling. Those less (or possibly more) adventurous can prospect for trout, bass, and perch at the “Bozeman Beach” pond, where MAP Brewing waits enticingly on the south bank. Another small pond near the mall is home to bass in addition to trout, though surrounding trees can make casting a fly rod difficult. Some of the nearby ponds also hold carp, though they’re spooky and very elusive in these busy waters.
Creeks & Tributaries
There are a lot of trout around Bozeman, and they don’t all live in our larger waterways. With so much surrounding water and ample access from National Forest land, exploring new creeks and streams is easy and often gratifying. Most “blue lines” in our area hold fish. While these waters are too small (and numerous) to name, a little bit of time with a map will give you a list of possibilities longer than you have time to explore.