Yellowstone River
Fly Fishing
The Yellowstone and Madison Rivers
Flyfish the pristine waters of the Yellowstone River and/or Madison River for Wild Browns, Rainbows, and Cutthroat. Depending on water conditions, you may or may not fish both rivers. Ed Lawrence, a veteran Montana guide, offers quality fly-fishing drift trips.
Fishing trips are available from April through late September. The package includes double-occupancy lodging in Bozeman. Book now for 2024 and 2025.
Fly Fishing the Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the Lower 48. Fish sections of the river along a 95-mile stretch between Yellowstone National Park and Big Timber, where the trout population is between 1,300-2,000 per mile. Catch German browns, rainbow trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish.
Yellowstone River
From April through May, you’ll cast for big browns using streamers, sculpins, rubber legs, and tiny nymphs. In early May, the Mother’s Day caddis hatch often brings the opportunity to toss a dry fly. Snow run-off is typically over by early July, bringing fishing days with double nymph rigs and dry droppers. They’re fishing ‘hoppers from late July into September. When temperatures cool in late September, it’s back to exciting fishing with big streamers.
Fly Fishing the Madison River
The Madison River, a headwater tributary of the Missouri River, is one of Montana's most famous blue-ribbon tailwaters, with 2,500 wild trout per mile. Fly fish a 24-mile-long stretch flowing out of Yellowstone National Park downstream to Ennis, where some of the Madison's largest browns are caught.
Madison River Rainbow Trout
There are thousands of rocks and boulders behind which the trout lay in wait. You can also fish a 15-mile-long stretch of the Madison below Beartrap Canyon near Bozeman. The river slows significantly but is full of non-native rainbow trout, brown trout, and an occasional west slope cutthroat trout. The best fishing occurs during spring and fall when the water is cooler. Streamer fishing can provide solid action for the big guys.
Guy Schoenborn with Madison River Brown Trout
Andy Chaffey with 23" Madison River Brown
The Fishing Program:
2024 Season: April through late September.
Boats: You’ll fish from 16 ft. fiberglass drift boats. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides: Experienced flyfishing guides who provide top-notch instruction and guidance, if necessary. They can instruct you in the fundamentals of casting and presenting flies, selecting flies, and, generally, making life simple for you.
Guided Hours: You're guided up to 8 hours per day. You can meet your guide as early as 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The guides are flexible and want the trip to suit your needs. There is a one-hour drive to the river, and then you'll fish until +/- 5:00 p.m. before returning to the hotel.
River Miles: You'll cover 8 to 10 river miles daily, stopping to wade the most promising pools and runs. You can mix and match your trip to suit your taste: Fish the Yellowstone one day and the Madison the next, depending on water conditions.
Equipment: Guides provide flies and tie-on tippet. Bring your rod, reel, and leader material—5-weight fly rods with matching reels and floating lines are the go-to equipment, but other sizes will do the job. In a pinch, guides will have loaner rods and reels available. A $25.00 loaner fee per day is suggested. Should an accident occur with the loaner fly outfits, a rod breakage fee may apply at the guide’s discretion. In late spring and early fall, you’ll need waders and wading boots. We provide a detailed packing list in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: Here is the link to purchase a Montana fishing license.
You'll Stay at the Holiday Inn
Priced quoted above are for double-occupancy lodging at the Holiday Inn Express in Bozeman, a mid-range hotel for a standard room with two queen beds.
Meals: You'll enjoy freshly cooked breakfasts at the hotel.
Guides provide lunch--typical lunches include oversized sandwiches and wraps, chips, salad, cookies, soft drinks, and water. If you have dietary concerns, we need to let them know ahead of time.
Alcohol: No alcohol is included. You may bring wine or beer, and the guides will provide cups.
Dinners are on your own in Bozeman and not included in the package. There are a wide variety of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Sample Itinerary:
You'll fly to Bozeman, Montana. You can rent a car or call your motel for a shuttle.
The evening before your first day of fishing, your fishing guide will hold an orientation at the Holiday Inn Express in Bozeman.
After breakfast the next morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the river. The rivers are within a one-hour drive of the hotel. You’ll be back at your hotel each evening at about 6:00 p.m., in time for an early dinner.
The Yellowstone and Madison River Package
The Yellowstone and/or Madison Rivers
5-nights and 4-days guided fishing
2024 Rate: $4,060.00 per person
The Package Includes:
• 5-nights at the Holiday Inn Express in Bozeman
• Daily ground transfers between the hotel and the river
• 4-days guided fishing
• Flies
• Lunch on the river.
The Package Does Not Include:
• Transportation to Montana• Fishing equipment
• Montana fishing license
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Dinners are on your own in Bozeman
• Alcohol
• Global Rescue
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
