How to use our fishing calendar
Planning your next fishing trip in Bozeman, United States ? Today is a average day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...
- Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
- Use the forecast calendar section to sync bite times with major weather changes.
- Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
- Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.
Bozeman, Montana is one of the premier trout fishing hubs in the United States, anchored by legendary rivers like the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone. Anglers travel here for world-class fly fishing, productive wade and float options, and year-round opportunities across freestone rivers, spring creeks, and high-country lakes. read more...
Sun and Moon Times
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Nautical Twilight begins:Sunrise:
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Sunset:Nautical Twilight ends:
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Moonrise:
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Visibility:74%
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Waxing Gibbous
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Distance to earth:405,492 kmProximity:0.5 %
Moon Phases for Bozeman
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average Day
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major Time:08:07 am - 10:07 am
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minor Time:04:38 pm - 06:38 pm
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major Time:08:28 pm - 10:28 pm
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minor Time:11:36 pm - 01:36 am
Current Fishing Weather
Wind Speed and Direction
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction and Speed are one of the most important aspects for choosing a fishing spot. An offshore wind can help land-based anglers with longer casting distances, while an onshore wind will make kayak fishing safer. Often fish will also move to certain feeding areas depending on the wind direction. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below.
Fishing Barometer
Atmospheric Pressure:
Change since midnight:
Trend for next 6 hours:
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. A steady barometer in the higher ranges can also mean good fishing. A falling or low barometer reading without much change is usually not a very good time for fishing.
UV Effect on Fishing
As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper fish will move. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. The effect is less noticable in deeper water, but often a higher UV index can produce good results in the deep.
7 Day Fishing Weather
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Fishing Overview Bozeman
Bozeman fishing is defined by easy access to three blue-ribbon rivers within an hour’s drive: the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone. Each system fishes differently with elevation, flow, and hatches, so success hinges on matching seasonal patterns and adapting tactics to specific water types. While most visitors prioritize fly fishing, spinning gear and small spoons or spinners also produce, especially for beginners and kids on softer water.
Spring (April–May) brings rising flows and some of the most consistent nymphing of the year. On the Gallatin and lower Madison, focus on slower inside seams, deep runs, and soft tailouts where trout escape cold, pushing water. Use tandem nymph rigs with stonefly patterns, mayfly nymphs, and small midge imitations under an indicator. Keep weight heavy enough to tap bottom occasionally. Overcast days can trigger strong blue-winged olive (BWO) hatches—carry small dark parachutes and emergers for shallow riffles and slicks.
Summer (June–August) is peak fishing season around Bozeman. As runoff subsides, the Gallatin River becomes ideal for pocket-water wading. Fish short, accurate casts to every seam, boulder edge, and foam line with attractor dry flies (Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyls, Royal Wulffs) and a small beadhead dropper. The Madison River between Ennis and Quake Lake responds well to drifted nymph rigs and dry-dropper setups through the boulder gardens—keep moving and cover water rather than standing in one run. On the Yellowstone River near Livingston, focus on banks, shelves, and side channels with hoppers, large terrestrials, and rubber-leg nymphs during hot afternoons.
Fall (September–October) is prime time for larger brown trout around Bozeman. As water cools and flows stabilize, strip streamers along undercut banks, cutbanks, and structure, especially at low light. Olive, black, and natural sculpin patterns are especially effective on the Lower Madison and Yellowstone. Nymphing remains productive all day—use smaller mayfly and midge patterns in clear water, and slightly larger stoneflies after rain or flow bumps. Look for fish staged near gravel, deeper buckets, and current breaks as they prepare to spawn.
Winter fishing is centered on the Lower Madison and tailwater sections that remain ice-free. Expect technical nymphing with midge imitations in slower, deeper pools. Fish short, methodical drifts and keep presentations close to the bottom. On sunny days with little wind, sporadic midging trout can be fooled with tiny dries in slick water, but long leaders and delicate tippets are essential.
Around Bozeman, habitat variety is a key advantage. Tight, canyon-like stretches of the Gallatin call for short rods, quick reflexes, and aggressive wading. Wide, open sections of the Yellowstone favor longer casts, careful mending, and reading subtle shelves and current tongues. Lakes and reservoirs near Bozeman, including high-mountain options, provide chances at brook trout, cutthroat, and grayling. In stillwater, focus on drop-offs, weed edges, and inlet/outlet areas using small leech patterns, chironomids, or spinners retrieved with slow, steady cadence.
Regardless of season, keep your approach mobile and observation-driven. Watch for rising fish, track water clarity and temperature, and adjust fly size, weight, and color until you get consistent takes. Bozeman’s rivers reward anglers who cover water efficiently, match natural food sources, and fine-tune presentations to each run and seam.
Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Bozeman area
We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Bozeman. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.
Bozeman Creek - 2.39942838723km , Little Bridger Creek - 3.96100162907km , Lyman Creek - 4.28523789937km , Sypes Creek - 6.62015996212km , Churn Creek - 6.94252662414km , Pitcher Creek - 8.12068174128km , Place Creek - 8.73816601627km , Leverich Creek - 9.10409482378km , Aajker Creek - 10.63252530227km , Baxter Creek - 10.65647980692km , Beasley Creek - 10.81274585576km , Elk Grove Slough - 12.26275720174km , Middle Cottonwood Creek - 13.7659791267km , Miser Creek - 14.09854927325km , School Gulch Creek - 14.72164579761km , Bostwick Creek - 15.30635094244km , Moser Creek - 15.98871442778km , Buckskin Creek - 16.70880600854km , Slushman Creek - 16.95224337219km , South Fork Ross Creek - 17.00465716469km , Mystic Lake Dam - 18.10997798752km , South Fork Bozeman Creek - 18.11461441399km , Yellow Dog Creek - 18.67384484624km , Quinn Creek - 18.84111229758km , Big Bear Creek - 19.15805860919km , Bear Lakes - 19.69441379301km , Reese Creek - 19.78365679508km , Moody Creek - 19.8099696458km , Ross Creek - 19.99542654618km , West Fork Wilson Creek - 20.1919663428km , Bill Smith Creek - 20.28585120868km , Pine Lake - 20.29741749604km , History Rock Creek - 20.3648354334km , Wild Horse Creek - 20.59281992605km , Ralph Creek - 21.19756975117km , Middle Creek Dam - 21.77178648355km , Moose Jaw Creek - 21.96802857947km , Little Bear Lake - 22.13065393157km , Yankee Creek - 22.1553893165km , Blackmore Creek - 22.22834080886km
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