Fish With Us
Float Fishing
Cast from the boat as we drift through beautiful trout water. The amount and variety of water in our great state makes for something different to see every day. Whether its a short afternoon jaunt or a dawn till dusk adventure, floating Montana rivers is an experience every angler should have.
Wade Fishing
Stand in the flowing stream and carefully approach trout just feet away from you. Experience a slower-paced, more intimate style of fishing and hone skills to take to other rivers. Wading is a quintessential fly fishing experience, and it offers a deep connection to the river.
Night Float Fishing
Experience Montana rivers in a way that very few ever get to. Under the cover of darkness, the largest trout come out to hunt. Night fishing is a great option for anglers interested in solitude, novelty, challenge, and rewarding fishing.
FAQ's
What’s the difference between float and wade fishing trips?
Float trips involve fishing from a drift boat or raft floating down the river. This allows us to fish a lot of water and see a lot of scenery – there is a natural “flow” to the day. Wade trips involve fishing on foot in smaller streams or specific sections, offering a more intimate fishing experience. Both are great year round options - get in touch for more info.
What can I expect to catch
Our rivers are home to a variety of wild trout. Some fisheries are known for fewer fish with the chance of big ones, while others have an abundance of smaller fish but more consistent action. We will pick the right place to fish based on your preferences and the time of season.The “catching” is a product of Savage Fly Fishing expertise, river and weather conditions, and angler effort throughout the fishing day.
What rivers will we fish on during a guided trip in Bozeman?
Bozeman offers access to world-class trout rivers like the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Missouri, as well as spring creeks and lakes. The specific river depends on the season, water conditions, and your preferences, - we will select the best location for your optimal experience. More info here
How do I book a guided fly fishing trip, and what is the cancellation policy?
Book online through our booking portal, by phone, or email, ideally 4-12 months in advance for peak season availability. A 50% deposit is typically required at the time of booking, with full payment due 15 days prior to the trip date. Cancellations more than 30 days out are fully refundable; within 30 days of the trip, deposits are non-refundable.
The Seasons
Spring
As winter fades and the days grow warmer and longer, spring offers crisp, beautiful days on the water. Spring fishing is defined by solitude, unpressured fish, and something a little different each day as conditions constantly change. The Spring fishing season often starts in the first warm days of March and offers opportunities through May. In this window, the season’s first major hatches come into play. Blue-winged olives, March browns, and Skwala stoneflies emerge, offering exciting dry fly opportunities when conditions align. “Conditions” are especially relevant, and can make or break a day of Spring fishing – so some flexibility from all parties is helpful. While some waters get high and off-color, many tailwaters, spring creeks, and lower-elevation rivers do remain consistent for a safer option. While not guaranteed, the larger freestone rivers can be a rewarding option for the gambling angler in the spring. It’s a season of exploration and reward — when a chilly, overcast day might just produce the best hatch, or catch, of the year.
Summer
Summer is the quintessential time to fish in Montana. The combination of great fishing and T-shirt weather makes Summer the most popular season to be on the water. As runoff recedes, freestone rivers clear and stabilize, opening up miles of productive water. Water temperatures reach the “sweet spot” for optimum insect activity which makes the fish happy and active. Hatches of PMDs, caddis, and numerous stoneflies like the famous salmonfly offer exciting hatch-based fishing action. August into September brings the hottest time of the year, and on drought years the rivers can get hot pushing the best fishing to early mornings and evenings. Terrestrial insects like hoppers, ants, and beetles become a staple, providing explosive takes on the surface. It’s a season of early starts, floating big dries, and soaking in the long Montana sunsets at the end of a day well spent.
Fall
The air is crisp, the aspens and cottonwood trees are plumed with fall foliage, and the trout are hungry trout on a day of fall fly fishing in Montana. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop the summer crowds begin to thin, leaving stretches of water a little quieter for those still chasing fish instead of elk or warmer weather. The fish sense the coming of winter and can feed aggressively, especially Brown Trout as they prepare for their fall spawn. Hatches of Blue-winged olives and midges provide some of the best dry fly fishing on overcast days, while streamer fishing picks up in a big way with big fish chasing down bold patterns. It’s a season of change - as each fleeting, precious day on the water marks one day closer to the long winter ahead. Year in and year out we all find ourselves wishing autumn lasted just a little longer.
Winter
Cold air, quiet rivers, and solitude define winter fly fishing in Montana. Most river-goes have traded in their fly rod for skis, or flown south someplace warm. Winter fishing is for the hardy angler willing to trade comfort for calm, as most days you’ll have entire stretches of river to yourself. The fish slow down in the cold water, but they still need to eat - and on the right winter day the fishing can be lights out. Midges become the primary hatch, offering subtle dry fly opportunities on the right kind of calm, overcast day. Sub-surface nymph fishing is the go-to tactic, with small flies and slow, deep drifts producing the best action. Wintertime can be a fun time to throw streamers to trout that haven’t seen a big meal in months and might just make a mistake. Tailwaters and spring creeks shine in the winter months thanks to their stable water temperatures, but freestone rivers can pleasantly surprise us on the right day. It’s a season of sleeping late, bundling up, and making the most of the simple satisfaction of a fish in the net when no one else is around.
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