Fishing

For anglers, Billings, Montana is more than just a city — it’s a gateway to some of the best fly fishing waters in the West. Surrounded by legendary rivers, mountain streams, and blue-ribbon trout fisheries, Billings offers easy access to unforgettable fly fishing experiences throughout south-central Montana.

Whether you’re floating the Yellowstone River, casting dry flies on the Bighorn, or exploring smaller mountain streams near Red Lodge, the variety of water around Billings makes this region a fly fisher’s dream.

About two hours southeast of Billings lies the world-famous Bighorn River, often considered one of the finest trout fisheries in the United States. The cold, clear tailwater below Yellowtail Dam creates ideal trout habitat and supports incredible populations of brown and rainbow trout.

The Bighorn is known for:

• Consistent year-round fishing

• Exceptional trout numbers

• Technical dry fly fishing

• Productive nymphing

• Drift boat float trips

The river is especially popular with anglers seeking guided trips and multi-day fishing adventures.

• Around Billings, fly fishing becomes more than a hobby — it becomes part of the Montana lifestyle. The rivers here offer adventure, solitude, and connection to the outdoors in a way few places can match.

• Whether you’re chasing trophy trout on the Bighorn, floating the Yellowstone River, or exploring mountain streams near Red Lodge, south-central Montana offers some of the finest fly fishing experiences in the American West.