Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime: July 1 - August 1; Runoff: May 1 - June 15)

Gallatin River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

38

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

Look for fish feeding on BWO's in the afternoon and expect to get fish on nymphs consistently throughout the day. The dry fly action has been pretty slow recently but on nice days it could happen. Streamer fishing has been OK particularly on the lower river. With how cold the water is now expect nymphing to be the best option through the winter.

Directions open in app

Map of Gallatin River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Firehole Ranch
Madison Valley Ranch
Fins & Feathers
Long Outfitting

5-Day Outlook as of 11/7/24

Pleasant fishing conditions expected through the week with excellent fishing conditions this weekend. Fishing should remain consistently good.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/7/24

Streamer fishing should be OK on cloudy days. Nymph fishing will be great. It is certainly the best option to catch fish recently. Fish are starting to congregate in deep pools. Spend a little more time fishing these areas than you did a few weeks ago. Keep an eye out for rising trout to midges and or BWO's

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime: July 1 - August 1; Runoff: May 1 - June 15)

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

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    Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

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    Rocky Mountian Whitefish

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Stimulator Orange 10
Sparkle Dun Olive 16
Cone Head Muddler Minnow Natural 8-10
Troutmaster Nymph - Hare's Ear Black 8-12
Pat's Rubberleg Brown 10-14
Chubby Chernobyl Peacock 12
Bead Head Stonefly Red 10
La Fontaine Sparkle Pupa Orange 6
Lite Brite Perdigon Purple 14

Stimulator

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Item #0928

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Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Recommended Gear

Description: About Gallatin River

The Gallatin River is a classic western freestone river. It begins its journey in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, flows through the scenic Gallatin Canyon passing the town of Big Sky, and eventually into the Gallatin Valley where it meets the Madison and Jefferson Rivers to form the Missouri. The Gallatin is characterized by its beautiful surroundings, easy access for wade fishing and abundance of rainbow trout, brown trout, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The Gallatin offers year-round fishing opportunities and anglers can be successful with dries, nymphs, or streamers.

Nearest Airport:

Gallatin Field Airport (BZN), Bozeman, Montana

Hatches:

Midges, BWO's

Best Time to Fish:

Mid Day to Evening

Best Stretch:

Canyon

Best Access:

Any of the turnouts throughout the Canyon.