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

Gallatin River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

68

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

Fish have been consistently looking up for dry flies. Smaller attractors throughout the river. Keep an eye out for fish rising to BWO's when we have cloudy calm conditions.

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 10/13/26

Cool weather all week. Bright and sunny however. Fishing has been good and should get even better with some cloud cover.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/13/26

An attractor dry fly with a perdigon dropper will be a great option. A single BWO dry fly can also catch a bunch of fish.

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):
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig Olive 16
La Fontaine Sparkle Pupa Orange 6
Pat's Rubberleg Brown 10-14
PMD Comparadun Peacock 16
Lite Brite Perdigon Purple 14

Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig

You'll want this proven jig fly pattern on hand at all times.

3.99

Item #3R76

Buy Now

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:

BWOs, October Caddis, Midges

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

Best Stretch:

Canyon

Best Access:

Any of the turnouts throughout the Canyon.