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

Gallatin River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

64

Fins and Feathers-Bozeman's Tip of the Week

Fishing has been good from the mouth of the canyon all towards Big Sky and above. I would fish flashy attractor nymphs under a dry fly and fish the banks. Fish above Four Corners as the river below the Four Corners Bridge is on hoot ow restrictions.

Directions open in app

Map of Gallatin River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Firehole Ranch Madison Valley Ranch Fins & Feathers Long Outfitting

5-Day Outlook as of 7/15/21

The Gallatin is low but still running cold. The fishing has been good from the mouth of the canyon all the way to the park. The Gallatin will continue to fish well in the coming week. Warm weather is the norm so plan to fish the morning and evenings for the best bite.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/15/21

Fishing a chubby to a perdigon in purple or silver has been producing really well this last week. Try a caddis dry fly if fish aren't willing to eat the Chubby on the surface. Also, be on the lookout for spruce moths.

Current Conditions as of 7/15/21

The Gallatin is low but still running cold. The fishing has been good from the mouth of the canyon all the way to the park. The Gallatin will continue to fish well in the coming week. Warm weather is the norm so plan to fish the morning and evenings for the best bite.

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

Fins and Feathers-Bozeman's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Vernille San Juan Worm Red 10
Bead Head Caddis Pupa Olive 16-20
Bead Head Prince Natural 12-18
Bead Head Stonefly Black 8-12
Pat's Rubberleg Brown 6-14
Pheasant Tail Brown 14
Larson's Legend Golden Stone Dry Natural 14-18
Stimulator Black 6-10

Vernille San Juan Worm

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Fins and Feathers-Bozeman'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:

Chocolate Caddis, Caddis, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, mayflies

Best Time to Fish:

All day

Best Stretch:

Gallatin Canyon

Best Access:

Canyon turnouts