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

Gallatin River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

44

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

Fishing has been pretty darn good. A large nymph like a worm or a stonefly fished with a midge or perdigon will work great. It would not hurt to try a Skwala dry fly. Keep an eye out for fish rising to midges or BWO's.

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 4/17/25

The weather is expected to improve through the weekend and into next week. Fishing should remain good despite the weather change.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/17/25

Nymph fishing will be the best option. A skwala dry with a perdigon dropper will be surprisingly effective. Fish are moving into faster moving water so if you are not finding fish in the deep slow moving pools don't be scared to try something a little shallower and faster paced.

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):
Griffith's Gnat Peacock 18
Stimulator Olive 12
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

Griffith's Gnat

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Item #0922

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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, Skwalas

Best Time to Fish:

Mid Day

Best Stretch:

Canyon

Best Access:

Any of the turnouts throughout the Canyon.