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

Gallatin River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

54

Fins and Feathers-Bozeman's Tip of the Week

The Gallatin is slowly clearing up. It looks slightly dirtier today than it did yesterday. As long as we don't see a huge push of runoff it should be fishing soon! When it gets there expect salmonflies to follow shortly after!

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 6/30/22

The next week is looking to be warm with little moisture. Temps are going to range from the 70's to mid 80's.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/30/22

Fish are going to be sitting on the banks with the higher flows and in the slower deep pockets. Nymphing will be your go to but once the water begins to clear up and the big bugs start hatching fish will be looking up.

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
Schultzy's S3 Sculpin 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
Stimulator Natural 14-18
Blue Winged Olive 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:

Salmonflies, caddis

Best Time to Fish:

All day

Best Stretch:

Gallatin Canyon

Best Access:

Canyon turnouts