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

Gallatin River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

58

Fins and Feathers-Bozeman's Tip of the Week

The Gallatin is still fishing well into the fall. dry fly fishing is is less productive than it was. that being said a nice warm sunny day could still produce some decent hopper fishing. But for the most part nymphing will produce the most fishing. Using dark colored rubber legs size 10-14 or a worm down to some good attractor nymphs like perdigons, prince nymphs, and red copper johns. streamer fishing could also be productive with some smaller sized streamers like sparkle minnows and sculpzillas.

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 11/10/22

The weather is fairly nice for the next few days but we have some colder days with some rain later this week. fishing will go from dry dropper rigs to nymphing and some good streamer days.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/10/22

Dry dropper rigs should be good on nicer days. on the colder days nymphing and streamer will be the best. It's also possible to run into some rising fish on these colder days to BWOs or midges.

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):
Blue Winged Olive 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
Royal Wulff Natural 14-18
Griffith's Gnat Black 6-10

Blue Winged Olive

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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:

Midges and BWOs

Best Time to Fish:

All Day

Best Stretch:

Gallatin Canyon

Best Access:

Canyon turnouts