The Gallatin River has continued to bump throughout the weekend and is now running high and dirty through most sections. Warm temperatures have kept runoff building, and the river has changed quite a bit over the last several days.
For anglers heading to the Gallatin right now, fishing deep is the key. pat’s rubberlegs paired with a smaller attractor nymph underneath and enough split shot to get down has been the most productive setup. Focus on slower water close to the banks, inside bends, and any softer water fish can get into out of the heavier current.
Streamer fishing the banks can still be worth doing, especially with the added color in the water. Smaller black and olive streamers have been moving a few fish, but overall it has not been a high-percentage game.
The Gallatin is still fishable, but it's more of a few-hour river right now than an all-day destination. With most rivers around Bozeman also dealing with runoff conditions, keeping an eye on weather and flow trends over the next several days is going to be an angler's best friend.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To May
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Pheasant Tail
Amber Jiggy Caddis Pupa
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Purple Psycho Prince
Prince Nymph
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Read our "Gallatin River Fishing Guide" to learn more about fly fishing in Montana on the Gallatin River. It is a great resource for anglers fishing near Bozeman Montana and details the various river stretches and seasonal hatches with tips from our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...
Learn MoreGet a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...
Learn MoreMontana fly fishing trips on the Gallatin River with the team at Fins and Feathers Guide Service includes wading the canyon sections south of Bozeman and floating the lower river...
Learn More
Fly fishing the Gallatin River while floating is permitted between Manhattan and Three Forks, Montana. This scenic waterway has limited public access with sparse trout populations, yet offers a nice...
Read Article