Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 09/09/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River is fishing well. Cooler mornings and stable water temps, especially in the canyon stretch near Big Sky, are keeping trout active throughout much of the day. Early mornings you may still see some lingering spruce moth activity. Particularly on banks holding a little more moisture and shade, while the hatch is tapering off, there are still a few opportunistic fish looking up.
Nymphing has been the most reliable approach this week. Smaller mayfly and general attractor patterns are producing well in the deeper runs and along riffles. Fishing a dark brown or black pats rubberleg to a purple blowtorch or lite brite perdigon is a good choice throughout the canyon.
Dry dropper rigs are worth throwing midday through dusk in the canyon and late morning throughout the rest of the day in the valley. Fishing a chubby or water walker up top in royal or purple, trailed by a hares ear blowtorch or pheasant tail.
Streamer fishing has had some success during low-light periods. Mornings and late evenings have produced the most action, particularly in the canyon. Smaller articulated patterns like the micro dungeon, size 8 sparkle minnow, or sheilas sculpin are all solid choices.
In terms of hatch activity, we’re in a transitional window. Most of the big summer bugs are behind us, and fall BWOs haven't quite started. Expect the shift to happen as soon as the next stretch of cool, cloudy weather pushes through.
The Gallatin remains a solid option, especially in the canyon. Conditions are favorable for walk-wading, and fish are responsive to multiple tactics. Mornings and evenings continue to be the most productive windows.
Addtiional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Gallatin River Fly Fishing Guide to September
- Guide to Fly Fishing in Bozeman
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide to this September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Blowtorch
Purple Psycho Prince
Gold Lightning Bug
Olive Mini Dungeon
Gallatin River Fishing
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.
Additional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources
Montana River Shuttles
Post Date: 03/29/2025
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 MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Get 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 MoreGallatin River Guided Fly Fishing Trips
Post Date: 03/29/2025
Montana 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 MoreGallatin River Fly Fishing Area Map
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Category: Gallatin River Fishing Information
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