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Gallatin River Fishing Report

Date: 10/31/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Gallatin River continues to offer solid fall fishing across both the canyon and valley stretches. Clear water and mild daytime conditions have kept the river in great shape, and fish remain active through much of the day.

Nymphing has been the most consistent. Rubberlegs, wire worms, and small jig nymphs have been dependable lead patterns, paired with zebra midges, perdigons, or lightning bugs as droppers. Most trout are feeding mid-depth, and subtle adjustments to weight are making a noticeable difference.

Streamer fishing has been good as well, particularly in the lower river. Mini dungeons, sparkle minnows, and other small sculpin-style flies in olive or black have been turning fish when the light drops. A slower retrieve continues to be the best bet.

Blue-winged olives are becoming more consistent as the season winds down. Calm, cloudy afternoons have brought light surface activity, and carrying a few small emergers or parachutes is worthwhile for short windows of rising fish.

The Gallatin remains a reliable choice for anglers this week. Nymphing is steady, streamers are producing under the right conditions, and the BWO hatch is starting to create more dry-fly potential as October wraps up.

Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:

- Guide to Fly Fishing in Bozeman

- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October

Stream Flows

Gallatin River Fishing Report Streamflow

Flows

Recommended Flies

				  BWO sparkle dun

BWO Sparkle Dun

				  Rainbow spanish bullet

Rainbow Spanish Bullet

				  Use a Pats' Rubberleg for Madison River fishing in high-water.

Black Pat's Rubberleg

				  Purple lite brite perdigon nymph

Purple Lite Brite Perdigon

				  The sparkle minnow in the sculpin colorway is a Montana fly fishing staple

Sparkle Minnow

				  Pats rubberleg bronw

Brown Pat's Rubberleg

				  A large baitfish imitation that catches big Montana trout.

Olive Mini Peanut Envy

				  Blowtorch UV Purple

Purple Blowtorch

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 More

Montana 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 More

Gallatin 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 More

Gallatin River Fly Fishing Area Map



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