Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 04/21/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The weather forecast is looking very snowy this week around Big Sky Montana. The weather is looking better closer to Bozeman and fishing on the Gallatin River has been hot. Nymphing has been solid as well as some decent dry fly action on a calm cloudy afternoon.
Try fishing your nymph rig with a two fly setup. Our go to lead flies right now are a stonefly nymph like a Pat’s Rubber Leg or a red Worm. Below that a dark or flashy Perdigon, Zebra Midge, red Copper John, or a Micro May have all gotten the job done. Focus your fishing on the deeper holes and make sure to add some split shot a foot or so above your lead fly to make sure those flies are getting down quickly.
If you run into a dry fly hatch they are likely going to be eating Midges. Try setting up your dry fly rod with a 9-12 foot 4x leader. Some favorites Midge patterns are Peacock Clusters, Giffiths Gnat, and a Top Secret Midge in size 16-20.
You can get an idea of the water conditions in the Big Sky area by viewing this webcam, hosted by our friends at Montana Whitewater.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Black Zebra Midge
Gallatin River Fishing
The Gallatin River starts small in YNP and becomes a medium-sized western river below Big Sky, Montana. It flows through Gallatin Canyon with swift pockets and fast runs. The river is known for its clean, cold water and offers over 75 miles of blue-ribbon trout water accessible at turnouts along HWY 191 and throughout the Gallatin Valley. The Gallatin River joins the Jefferson and Madison Rivers to form the Missouri River near Three Forks, Montana.
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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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...
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