Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 11/12/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River has been fishing well despite the colder weather. It's definitely starting to feel like winter, and the best fishing window has been early afternoon when temperatures come up a bit. Nymphing has been the most productive, with fish holding in the deeper runs and slower pockets throughout the canyon.
Pat's rubberlegs, zebra midges, pheasant tails, and smaller perdigons are all good options. A larger stonefly nymph followed by a smaller baetis or midge is a good setup. Focus on getting flies down into the deeper holding water, particularly around larger boulders and below faster riffles.
Afternoon dry fly activity has been a pleasant surprise. It's not unusual to find a few fish rising when conditions are right, so keeping some small Gallatin River parachute attractors in sizes 16 and 18 handy is worthwhile. Nymphing is still the best bet for consistent action, but anglers shouldn't overlook the occasional afternoon hatch.
Brown trout are actively spawning, so watch for redds in shallow gravel areas and avoid disturbing spawning fish.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Fly Fishing Bozeman in November
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Black and Red Spanish Perdigon
Pheasant Tail
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Olive Double Gonga
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
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
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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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