Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 02/12/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River continues to be a solid option right now, especially for anglers staying close to Bozeman. Flows are stable, clarity is good, and the river is fishing well for this time of year.
Late morning through mid-afternoon has been the best window. Early starts have been slow, with activity improving once temperatures rise a bit and the day settles in.
Nymphing has been the most successful approach. Simple, weighted rigs have produced the most consistent results. Stonefly nymphs, San Juan worms, and small midge patterns are all working. Getting your flies down and fishing them thoroughly has mattered more than changing patterns.
Streamer fishing has been hit or miss. Smaller patterns fished slowly have moved a few fish, but it has not been consistent enough to rely on.
Dry fly fishing has been limited. Midges are present, but surface activity has been brief and scattered.
Overall, the Gallatin is offering steady fishing with a straightforward approach. Focus on the midday window and plan to fish subsurface for the most consistent results right now.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Gallatin River Fly Fishing In Winter
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Purple Psycho Prince
Pheasant Tail
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Black Zebra Midge
Prince Nymph
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
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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...
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