Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 11/21/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River continues to fish well this week, especially once the day warms up. Cold mornings are keeping things slow early, but late morning through the afternoon has been offering the most consistent fishing from the canyon down into the valley. Water clarity is good and overall conditions are stable for this time of year.
Nymphing has been the best. Rubberlegs and smaller stonefly nymphs are working nicely as lead flies, with zebra midges, little green machines, pheasant tails, or small perdigons doing well as droppers. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X is a simple setup that covers most water types, and running 4X fluorocarbon from the first fly to the second keeps the rig balanced.
Streamer fishing is worth doing during cloudy stretches. Mini dungeons, kreelixs, goldies, and other small sculpin patterns in olive or tan are solid choices right now, especially in the lower river where fish have been sitting in deeper runs. A short 5–6 foot leader of heavier fluorocarbon (1X or 0X) helps turn those flies over cleanly.
There are still a few dry-fly chances showing up on certain afternoons. Blue-winged olives and midges have been light, but you may find fish rising in slower water or along inside edges. Carrying a couple size 16–18 parachutes or emergers is enough to cover those brief moments.
The Gallatin remains one of the more reliable late-season options around Bozeman. Plan on a later start, stick with nymphs for steady fishing, and switch to streamers when clouds move in. It's a quiet, comfortable time to be on the river before winter takes over.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Guide to Fly Fishing in Bozeman
- Bozeman Fly Fishing In November
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Sparkle Minnow
Black Zebra Midge
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Black Pat's Rubberleg
BWO Sparkle Dun
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: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
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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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