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Gallatin River Fishing Report

Date: 11/02/2026
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Gallatin River is fishing well as we get into November. Recent rain and snow may have put a little color in the water, but conditions have generally been good through the canyon. Fishing has been picking up, with trout feeding in both the deeper runs and slower pockets. The colder mornings make nymphing a good place to start, while the afternoons have offered some opportunities for dry fly fishing.

Pat's rubberlegs, pheasant tails, and smaller baetis nymphs are all good options. Anglers fishing through the canyon should focus on the deeper runs and water along the larger boulders. Down in the valley, nymphing has been productive, and streamers are worth fishing around deeper pools and banks.

Blue-winged olives are still coming off, with some fish rising during the afternoon. Small BWO patterns and parachute Adams in sizes 16-18 are worth carrying. October caddis patterns have also been getting some attention farther up the canyon, although dry fly fishing will depend on the weather.

The Gallatin remains a good option for anglers looking to get out around Bozeman. Brown trout are spawning, so watch for redds and avoid disturbing fish on shallow gravel.

Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:

- Fly Fishing Bozeman in November

Stream Flows

View stream flow graph on USGS

Recommended Flies

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

Black Pat's Rubberleg

				  Pats rubberleg bronw

Brown Pat's Rubberleg

				  Purple lite brite perdigon nymph

Purple Lite Brite Perdigon

				  A Montana fly fishing standard searching nymph pattern.

Black and Red Spanish Perdigon

				  Flashback Pheasant Tail TNG G Bd PT

Pheasant Tail

				  Rainbow spanish bullet

Rainbow Spanish Bullet

				  Double Gonga Craven Olv

Olive Double Gonga

				  A large baitfish imitation that catches big Montana trout.

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...

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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...

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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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