Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 01/22/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank
Very cold around Big Sky right now, down in the valley has some slightly warmer weather with temps in the mid twentys. There is light at the end of the tunnel with next week having sunny days with temps in the high thirtys. Montanas Gallatin River still has some fishing to be had if youre willing to brave the chilly weather. Nymphing remains the most productive means of fishing, focusing on the slow deep runs.
Flies this week are still fairly basic, try fishing a small stonefly nymph dropping down to a Zebra Midge or small Perdigon. Once the temps come back up and some of the ice melts of a red worm should get some love as well. Because we are fishing the deep water make sure to add some split shot above your lead fly to get down quickly.
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.
Click to enlarge
Flows
274 CFS
On 2025-1-22
Red San Juan Worm
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Black Zebra Midge
Montana fly fishing trips on the Gallatin River with the team at Fins and Feathers Guide Service focus on the lower stretches. Floating the lower Gallatin River offers access to blue-ribbon trout waters that receive much less angling pressure than the upper river. Hazardous obstructions in the river are constantly shifting, making floating here more challenging than other rivers near Bozeman.
Trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout are here for the experienced angler willing to streamer fly fish during early summer days. Novice anglers quickly improve their skills as our guides patiently coach them through the intricacies of reading water and fishing near structures on this wild stretch of river.
- $695 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
- Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
- Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
- Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
- Meet In Bozeman, Four-Corners, Belgrade, or Manhattan
- Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More
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.