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Gallatin River Fishing Report

Date: 07/11/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Gallatin River is fishing well. This is, without a doubt, one of the best times of year to be fly fishing in the Bozeman area. From West Yellowstone down and throughout the valley, there are many good days to be had on the water. Dry fly fishing has continued to heat up with consistent hatch activity during the day. Caddis, PMDs, and yellow sallies have all been out in good numbers this week.

Dry Dropper setups are the recommended approach. Attractor dry flies like chubby chernobyls, stimulators, and water walkers have all been finding success in slower-moving pools and pocket water. Trailing these lead flies with small flashy perdigons in sizes 16 and 18, 2-3 feet off the bend of the hook on the lead fly with 4x tippet, has been getting a good amount of eats.

Streamer fishing in the valley has been producing some good days as well, particularly during the lower light portions of the day. Throwing sculpin patterns and smaller streamers in olive and white has been getting the attention of some of the nicer fish hiding along the banks with overhanging bushes and trees. Fishing patterns like the smaller sculpzilla, mini dungeon, peanut envy, and goldie are all excellent choices, accompanied by a 5-6 foot leader of 2x on a less aggressive 150-165 grain sink tip.

Overall, the Gallatin River is in excellent shape, offering diverse and productive fishing opportunities across its various sections. Whether you're casting dry flies in the canyon, nymphing in the valley, or swinging streamers during twilight, the river is providing consistent action for anglers of all skill levels. With favorable weather and active hatches, now is an ideal time to experience the exceptional fly fishing the Gallatin River has to offer.


Additional Resources:

- A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in July

- Gallatin River Fly Fishing in July

Stream Flows

Gallatin River Fishing Report Streamflow

Flows

Recommended Flies

				  Inferno Gons Blaze

Blaze Infernogon

				  Chubby chernobyl purple

Purple Chubby Chernobyl

				  Streamer fly fishing in Montana with Mini Dungeons is productive throughout the state.

Olive Mini Dungeon

				  PMD Comparadun flies float high and are easy for anglers fishing in Montana.

PMD Comparadun

				  Natural Sculpzilla 2

Natrual Sculpzilla

				  Circus peanut water walker

Circus Peanut Water Walker

				  Tan Spanish Bullet

Spanish Bullet Tan

				  A Montana must have when fly fishing the PMD hatch in Bozeman, Montana.

PMD Jigster

				  Yellow sally

Yellow Sally Stimi

				  Blowtorch UV Purple

Purple Blowtorch

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 More

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...

Learn More

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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