Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 07/16/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River continues to fish well and is still one of the better places to spend a few hours on the water.
Dry-dropper fishing is really all anglers need right now from Gallatin Gateway through Big Sky. Fish a chubby chernobyl or your favorite attractor dry with a flashy size 16 or 18 perdigon about 2 feet below, and cover plenty of water. There have been enough caddis, yellow sallies, and attractor bugs around to keep fish looking up throughout the day.
The Gallatin is now under hoot owl restrictions from Cameron Bridge downstream to the Missouri River, so there is no fishing after 2:00 p.m. in those lower sections. If you're planning an evening trip, stay up in the canyon where the water stays cooler. The fishing has been better there anyway, and there's really no reason to spend time on the lower river through town this time of year.
Overall, the Gallatin is in great shape. Fish the canyon, keep it simple, and a dry-dropper rig should keep you into fish all day.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- The Best Bozeman Fly Fishing in July
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
Yellow Sally Stimi
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
X caddis
Pheasant Tail
Purple Psycho Prince
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
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
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Learn MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
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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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