The Gallatin River has fully recovered from the runoff and muddy water last week. Conditions have been consistent throughout the river, with the canyon continuing to offer the best fishing. Early mornings and evenings have been the most productive, especially on warmer days. The Gallatin is under the effect of hoot owl restrictions below Cameron Bridge to headwaters.
A dry-dropper is still the best place to start. Fish a tan or royal chubby with a beadhead pat's rubberlegs, flashy perdigon, or pheasant tail underneath. If fish aren't eating, add weight before changing flies. Most trout are holding in the deeper pockets and faster runs.
Dry fly fishing continues to improve. Caddis, PMDs, yellow sallies, spruce moths, and hoppers are all bringing fish to the surface. The best dry fly action has been during the morning and evening, while the dropper continues to produce consistently throughout the day.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Report | August 2026 Montana Conditions
View stream flow graph on USGS
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
Yellow Sally Stimi
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
X caddis
Pheasant Tail
Purple Psycho Prince
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
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.
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