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
View stream flow graph on USGS
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Black and Red Spanish Perdigon
Pheasant Tail
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Olive Double Gonga
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
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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