Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 07/20/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River has come up again after the recent rain and is carrying quite a bit of color.
The upper river around Big Sky will usually clear before the lower sections, but for now there are better options around Bozeman if the goal is consistent trout fishing. The dry-dropper bite has slowed down with the dirty water, and fish have become a little tougher to find.
If you're planning on giving it a shot, leave the dry fly rod at home. Fish a pat's rubberlegs with a flashy perdigon or wire worm underneath and make sure you're getting down. Adding weight will do a lot more good than changing flies right now.
The Gallatin is one of those rivers that can turn around in a hurry once the weather settles down. Keep an eye on conditions over the next few days, because it likely won't take long before it's back in good shape.
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
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 MoreMontana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries
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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 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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Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
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Fly fishing the Gallatin River while floating is permitted between Manhattan and Three Forks, Montana. This scenic waterway has limited public access with sparse trout populations, yet offers a nice...
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