The Gallatin River has been fishing well and continues to improve as we get closer to the salmonfly hatch.
Most anglers are still doing their damage below an indicator. pat's rubberlegs, TJ hookers, and smaller PMD or caddis nymphs have been accounting for most of the fish. The river has held a good green color and there is enough visibility throughout both the canyon and valley sections to fish effectively.
There have also been more fish willing to eat larger flies during the afternoons. A size 10-12 chubby chernobyl with a small perdigon or PMD nymph underneath has been a good way to cover water. The dry fly isn't the reason to be there yet, but we're getting close.
Streamer fishing has been decent throughout the Gallatin Valley. Smaller patterns like mini dungeons, sparkle minnows, and woolly buggers have been moving fish, especially early and late in the day.
The biggest thing right now is the anticipation. Salmonflies could start showing up any day, and a lot of anglers are already carrying the big bugs in their boxes. Until then, nymphing remains the most consistent way to spend the day.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide To June
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Salmonfly Supafly Stone
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Pheasant Tail
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Psycho Prince
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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