Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 07/13/2026
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River is about as good as it gets right now and is one of the best places to spend a few hours on the water.
The cooler water coming through the canyon has kept the fishing consistent throughout the day, and there are still plenty of bugs around to keep fish looking up. Downstream through Bozeman and toward Manhattan, water temperatures are starting to climb, so if you're fishing the lower river, an early start is the better plan.
Dry-dropper fishing has been tough to beat. Just about any attractor dry will get the job done, and there's no reason to overthink it. A chubby chernobyl, water walker, or other large foam pattern with a pat's rubberlegs or PMD-style perdigon underneath has been producing fish all day. As the evening rolls around, it's hard to beat classic dries like a purple haze, royal wulff, or parachute adams.
The only thing working against the Gallatin right now is the amount of traffic. Between the whitewater rafts and recreational floaters, the canyon gets busy during the middle of the day. Fish early or stay late if you're looking for a little more room.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- The Best Bozeman Fly Fishing in July
Stream Flows
View stream flow graph on USGS
Recommended Flies
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
X caddis
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Psycho Prince
Pheasant Tail
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
Post Date: 03/29/2025
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
Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog
Category: Tips on Flyfishing Montana Rivers
Floating and Fly Fishing the Gallatin River
Post Date: 04/06/2024
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...
Read Article
