Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 12/19/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River is fishing fairly well right now, though strong winds have been the main challenge this week. Water clarity has been good, and the river remains very fishable when conditions allow. Late morning into the afternoon has been the best time to be out.
Nymphing has been the most reliable option. Rubberlegs and smaller stonefly patterns have worked well as lead flies, with zebra midges, pheasant tails, and slim perdigons like spanish bullets and blowtorches behind them. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X has been a solid setup. Making sure your flies are getting down has mattered more than changing patterns.
Fish have been holding in deeper water where the current is manageable. Spending time in those areas has been more effective than covering a lot of water. Shallow stretches haven’t produced much lately.
Streamer fishing has been tougher to manage with the wind, but it’s still worth trying when conditions ease. Smaller sculpin and baitfish-style patterns have moved a few fish, paired with a shorter leader of 5–6 feet of heavier fluorocarbon.
Dry-fly fishing has been limited. Midges are around at times, but surface activity has been minimal, especially with the wind.
Overall, the Gallatin River remains fishable right now. Picking the right window, fishing deeper water, and keeping setups simple has made the biggest difference.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Gallatin River Fly Fishing In Winter
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Prince Nymph
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Purple Psycho Prince
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Black Zebra Midge
Pheasant Tail
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
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