Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 09/15/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River is fishing well. Cooler water temps, especially in the canyon stretch near Big Sky, are keeping fish active all day. Hatch activity is sparse right now, with nymphing being the main event as we roll into fall. Across the board, later starts have been the most effective; dry dropper rigs are still working in the afternoons, and mid-day streamer fishing continues to heat up.
Nymphing with perdigons, stoneflies, and general attractor patterns are catching fish in the deeper sections. Up in the canyon, pairing a dark brown or black pat’s rubberleg with something flashy like a purple blowtorch or lite brite perdigon has been solid.
Dry‑dropper rigs with a chubby or water walker in royal or purple, trailed by a hare’s ear blowtorch, or pheasant tail below. Those setups are pulling fish when purely dry flies aren’t quite doing it.
Streamers have been a solid choice in both the canyon stretch and the valley. Smaller streamers like the micro dungeon, a single hook sparkle minnow, or mccunes sculpin are doing the trick. Both flashy patterns and natural profiles in black and olive have been moving fish in the mornings and cloudy afternoons.
The valley has been fishing great again with the shorter days and colder nights. Dry dropper rigs in the afternoons have been working well on areas like Axtell and Williams bridge. Still fishing lighter leader and tippet with the river being low and clear. A 9-foot 4x nylon leader paired with a 5x fluorocarbon to the dropper is a good choice.
The Gallatin remains a solid option right now,
especially up in the canyon. With fall setting in and a majority of the summer
tourists leaving, crowds have been lighter, making all sections a solid choice
for a few or more hours on the river.
Addtiional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Gallatin River Fly Fishing Guide to September
- Guide to Fly Fishing in Bozeman
- Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide to this September
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Olive Mini Dungeon
Purple Psycho Prince
Sparkle Minnow
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Blowtorch
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
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: Gallatin River Fishing Information
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