Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 10/07/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River is fishing well right now. Flows are steady and the water is clear from the canyon through the Gallatin Valley. Cooler nights have helped keep temps in a good range, and fish are active through most of the day. With stable weather in the forecast, anglers can expect solid conditions to continue this week.
Nymphing has been the most consistent way to find fish. Pats rubberlegs and small stonefly attractors are good lead flies, followed by smaller droppers like perdigons, princes, or zebra midges. Fishing these setups through pocket water and buckets has been reliable across most stretches of the river.
Dry fly fishing has slowed down a bit, but there are still some chances on cloudy afternoons. BWOs and small mayflies are starting to show, and a few fish are looking up in the softer water. It’s not a strong hatch yet, but it’s worth keeping a few small parachutes or emergers handy.
Streamer fishing continues to improve with cooler temps. Patterns like the goldie, sculpzilla, and mini dungeon have been moving fish in the valley stretches. Early mornings and overcast days are best, but even on brighter days, darker streamers fished through deeper water have been drawing attention.
Overall, the Gallatin River is in great shape. Clear water, good temps, and lighter pressure make it a strong option right now for anglers fishing close to Bozeman. Nymphs remain steady, and streamers are starting to turn more heads as fall pushes on.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Guide to Fly Fishing in Bozeman
- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Gold Lightning Bug
Red San Juan Worm
Purple Blowtorch
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Black 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
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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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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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