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Gallatin River Fishing Report

Date: 02/06/2026
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Gallatin River has been fishing well and remains a solid option close to town. Much of the river is open and accessible, and snow has not been a limiting factor. Conditions have been straightforward, with wind being the main thing that affects how the day fishes.

Late morning through the afternoon has been the most productive window. Early hours have been slow, and the river has fished better once the day settles and temperatures come up slightly.

Nymphing has been the most effective approach. Fish have been holding deeper and responding to simple, weighted rigs. stonefly nymphs, san juan worms, and small midge patterns have all been working right now. Getting the fly down has mattered more than changing patterns.

Streamer fishing has been a secondary option. Smaller streamers have moved some fish during calmer periods, but results have been inconsistent and not something to rely on.

Dry fly fishing has been limited. Midges have shown up at times, but surface activity has been brief and scattered.

Overall, the Gallatin River has offered consistent winter fishing with a straightforward approach. Timing the day around the midday window and focusing on subsurface tactics has matched how the river is fishing right now.

Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:

- Gallatin River Fly Fishing In Winter

- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter

Stream Flows

Gallatin River Fishing Report Streamflow

Flows

Recommended Flies

				  Rainbow spanish bullet

Rainbow Spanish Bullet

				  Use a Pats' Rubberleg for Madison River fishing in high-water.

Black Pat's Rubberleg

				  Purple lite brite perdigon nymph

Purple Lite Brite Perdigon

				  Great attractor pattern when fishing Yellowstone River in Montana.

Purple Psycho Prince

				  Flashback Pheasant Tail TNG G Bd PT

Pheasant Tail

				  Pats rubberleg bronw

Brown Pat's Rubberleg

				  Zebra Midge Black Copper

Black Zebra Midge

				  Prince Nymph

Prince Nymph

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...

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Montana 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...

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Gallatin 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 More

Gallatin River Fly Fishing Area Map



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