Subscribe

* indicates required
trout-icon trout-icon trout-icon

Gallatin River Fishing Report

Date: 10/27/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Gallatin River continues to fish well with steady flows and clear water throughout both the canyon and valley. A mix of clouds and sun is expected through the week, which should keep conditions stable into the weekend.

Nymphing remains the most consistent option. Rubberlegs, wire worms, and squirmy worms are effective lead flies, followed by smaller patterns like perdigons, zebra midges, lightning bugs, or copper johns. Focus on deeper runs and slower seams.

Streamer fishing has been productive in the lower valley sections. Mini dungeons, baby gongas, and sparkle minnows in black, olive, or purple are reliable choices. Retrieve speed can make a difference — slower swings have been best in cooler water.

Blue-winged olives are becoming more active, especially during calm, overcast afternoons. Small emergers or parachutes are good to keep in the box if conditions line up.

Overall, the Gallatin River is in good shape and is fishing well. Nymphing is the most dependable approach, with streamers producing well and light BWO activity beginning to build across the system.

Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:

- Guide to Fly Fishing in Bozeman

- Bozeman Fly Fishing in October

Stream Flows

Gallatin River Fishing Report Streamflow

Flows

Recommended Flies

				  A large baitfish imitation that catches big Montana trout.

Olive Mini Peanut Envy

				  Purple lite brite perdigon nymph

Purple Lite Brite Perdigon

				  The sparkle minnow in the sculpin colorway is a Montana fly fishing staple

Sparkle Minnow

				  Blowtorch UV Purple

Purple Blowtorch

				  Pats rubberleg bronw

Brown Pat's Rubberleg

				  Rainbow spanish bullet

Rainbow Spanish Bullet

				  Montana fly fishing staple for many conditions when imitating Mayflies.

Gold Lightning Bug

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

Black Pat's Rubberleg

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 More

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...

Learn More

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



Related Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog


Ask Us A Question

Subscribe

* indicates required