Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 04/16/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Looks like winter is returning to the Big Sky Montana area for the next few days. If you are willing to brave the weather there is still some fishing to be had on the Gallatin River. Further downstream in the valley will be a little bit warmer but still is calling for snow as well. Nymphing has been the ticket lately but some good cloud cover can get fish up on Midges.
The nymph menu is fairly straightforward. Worms have been getting love as well as Pat’s Rubber Legs. Below that a Zebra Midge, small Purple Perdigon, or a Micro May have been some go to bugs. Deeper slower holes have been holding good numbers of fish. Inside bends are a great place to start. Because we are fishing deep water make sure to add some split shot about 12-18 inches above your lead fly.
You can get an idea of the water conditions in the Big Sky area by viewing this webcam, hosted by our friends at Montana Whitewater.
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Brown/Black Pat's Rubberlegs
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Black Zebra Midge
Gallatin River Fishing
The Gallatin River starts small in YNP and becomes a medium-sized western river below Big Sky, Montana. It flows through Gallatin Canyon with swift pockets and fast runs. The river is known for its clean, cold water and offers over 75 miles of blue-ribbon trout water accessible at turnouts along HWY 191 and throughout the Gallatin Valley. The Gallatin River joins the Jefferson and Madison Rivers to form the Missouri River near Three Forks, Montana.
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