Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 06/30/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River is fishing incredibly well right now. With flows around 1200 CFS, accesses from Four Corners to Big Sky are great options to spend a few or more hours on the water. The rocky banks and dropping flows make for easy accessibility as well as creating several small pools for fish to hold in during the nicer weather.
With the salmonfly hatch tapering off anglers can still expect to throw larger attractor patterns throughout the coming weeks. Goldenstones, caddis, and a variety of mayflies are going to be the main hatches and bug activity to expect throughout the day and into the evenings. Fishing a size 12,14 Chubby Chernobyl in any color with size 16-18 purple or olive perigons 16-18 inches below is going to be the most effective for covering pocket water.
Dry fly fishing in the Gallatin Canyon especially heats up this time of year so anglers should leave their bobbers at home for the time being. With the river being clear, having a rod rigged with a single dry such as a size 16 elk hair caddis or standard attractor and watching the banks closely for rising fish can be a very effective way to find success in the afternoons and evenings.
Popular accesses such as Storm Castle Creek and the Lava Lake trailhead are larger and provide long gravel bars that fish well throughout the end of this month and into July. For anglers looking to target larger fish this time of year, fishing at Axtell Bridge and the William’s Bridge Access can give anglers a shot at some of the Missouri River fish that haven’t yet returned to the headwaters from runoff.
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.
Additional Resources:
- A Guide To Bozeman Fly Fishing in July
- Gallatin River Fly Fishing in July
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Hare's Ear Guides Choice
Black Lite Brite Perdigon
Yellow Sally Stimi
Rusty Profile Spinner
X caddis
Chubby Chernobyl Pteronarcys
Olive Mini Dungeon
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
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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...
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