Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 05/09/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River is back on the rise, getting dirtier by the hour as the runoff begins in earnest. It's best to leave this one alone as it races to the 2000+ cfs mark soon.
The sections above the Taylor Fork will be your best bet, but those will also start to get off-color to some degree with the upcoming hot weather.
Another cold front is headed our way early next week, it'd be doubtful that the Gallatin will come back in shape, but watch the flows for big drops as the river can clear "enough," even when its high, to fish well along the banks with nymphs.
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
Hot Pink San Juan Worm
Orange Wire Worm
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Sparkle Minnow
Gold/Silver/Copper Kreelex
Olive Mini Peanut Envy
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...
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