Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 12/08/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Gallatin River continues to fish well for early winter. Flows are low and clear, and while shelf ice is forming along the edges, the main channel remains open without ice chunks. Cold mornings keep things slow, but late morning through mid-afternoon has been the most productive window.
Nymphing is the primary approach right now. Small stonefly patterns, rubberlegs, zebra midges, rainbow warrior perdigons, spanish bullets, and pheasant tails have all been producing. These flies work well when fished close to the bottom in deeper runs and softer winter water. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X is a simple setup for most sections, with 4X from the first fly to the dropper.
Trout are holding in slower, deeper slots below riffles. The shallow and faster water isn’t offering much this time of year, so focus your efforts where the current settles and the depth increases. Weighting your nymph rig correctly makes a noticeable difference on the Gallatin in winter.
Streamer fishing is possible on warmer afternoons, but it’s not the main producer. Smaller sculpin-style patterns or compact baitfish flies can move a few fish when the water warms or clouds roll in. A short 5- to 6-foot leader of heavier fluorocarbon (1X or 0X) helps turn these flies over.
Dry-fly opportunities are limited but not entirely gone. You may see a few midges in the afternoon, and occasionally a fish will rise in the slower pockets. It’s not consistent, but carrying a couple of small parachute or emerger patterns in sizes 18–20 can pay off if you come across a brief window.
Overall, the Gallatin is a good choice for early December. Plan on fishing the warmer part of the day, stick to deeper winter water, and rely on nymphs for the most consistent action. With light pressure and clear conditions, it’s a great river to fish before colder weather settles in for good.
Addtional Gallatin River Fly Fishing Resources:
- Gallatin River Fly Fishing In Winter
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
Stream Flows
Flows
Recommended Flies
Prince Nymph
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Purple Psycho Prince
Black Pat's Rubberleg
Purple Lite Brite Perdigon
Brown Pat's Rubberleg
Black Zebra Midge
Pheasant Tail
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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