Gallatin River Fly Fishing Reports
March 5, 2023 Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 03/05/2023
Current Conditions
The Gallatin has been pretty icy, with the best fishing in the upper portions of the Gallatin Canyon where floating ice tends to be less of an issue. Expect ice shelves and challenging "post-holing" conditions just getting to the river in many parts along the highway. Nymphing with small attractor patterns like Perdigons, BH Prince Nymphs, and Black Pat's Rubberlegs trailed with a small midge nymph will find some fish in the deep, slow runs around corner bends in the canyon right now.
Flows
255 CFS
On 2023-3-5
Streamflow
Click to enlarge
Half-Day Guided Trip
Looking for a quick introduction to fly fishing or only have a few hours to get out on the water with one of our fly fishing guides? A half-day float on the lower Madison is likely to be the perfect choice.
- Half-Day Trips Are 3-4 Hours in Duration
- 1-2 Anglers Maximum Per Guide/Boat
- Half-Day Float Trips On The Lower Madison River Only
- Ideal For Families With Small Children (6+ Years Old)
- Fishing Licenses,Lunches and Gratuities Are Not Included
- Tackle and Drinks are Included
- Waders and Boots are available during inclement weather
Specialty Guide Trips
If you are looking for a unique Montana fly-fishing experience, check out some of our specialty options for your guided Bozeman fly-fishing experience. Join us for Missouri River fly-fishing guide trips, early morning summer starts, Carp fly-fishing, and more in 2023.
Learn MoreFins & Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting fly-anglers across Montana since 2000. We sold our fly shop (Fins & Feathers of Bozeman at 4-Corners) to our friends at Yellow Dog Fly Fishing in late 2022. Our guide service remains the same and continues to be outfitted by Toby Swank, Montana Outfitter #9603.
Gallatin River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides. Montana fishing licenses are available for purchase online at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks & in our Bozeman Fly Shop (some exceptions may apply). If you are planning to fish in the headwaters of the Gallatin River area above Taylor's Fork (approx. 1 mile upstream); be aware that most of this is in Yellowstone National Park which requires a separate fishing license and is seasonally open to fishing according to YNP regulations.
Fishing from a boat is not allowed on the Gallatin River from the headwaters downstream to the confluence of the West (main-stem) and East Gallatin River, however it is permissible to use a boat/craft for access for wade-fishing in this stretch of the river. Fishing from a boat is allowed downstream of this point to the rivers mouth. Bob's Shuttle provides shuttle service (seasonal) between Manhattan and Three Forks on the Gallatin River and can be reached at 406-595-0587 via voice or text. In general, shuttles should be arrange the day prior or before 9 am the morning of your departure.
The Gallatin River is one of the more scenic, blue-ribbon trout waters found in the Bozeman area. The river changes in character from a small mountain stream near its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park to a medium-sized, classic western river once it flows into the Gallatin Valley. The middle portion of the river flows through the Gallatin Canyon and is characterized by pocket water and swift currents. Once it leaves the canyon stretch, the river slows its pace with much of the trout water being found in a classic riffle, pool, and run water types. The Gallatin River is noted for having very clean, cold water throughout its course and served as the setting in which much of "A River Runs Through It" was filmed.