Gallatin River Fly Fishing Reports
May 23, 2023 Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 05/23/2023
Current Conditions
The river is very high and dirty right now as we are in the second full week of our runoff. The river is still on it's way up, so expect at least a week before its worth getting back onto (more like 2-3 weeks is what it really looks like - but these things are difficult to predict).
Flows
USGS CFS Data is not available for this date.
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
Missouri River Guide Trips, Spring 2023
Join Toby Swank and the Bozeman fly-fishing guides at Fins & Feathers on the Missouri River, near Craig, Montana for some amazing fishing during April and May in 2023. E-mail us for more information or click on the "Book Now" buttons to make your reservation online.
- Start Time Between 8-9 AM
- 1-2 Anglers Maximum Per Guide/Boat
- Float Trip Option Only
- Trip Ends Between 3-5 PM
- Available April 17 - May 26 (additional dates available by request)
- Upper Missouri River near Craig, Montana (about 2 hour drive from Bozeman)
- We recommend fishing with us for 2-3 days, single-day bookings are available as well.
- Anglers are responsible for booking their own lodging in the area (we can send recommendations upon request)
- Recommended for anglers of all skill levels.
(Price includes use of rods, reels, waders, boots, flies, and terminal tackle. We also provide non-alcoholic beverages, and lunches.)
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.