Gallatin River Fly Fishing Reports
September 16, 2023 Gallatin River Fishing Report
Date: 09/16/2023
Current Conditions
Cool nights and clear water has made for some improved, mid-day fishing in the Gallatin Canyon stretches this past week with small nymphs running through deeper pools and pockets. The best nymph rigs have been tandem setups, fished a few feet below a strike indicator on 5x tippet with about 18" between the two flies. There are still some fish that will come up and eat a dry fly throughout the day as well - especially later in the morning as the air warms up. The forecast is calling for cooler weather and rain later in the week, while some cooler weather and clouds should make for some streamer opportunities, the rain could bring more off-color days late next week.
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
Flows
546 CFS
On 2023-9-16
Streamflow
Click to enlarge
Bozeman, Montana Fly Fishing Guided Day Trips
Our guests have the flexibility to fish a variety of world-renowned trout fisheries including the Yellowstone, Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson rivers on our Bozeman, Montana fly-fishing guided full-day trips.
- Day Trips Are 6-8 Hours in Duration
- 1-2 Anglers Maximum Per Guide/Boat
- Float Trips with Wade Fishing Opportunities Throughout the Day
- Drive Time Is Typically 30-60 Minutes Each Way
- Use of gear, flies, and terminal tackle is Included
- Deli lunches and Non-Alcoholic Beverages are included
- Fishing Licenses and Gratuities Are Not Included
Fins & 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.