East Gallatin River Fishing in April

East Gallatin River Fly Fishing in April

Fishing the East Gallatin is difficult to predict in April as water conditions are liable to constant change as spring settles into the Gallatin Valley. Low-elevation snow melt and spring rains often cause river flows to quickly rise. Increasing flows flush silt that settles into deep pools and tailouts during the previous summer, causing water clarity to quickly deteriorate.

Experienced anglers fishing the East Gallatin in April should be well equipped with a variety of general nymph patterns and small mayfly dries.

The upper river stretches between the Bozeman Waste Water treatment plant and the Cherry River FAS offer the most consistent water conditions and Montana fly fishing prospects on the East Gallatin River in April

East Gallatin River Spring Hatches

Midge and blue-winged olive hatches bring rising trout to the surface along seams and in the gentle glides of the river on mild, overcast days. Dry fly anglers can expect to find a few trout rising in most runs and pools during the early afternoons this time of the year.

April Techniques for East Gallatin River Fly Fishing

Nymph fishing is the standard technique as hatches are sparse and cold water temperatures are not ideal for streamer fly fishing. Focus on the heads of deep pools and runs, using general attractor nymph patterns like a Beadhead Prince, Beadhead Pheasant Tail, or San Juan worm as the lead fly. Small nymphs that mimic mayfly nymphs or midge larvae work well as dropper flies in April. Typical nymph rigs for the East Gallatin are 5-7’ in overall length with a tandem nymph setup fished around 4’ below a strike indicator.

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:

Tie the dropper fly off of the eye of the lead fly for a more realistic dead drift presentation in slow, deep pools throughout the lower East Gallatin stretches near Dry Creek Road or Penwell Bridge.

East Gallatin River April Fly Box