East Gallatin River Fly Fishing in April
April Fishing on the East Gallatin is difficult to predict. Water conditions change frequently as spring settles into the Gallatin Valley. Low-elevation snow melt and spring rains bring lots of silt into the system, causing water clarity to deteriorate. Find a window of fishable water, however, and you might be in for an exceptional day.
Experienced anglers fishing the East Gallatin in April should be well equipped with a variety of general nymph patterns that include Hare’s Ears, Lightning Bugs, Copper Johns, and San Juan Worms. You might also run into a blue-winged olive (BWO) or midge hatch, so bring some small dries as well.
The upper river stretches between the Bozeman Waste Water treatment plant and the Cherry River Fishing Access Site offer the most consistent water conditions in April.
East Gallatin River Fly Fishing Hatches in April
Midge and BWO hatches bring trout to the surface along seams and in the gentle glides 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.
East Gallatin River Fly Fishing Techniques in April
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, Flashback Hare’s Ear, Lightning Bug, or San Juan worm as the lead fly. Small mayfly or midge nymphs work well as dropper flies in April. Typical tandem nymph rigs are five to seven feet in overall length and around four feet from strike indicator to lead fly. Add more weight to reach the deeper runs, but expect to lose lots of flies; this river is full of snags.
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 Fly Box for April
Bozeman Montana Fly Fishing Guide Trips in April
Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips near Bozeman for over 23 years. April is a great month to be on the big rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, or even the Jefferson. These local rivers offer endless opportunities for both float and wade day trips to anglers of all skill levels.
Experienced anglers can target trophy trout on the Upper Madison in the stretches near Ennis with nymphs and streamers. Novice anglers thrive and quickly improve their skills while floating the Yellowstone River or Lower Madison with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.
Reservations can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling our Montana fly fishing team at 406-468-5019.