East Gallatin River Fly Fishing in Fall
The East Gallatin River is a favorite Montana fly fishing destination for Bozeman anglers during the spring and fall shoulder seasons.
The arrival of autumn rejuvenates this intimate Gallatin Valley stream with cold water and increased flow as irrigation demands taper. Public access is closely monitored by private landowners, but the Montana Stream Access Law still provides for ample East Gallatin River fly fishing opportunities.
East Gallatin River Fly Fishing Hatches in Fall
Blue-winged olive hatches are prolific on mild, overcast days during October and November. The sections downstream of the Dry Creek Road near the MZ Ranch are fed by spring water and offer the best dry fly fishing in the fall.
However, hatches of these mayflies occur throughout the river during the fall and good dry fly fishing can be found from the Cherry River fishing access site all the way down to the confluence with the West Gallatin River near Manhattan, Montana.
East Gallatin River Fly Fishing Techniques in Fall
As water temperatures stabilize with the cooling weather, nymph fishing under a strike indicator is the most effective way to fly fish the East Gallatin River during fall. Anglers fishing the “East” will find success in the deeper pools and runs using common fly patterns including san juan worms, perdigons, and pheasant tail nymph variations. A simple tandem nymph rig setup 4-6’ below a strike indicator is a great way to prospect the best holding water.
Streamer fly fishing the lower reaches of the river can yield surprising results as Brown Trout become increasingly active and territorial as fall approaches winter. Short casts next to bankside structure and slow retrieves through deep holes using a floating fly line will find trout over 20” on a routine basis when conditions are ideal. Experienced anglers can cover many miles of water while wading the Gallatin Valley fly fishing gem.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:
A canoe is the ideal option for anglers fly fishing the East Gallatin River. Focus on the sections downstream of the Swamp Road bridge in the fall for the best chances at trophy Brown Trout in the fall. Streamer fly fishing here can be remarkable, but these kinds of adventures are best left to experienced canoers as the many river meanders can make for difficult navigation.
East Gallatin River Fly Box for Fall
Bozeman Montana Fly Fishing Trips in the Fall
The staff of experienced Bozeman fly fishing guides with Fins and Feathers always looks forward to the arrival of fall as the summer heat begins to fade. The East Gallatin River is best left to DIY anglers during the autumn months as access is limited and the stream is too small to handle a lot of angling pressure.
Our Montana fishing guides prefer to focus on the mainstem rivers like the Yellowstone, Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin during this time of the year. Fall fly fishing trips in Montana are best suited for anglers with intermediate or advanced fly fishing skills. Novice anglers looking to improve their skill will do so with a few day’s worth of fishing with one of our talented guides.
Nymph fishing and streamer fly fishing are standard as we prospect through productive holding areas in search of the largest Brown Trout of the season. There are never any guarantees with this type of fly fishing, but the persistent angler is typically rewarded with a handful of nice fish. Much depends on weather and water conditions, so we advise reserving a few days of guided fly fishing to have the best experience while fly fishing Montana in October or early November.
Reservations for fall fly fishing trips near Bozeman can be made via e-mail or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019. Fins and Feathers has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips for over two decades on the rivers and streams near Bozeman.