East Gallatin River Fly Fishing in May
Runoff season kicks into high gear in early May throughout Montana, the East Gallatin River rarely offers reliable Bozeman fly fishing in May.
Water levels surge, oftentimes overflowing the willow-lined meanders creating flooded meadows in the middle and lower river sections. Wading is difficult and dangerous, even when water clarity is favorable.
However, the weather and water conditions are prone to change wildly in April. Cold fronts will quickly improve water conditions on the East Gallatin River in May, creating short windows of viable Montana fly fishing opportunities.
Montana Trout actively feed on nymphs and streamers during these periods of dropping water levels, especially in the middle stretches of the river between Airport Road and Swamp Bridge.
May Hatches on the East Gallatin River
Caddis, March Browns, and blue-winged olive hatches can be encountered while fly fishing the East Gallatin River in May. However, anglers fishing here should expect high water and dirty water conditions – making dry fly fishing opportunities very limited in May.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:
Concentrate on the East Gallatin River stretches just below Thompson and Ben Hart Spring creeks when stream flows drop during runoff conditions in May. Expect difficult wading during high water while fly fishing near Bozeman along the East Gallatin River.
Our East Gallatin River Fly Box in May
Bozeman Montana Fly Fishing Guide Trips in May
Bozeman MT fishing can be unpredictable in May as the runoff season begins in earnest across the region. Montana fly fishing on the small streams and freestone rivers is difficult to rely on as river levels rise and water clarity diminishes.
The Bozeman MT fly fishing guides with Fins and Feathers Guide Service focus on the Madison and Yellowstone Rivers during early May day trips near Bozeman. Many of our guests join our guides for a few days of Missouri River fly fishing in Craig Montana throughout May.
Reservations can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling our Montana fly fishing team at 1-406-468-5019.