East Gallatin River Fly Fishing in May
Runoff season kicks into high gear in early May across Montana, and the East Gallatin River remains unreliable throughout the month.
Water levels can surge, sometimes overflowing the willow-lined banks and flooding streamside meadows in the middle and lower river sections. Wading is difficult and dangerous in flooded rivers, even when water clarity is favorable.
The weather and water conditions can improve quickly this time of year, however, and opportunistic anglers can find fantastic fishing if they time it right. Cold fronts will dramatically drop flows on the East Gallatin River in May, creating short windows when wading is safe and fish are feeding heavily.
Montana Trout gorge 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.
East Gallatin River Fly Fishing Hatches in May
Caddis, march brown, and blue-winged olive (BWO) hatches come off in May, but just because the bugs are hatching doesn’t mean the fishing is good. Expect high and dirty water conditions with very few dry fly opportunities.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro Tip:
Concentrate on the stretches just below Thompson and Ben Hart Spring creeks. Even when the mainstem is off color, these creeks bring clear water and fish will congregate at or near the mouths. Expect difficult wading, however, and be prepared to turn back if conditions become treacherous.
East Gallatin River Fly Box for May
Bozeman Montana Fly Fishing Guide Trips in May
Fishing can be unpredictable in May as runoff begins in earnest across the region. Small streams and freestone rivers are particularly difficult to rely on as they’re most heavily impacted by snowmelt.
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 also choose to 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.