Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime: July 1 - August 1; Runoff: May 1 - June 15)

Gallatin River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

41

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Tip of the Week

The entire river is fishing well. Bugs have been more active in the valley. If you seek dry fly action, the lower river will be a better option than the canyon. Keep an eye out for rising fish and possibly fish a large dry with a dropper to pick off opportunistic trout.

Directions open in app

Map of Gallatin River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Firehole Ranch
Madison Valley Ranch
Fins & Feathers
Long Outfitting

5-Day Outlook as of 4/1/24

Very nice until Friday when another winter storm is expected to blow in.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/1/24

Nymphing is the best option right now, I would fish a rubberleg or a worm down to a zebra midge or a small olive perdigon. Focus on deep very slow runs the fish should stack up in these buckets.

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime: July 1 - August 1; Runoff: May 1 - June 15)

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

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    Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

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    Rocky Mountian Whitefish

Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Vernille San Juan Worm Red 12
Midge Black 18-20
Cone Head Muddler Minnow Natural 8-10
Troutmaster Nymph - Hare's Ear Black 8-12
Pat's Rubberleg Brown 10-14
Bead Head Stonefly Red 10
La Fontaine Sparkle Pupa Orange 6

Vernille San Juan Worm

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Yellow Dog Flyfishing's Recommended Gear

Description: About Gallatin River

The Gallatin River is a classic western freestone river. It begins its journey in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, flows through the scenic Gallatin Canyon passing the town of Big Sky, and eventually into the Gallatin Valley where it meets the Madison and Jefferson Rivers to form the Missouri. The Gallatin is characterized by its beautiful surroundings, easy access for wade fishing and abundance of rainbow trout, brown trout, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The Gallatin offers year-round fishing opportunities and anglers can be successful with dries, nymphs, or streamers.

Nearest Airport:

Gallatin Field Airport (BZN), Bozeman, Montana

Hatches:

Midges, BWOs, Skwalas

Best Time to Fish:

Mid Day

Best Stretch:

Canyon

Best Access:

Any of the turnouts throughout the Canyon.