Current Conditions:
The Gallatin River near Big Sky and Bozeman is nearly pushing 1000 CFS right now and there are going to be better local options. Similar to the Yellowstone River it can come back into shape quickly with some cold weather or the rain stops.
Check our Lower Madison or Upper Madison or Missouri River report for some better options right now than the Gallatin River.
Our Fly Staff Picks for the Weekend:
Pat's Rubberlegs in brown/black in size 10 or 12
Beadhead FKA Prince in size 10
Hares Ear in size 14---if water isn't too dirty
Olive McCune's Scuplin size 8
Little Green Machine in pheasant tail in size 12---if not too dirty
Black Blowtorch in pheasant tail in size 12-16
Sparkle Dun in size 14 or 16
Sculpzilla in black in size 4 or 6
The Month Ahead:
Snowmelt runoff could be started on the Gallatin River...but things can, and often do, change on this freestone. With a cold, dry weather pattern the Gallatin River can fish quite well in May. There will certainly be some windows of fishability in the coming month, but it is best to check our report or inquire locally.