The East Gallatin River flows near Bozeman, Montana and is back in shape after being under Hoot Owl Restrictions for most of the last month. The East Gallatin River is known this time of year for providing some good Do-It-Yourself walk and wade fishing. The hard part about the East Gallatin is getting legal access. There are several place to access the river, but sometimes parking is tough to find. If you do fish the East Gallatin be sure to know Montana's Stream Access Law.
Fishing right now on the East Gallatin is going to be a mix of dry fly fishing to fish feeding on tricos and midges in the morning and possibly some caddis in early evening. Fish are still looking for hoppers, but since most of the ranchers on the East have already cut their fields, the hopper fishing isn't as good as it was a few weeks ago when they were cutting their fields.
Tandem nymph rigs are going to be the best bet right now for the East Gallatin. Fish a two-fly rig with smaller beadheads such as PTs, Lightening bugs, King Princes, Perdigons, or your favorite small mayfly and caddis nymphs.
Most trout on the East Gallatin River right now are going to be holding in medium-fast current and in the 4-6 feet depth range. This allows them cover from the sun and predators as well as to be able to lie in current that provides them a steady flow of food.
If you do fish, please fight fish quickly and keep them in the water at all times when releasing them. A stream thermometer is always a good idea to have in your fishing gear arsenal. Morning water temps are generally terrific but on hot days the water temps can still creep up in the afternoons.
Considering a fly fishing trip to the Bozeman, Montana area? Read one of more recent blog posts: Five of the Best Rivers to Fish Near Bozeman, Montana.