On the drop---and dropping fast. There is enough clarity along the edges to find some fish for sure...but be safe out there wading. 1500 to 2000 CFS is still very big on the Gallatin River for fishing. BUT....the river should keep dropping with the cooler weather in the forecast.
If you do go, wade safe, carry a bunch of rubber legs, and stout tippets! Probably a good idea to also fish with a buddy in these bigger flows.
The Month Ahead:
Normally the river is big and full in mid May, but, things can be day to day if a prolonged cold snap happens. A special thing to consider on the Gallatin is water color and clarity. Trout on the Gallatin River will feed in water that contains more color/sediment than many other rivers. In most years, it is the CFS level that deems the Gallatin River unfishable because in certain flows the river is just too high, fast, and unpredictable to safely fish on foot.
To get some useful knowledge and to expand your fly fishing horizons, be sure to read some of our recent blog posts featuring: 5 Best Streamers for Fly Fishing in Montana in Spring, 5 Essential Dry Flies for Spring, 9 Great Flies for Large Trout Anywhere in the World, What Do Trout Need And How to Use That to Catch More Fish, Best Not-So-Secret Places to Fish in Montana This Spring, and The Mayfly You Need to Know: Catch More Fish by Understanding Blue Winged Olives.
Flies for the Gallatin River for the Next Month:
Parachute Adams in sizes 12-16
Comparaduns in sizes 12-16
Lightning Bugs in sizes 16-18
Juju baetis in black or olive in sizes 18-20
Firebhead or hotbead SJ worms in sizes 12-16
Sawyer PTs in sizes 18-22
Zebra Midges in black, red, or olive in sizes 18-22
Pheasant Tails in flashback or natural in sizes 16-20
Little Spankers in sizes 18-20
Pat's Rubberlegs in sizes 12-14
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Gallatin River near Big Sky and Bozeman is going to be day to day for the next several weeks as we in our run-off/not run-off dance!