The Gallatin River has stabilized and is in fishable conditions, but it is still very big so be safe out there if you go. The next big thing for the Gallatin River is going to be salmonflies and golden stoneflies in a week or so. After that will be caddis. If you do fish the Gallatin River in the coming days or week BE SAFE OUT THERE the river is still big, off-color, and dangerous. Only experienced waders should fish the Gallatin River right now and it is also best to fish with a buddy because one slip or step in the wrong direction you could become a swimmer very quickly.
The Month Ahead:
Normally the river is big and full in mid June, 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 Few Weeks:
Whatever you want....probably too big and muddy for awhile.
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!