Known as one of the best wade fishing rivers in Montana, the Gallatin River is the closest larger river to Bozeman. It begins in Yellowstone National Park then winds its way through the Gallatin Canyon all the way to Three Forks where it meets up with the Jefferson and Madison rivers to form the Missouri River.
Fall fishing has been great over on the Gallatin, and should continue to stay productive as we slowly move into winter. Nymphing has been the most consistent, but streamer fishing and dries have been good on overcast days and afternoons. For nymph rigs try a Wooly Bugger, Backflop Jig, or Pats Rubber Legs and follow it up with your favorite small dropper like a Perdigon, Zebra Midge, or Duracel. For dry flies, think Parachute Adams, midge patterns, in (18-22) and maybe a small Stubby Chubby to use as a sighter for the teeny dries. For streamers it's had to beat a sparkle minnow, small sculpin pattern, or a mini dungeon. If you like to fish the bigger stuff, try a Barely Legal or a Humdinger.
Adams (16-22), Purple Haze (16-20), Sparkle Dun (16-22), Stubby Chubby Purple, Cinnamon, Yellow, Tan (12-18)
Woolly Bugger Olive, Black (6-12), Sculpzilla Tan,Black,Olive (4-8), Beldar Brown,Black,Olive (6-8), GD P/Jig Streamer (10), Dungeon Black/ White/ Brown/ (2), Mini Dungeon Purple/ Natural/ White (6)
Perdigon (14-18), Pat’s Rubber Legs (8-12), Hell Razor Leech (12), Hare’s Ear (16-20), Black Blowtorch (12-18), Juju Baetis (18-20), Zebra Midge Black/ Red/ Purple (16-22), Worms, Eggs, Mops
