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.
As the days get longer and warmer, we start moving into our spring fishing season on the Gallatin. Expect to see small feeder streams and tributaries increase in flow. As a result, we will see more off-color water flow into the river, along with a general rise in the amount of water in the river itself. Expect to see the lower stretches of river to be fairly muddy, getting gradually more clear as you head upstream towards the headwaters. We will start seeing more dry fly activity as Midges, Mayflies, and small black Winter Stones start hatching in greater frequency, especially on warmer, overcast days. More Caddis will be starting to show up in the system as well. Leeches and smaller Sculpins can also be a great option this time of year, either stripped or dead-drifted. In dirtier water don’t be afraid of hot bead nymphs, caddis pupae/larvae, as well as your favorite worm pattern. Double streamer rigs with a Sculpin and a Zirdle Bug can be productive as well.
Parawulf Adams (14-22), Purple Haze (16-20), Sparkle Dun (16-22), UV Sparkle Midge (16-22), Mayhem Midge (18-22), Elk Hair Caddis Black/Olive(16-18)
Woolly Bugger Olive/Black (6-12), Sculpzilla Tan/Black/Olive (4-8), Beldar Brown/Black/Olive (6-8), Goldies (4-8), Zirdle Bug Tan (6-12), Urchin Bugger (4)
Balanced Leech (8-12), Zebra Midge (16-20), Poison Tungsten Midge (16-22), Pat’s Rubber Legs (8-12), Hot Bead Pheasant Tail (14-20), Hare’s Ear (16-20), Black Blowtorch (12-18), Juju Baetis (18-20), Worms, Eggs
