Known as one of the best wade fishing rivers in Montana, the Gallatin River is the closest one 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.
The Gallatin in the late Fall/Winter months is a very consistent fishery. Fish will become more concentrated into the deeper, slower pools as the water cools. Nymphing will be the most consistent method as far as numbers of fish. Smaller Baetis patterns (Pheasant Tails, Perdigons, etc.) are great options year-round, but especially in these colder months after our bug variety slows down. Zebra Midges will be another hot fly in the winter months. Midges are one of, if not the main source of food for trout through the winter. Streamer fishing can be a very productive method as well. Smaller bugger/sculpin patterns tend to work well most days, but don’t shy away from the larger patterns. As the water cools, larger meal options provide a high-calorie intake opportunity for pre-spawn and post-spawn fish. Dry fly fishing can be productive on the right day. Look for calm, cool, overcast days to produce the best on both Midge and Blue Winged Olive patterns. Keep an eye out for fish spawning on redds. Make sure to admire from afar, as stressing these fish can create diminished returns for new recruitment. Also be sure to avoid walking on, downstream, or immediately above the redds to avoid damaging the eggs.
Adams Parawulff (16-20), Parachute Adams (14-22), Purple Haze (16-20), Sparkle Dun (16-20), Thorax BWO (18-20), Film Critic (16-20), Smoke Jumper (16-20), Griffith’s Gnat (16-20), UV Sparkle Midge (18-20)
Olive/Brown Woolly Bugger (4-12), Sculpin/Royal Sparkle Minnow (4-8), Olive/Natural Sculpzilla (4-8), Olive Circus Peanut (2), Olive/Brown Mini Dungeon, Olive Articulated Trombone, Olive/Black Baby Gonga (8)
Zebra Midge (16-20), Prince Nymph (16-20), Pat’s Rubber Legs (8-12), Pheasant Tail (14-20), Hare’s Ear (16-20), Lightning Bug (16-20), Brown/Black Czech Bomb (16-20), Pheasant Tail Jig (14-16) Machines (16-20), Juju Beatis (16-20), 3$ Dip (16-20), Matt’s Mop, Jig Bugger, Worms, Blowtorch (14-18)
