Gallatin River Report by Gallatin River Guides 6.17.21
By angelamontana

Posted: June 18, 2021

Deer Creek: 1330 CFS

Gateway: 1970 CFS

The Gallatin River is dropping in flow every day and starting to clear up fast. We are seeing run off come and go very quickly this season. The Salmonfly hatch is almost here. Pick up your big dries before it’s too late! Fish are still eating rubberlegs consistently. Trail a Pat’s Rubber legs with a smaller nymph such as a soft-hackle pheasant tail or caddis. Leeches and smaller sculpin patterns can bring some quality fish into the net as well.

The kind of water you want to fish will be the slower slack water off the main current. Fish will be hanging out in slower, calmer water, tight to the banks. Focus on working the banks where the current is less aggressive. The trout will start transitioning into faster water here very shortly with pressure and water temps getting warmer.

Some adult flies may be coming off if the conditions are right. Caddis can be a great option if you are seeing them on the water, especially in the evenings. Also, Mayflies may be coming off, and trying different sizes and should bring some succes. Again, be aware of the Salmonflies coming off.

Due to run-off still happening, be careful in the current and be aware of debris floating down the river.

Water temps are rising fast, so make sure to keep the fish wet and release them in a timely manner.

Nymphs:  Pat’s Rubberlegs in Dark Colors #6-10, San Juan Worm Red/Purple #10-12, Pheasant Tail #14-18, Prince Nymph #12-18, Fly Formerly Know as Prince #12-18

Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, Purple Haze #16-20, Parachute Adams #16-20, Cluster Midge #18, Dornan’s Water Walker #6-8

Streamers: Wooly Bugger Olive/Black #10, Sparkle Minnow #6-8, Leeches #8-10

A good weather station to check the weather near the fly shop here.

Winter Fishing On the Gallatin.  The Gallatin Canyon is one of the best winter fisheries in the area.  An abundance of natural springs keeps the majority of the Gallatin free of ice and fishing well.  Need a break from skiing at Big Sky?  We have fly fishing guides available all year long.  Winter Safety Tips

Our Fly Fishing Guide School has helped lots of anglers achieve their dream of being a fishing guide.  With schools throughout the spring and fall, there is likely a week of fishing that will fit your schedule.  Check out our Montana Fishing Guide School to become a more rounded fisherperson or to jump-start your career in this amazing industry.

Even the NY Times has caught wind of the growth of women in the fly fishing industry.  Gain the skills to fish confidently on your own in our Montana Women’s Fly Fishing School.

Updated reports for the Gallatin River coming to you from our backyard in beautiful Big Sky, Montana.  We know this river like the back of our hands.

For more information on Gallatin River Guides, click here.

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