Gallatin River Fishing Report 7.17.25
The following fishing report is by Gallatin River Guides out of Gallatin Gateway, MT:
Water temps are starting to get warm and the Gallatin River from Amsterdam Road to the Missouri River are on Hoot Owl. Fishing is CLOSED from 2pm to midnight in this section! Stay up to date on fishing restrictions and closures HERE.
In the canyon stretches of the Gallatin River near Big Sky, Montana the fishing has been good. With lower sections warming up, the canyon stretch and towards the park is the best option when it comes to fishing. We have been seeing phenomenal bug hatches in the evenings. If you get a late start be sure to pack some Caddis dries with you. New to the mix are a lot of terrestrials. Hoppers are just starting to be a good option and beetles and ants are often overlooked.
Dry flies and dry dropper setups have been the best ways to have a lot of fun if you get on the river. In the morning time nymph rigs and streamers have produced a lot of success as of late. When bug activity starts to taper off, fishing streamers or terrestrial dry flies can get you a lot of action if you are not seeing a hatch while you are on the water.
Downsizing your fly patterns this time of year can help you find a lot of success. With steady pressure on the Gallatin, throwing one or two sizes down when nymphing can get hesitant fish to feed. The same rule applies when fishing dry flies, especially if you are getting refusals.
The streamer fishing has been the best early in the mornings while light levels are still low and there’s not much direct sun hitting the water. When weather rolls in like clouds or spotty rain showers, the streamer bite can last all day. Pay attention to those forecasts, the week ahead is showing spotty showers most afternoons. This can provide great streamer opportunities.
With low flows and warmer water, don’t be afraid to fish shallow, fast flowing water. These fish will sit wherever they can find the most oxygen possible. If you are using beaded nymphs, you probably don’t need splitshot, at least to start. Using unweighted nymphs and a light splitshot can bring you a lot of success as well.
Unsure of what you should be using on the river today? Check out our pattern suggestions below or swing by our shop in Big Sky for some advice!
Dries: Chubby Chernobyl (Royal, Black/Purple) #16, Galloup’s Butch Caddis (Tan) #14-16, Bloom’s Parachute Caddis (Tan, Dark Olive) #14-16, Micro Chubby (Olive, Gold, Royal, Black/Purple) #14-18, Skater Tot (Royal Purple, Black Purple, Black Tan, Olive) #14, RIO’s Dry Humper (Royal, Royal Purple) #14, Glo Ant #18, Jake’s Gulp Beetle (Red, Blue, Purple) #14
Nymphs:Pat’s Rubberlegs (Black, Coffee, Brown) #8-12, BH Pheasant Tail CDC #14-16, Perdigons (Spanish Bullet, Lite Brite, Pearl and Black, Butano, Olsen’s Blue Steel, Gasolina), Purple Haze Covey #18, Lightning Bug #14-18, Little Green Machine (Pheasant Tail, Gray, Chartruese) #18, Galloup’s Hare’s Ear (Olive) #18-20
Streamers: Boogieman (Rootbeer) #4, Galloup’s Two Tone Dungeon #4-8, Double Screamer (Olive, Black, Gold) #6, Wooly Bugger (olive, black)#10, Sparring Partner (Black/Purple) #6
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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.
Feature photo via Gallatin River Guides
