Gallatin River Fishing Report

Updated 02/05/2026

Current Flow: ~ 274 CFS @ Gallatin Gateway

The Gallatin River continues to fish well, with many sections still open and only occasional ice lingering along slower edges. Recent warming air temps into the 50s this week and continuing this weekend are helping break up shelf ice and make wade access much easier. Trout are responding to the milder conditions — with midge activity picking up during the warmest parts of the day and more sporadic risers showing in soft tailouts and eddies. Subsurface tactics remain the most consistent producer, with nymph rigs using rubberlegs/stonefly nymphs, midges, baetis nymphs, and small perdigons drawing the majority of takes in deeper seams and walking-speed current.

With dry-fly opportunities slowly increasing alongside the warming pattern, especially around lunchtime through early afternoon, keep an eye out for sporadic rises to cluster midges and small CDC patterns when the sun’s on the water. Streamers will get a few looks too, particularly in clearer, softer water runs, but nymphing deeper and slower will put more trout in the net overall. Whether you’re stretching legs after winter or chasing that first big Montana brownie of the year, this weekend’s warm push combined with consistent winter techniques should make for some pleasant mid-winter fly fishing on the Gallatin.

Recommended Flies:
Nymphs: Perdigon #16–18, Zebra Midge #18–20, Rainbow Warrior #18, WD-40 #18–20, Frenchie #18, Soft Hackle PT #16–18, Eggs #12, Pat’s Rubberlegs #10–14, Jigged Rubberlegs #12–14
Streamers: Mini Sculpin, Thin Mint, Sculpzilla, Small Sparkle Minnow
Dries: Griffith’s Gnat #18–20, Brooks Sprout Midge #18–20, Extended Body BWO #18