Gallatin River Fishing Report

Gallatin River Fishing Report

1/20/2025

Today we saw our coldest temps of the winter, going deep into the negatives is not what you want to see if you are planning on heading out fishing. On days where it is too cold to do much of anything outside, we think it's best to get a jump on planning your next adventure! Whether it is in Montana or abroad we are happy to help get you set up with the gear and information you need!

When it comes down to fishing in Montana during the winter, things stay pretty constant and relatively easy. Whenever you see a forecast for temps you can brave getting out and going fishing, it usually does not disappoint when you decide to get out! Nymph rigs are going to be your best friend. We like to start our days off with something big and something small. Usually this means a rubber legs, leech, or a worm, and then a midge larvae or emerger pattern. This time of year you do not have to overthink your fly selection, if you find the water level that fish are feeding in they are usually not very picky. Using any small midge pattern paired with a larger attractor style pattern should always get you some opportunities.

There will be the occasional day where sun paired with warmer temps or a warm front comes through and we see some pretty awesome midge dry fly activity, so keep an eye on the weather and if you see a forecast where you don't have to pack too many layers try out dry fly fishing. 

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:  Griffith Gnat #18-20, Cluster Peacock Quigley #16-20, Skittering Zelon Midge #20, Cluster Midge #14-20, 401K Baetis #16-18, Brooks Sprout Baetis #18-20, Parachute Adams #16-20

Nymphs:Pat's Rubberlegs (black, coffee, brown) #8-12, Rootbeer Midge #18-20, Miracle Midge (red) #18-20, Jig Crossfit Zebra Midge (red, black) #18-20, Delektable Lil Spanker (Red, Pheasant Tail, Olive) #18-20, Green Mo (Black) #16-20, Radiation Baetis (Pink, Copper/Orange, Peacock), Two Bit Hooker (Red, Black) #16-18

Streamers:  Boogieman (Yellow, White) #4, McClure's Mini Kill Whitey (White) #4, Home Invader (Yellow) #2, Wooly Bugger (olive, black)#10, Coffey's Sparkle Minnow (Sculpin, Black Light) #8, Barely Legals (olive, black), Beldar Bugger (black) #8

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.