Gallatin River Fishing Report

Gallatin River Fishing Report

04/12/2024

Our beloved rainbow trout are spawning this time of year. That means if you see fish in shallow water on polished gravel DO NOT fish to them, walk in the water near them, or wade below the polished gravel as that is where the most eggs are. They are trying to keep our fish populations healthy and we need to do our part and leave them alone this time of year.

It is officially springtime here in Big Sky. Water temps are on the rise and getting into the 40s so that means we have more than just midges hatching these days! River flows are constantly changing due to temperature swings and precipitation. The river can be clear at times and colored up during others. Don't let colored up water discourage you this week, runoff has not quite started yet and those fish will eat even when the water is not as clear. If you see that the hydrograph to the right is showing a drop in flows, that usually means the water will be clearing up a bit and the fishing will be pretty good.

With water temps on the rise the Blue Winged Olives have just started hatching. This is a heaven send as we are now done only having tiny midges as our only real hatch that is happening. This brings us a few more options as far as fly selection and method of fishing. Dry fly fishing with small baetis patterns is going to be a great way to experience the warm weather this week. With warm temps with scattered storms the next few days you can knock the rust off that dry fly cast and get ready for what we hope will be another great summer of fishing.

As usual, our go to method for getting numbers of fish to hand is with a nymph rig. The spring is a great time to be on the water as the fish start to wake up with warmer weather and are happy to eat a fly. We are finding fish in a variety of water but primarily focus on fishing the edges. That means find any edge where two currents meet, there is a major depth change, or some large obvious structure like a boulder disrupting the current. Sticking with the classics of rubber legs and worms is a great starting place. This time of year we will see some good midge and baetis action happening so going a little bit lighter with your rig and throwing some emerger patterns under an indicator can be very productive.

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: Para-Sipper BWO #18-22, 401k Baetis Pederson #16-18, Hi-Vis Spinner BWO #16-20, Parachute Adams (Sparkle, Purple, Patriot) #16-18, Purple Haze #16-18, Buzzball #18-20, Griffith's Gnat #18-22

Nymphs: Radiation Baetis (Pink, Copper/Orange, Peacock), Two Bit Hooker (Red, Black) #16-18, Pat's Rubberlegs (black, coffee, brown) #8-12, Crossfit Midge (black, red) #18-20, Delektable Lil Spanker(PT, green, silver) #14-18, San Juan Worm(red, orange) #10, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail #12-16, Duracell Jig (black, brown) #14-16, Delektable Lil Spanker (Red, Pheasant Tail, Olive) #18-20, Green Mo (Black) #16-20

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. 

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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.