Montana Troutfitters is Bozeman’s oldest fly fishing shop Since 1978

Jun 17, 2026

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It is game on, on the Gallatin. The next few weeks should be some of the best of the season up this way. The water is little high for getting around well in the valley. That being said the National forest in the canyon has been awesome. The rip rap walls have been a great place to drop a dry dropper rig. The salmon flies are starting to trickle off. Today they were spotted around Spanish creek and should progress up river fairly slowly with the cooler evenings we are having as of late. There are some caddis, PMD's, Sedge, and the occasional sally kicking around. The evenings have been more consistent fishing on the surface if dry flies are your thing. You can nymph if you like, but the dry dropper has been picking up the majority of the fish.

Early Summer tips:

  • If the previous night was cold, take your time getting to the river.
  • Use a wading staff for stability in run-off conditions.
  • Pack wisely for various weather conditions.
  • Minimize fish handling and land fish quickly.


View USGS Streamflows

Fly Pattern Suggestions

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Dries:

Yellow Sally's 10-14, Anything orange (4-8), Purple Chubby (6-10), Royal Chubby (6-10), Copper Chubby (6-12), Elk Hair Caddis (14) Parachute PMD (14-16), Chubby Sally (10-12), Purple Haze (12-18)

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Nymphs:

Pats Rubber Legs (4-12), Delektable Stones (4-8), Pheasant Tail (12-16), Lightening Bug (12-16), Puparazi (12-16), Fertile Caddis (14-16), Serengold (14-18), Birds Nest Olive (12-16), Jig Prince (14-16)

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Streamers:

Kreelux Gold, Sculpzilla dealers choice, Baby Gonga blonde or olive, Sparkle Minnow sculpin or blk/silver, Mini dungeon dealers choice and good ole' wooly buggers

Other River Reports

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