Gallatin River Fishing Report February 22, 2023 - Fins & Feathers
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Gallatin River Fly Fishing Reports

Gallatin River Fishing Report 2/22/2023

Date: 02/22/2023

Current Conditions

Quite a bit of ice and slush on the river with the frigid temperatures but a high near 40 again on Sunday. When the ice and slush clears a bit fishing will pick up once again. Your best bet will be going into the canyon, the closer to Big Sky the less slush and ice. Nymphing long slow holes will be the best bet. Dark rubber legs size 8-12 or a worm followed by a zebra midge, red copper john, prince nymphs, or natural peridgons. If you're very lucky on the right calm day you may find some fish rising to midges. Use a size 18-22 Giffith's Gnat or a peacock cluster for those rising fish.

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Gallatin River Webcam - Located at Karst, which is about 1/2 way between Bozeman and Big Sky on HWY 191.

Flows

280 CFS
On 2023-2-22

Streamflow

Gallatin River Fishing Report 2/22/2023 Streamflow

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Fins & Feathers is a full-service Bozeman fly shop and Montana fly fishing outfitter. Gallatin River fly fishing trips are available year-round with our Bozeman fly fishing guides. Montana fishing licenses are available for purchase online at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks & in our Bozeman Fly Shop (some exceptions may apply). If you are planning to fish in the headwaters of the Gallatin River area above Taylor's Fork (approx. 1 mile upstream); be aware that most of this is in Yellowstone National Park which requires a separate fishing license and is seasonally open to fishing according to YNP regulations.

Fishing from a boat is not allowed on the Gallatin River from the headwaters downstream to the confluence of the West (main-stem) and East Gallatin River, however it is permissible to use a boat/craft for access for wade-fishing in this stretch of the river. Fishing from a boat is allowed downstream of this point to the rivers mouth. Bob's Shuttle provides shuttle service (seasonal) between Manhattan and Three Forks on the Gallatin River and can be reached at 406-595-0587 via voice or text. In general, shuttles should be arrange the day prior or before 9 am the morning of your departure.

The Gallatin River is one of the more scenic, blue-ribbon trout waters found in the Bozeman area. The river changes in character from a small mountain stream near its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park to a medium-sized, classic western river once it flows into the Gallatin Valley. The middle portion of the river flows through the Gallatin Canyon and is characterized by pocket water and swift currents. Once it leaves the canyon stretch, the river slows its pace with much of the trout water being found in a classic riffle, pool, and run water types. The Gallatin River is noted for having very clean, cold water throughout its course and served as the setting in which much of "A River Runs Through It" was filmed.

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