The East Gallatin is the closest river to Bozeman and can be a very good option for fly fishing for the next few weeks. Nymph fishing on the East has been good lately. The East tends to muddy quite a bit this time of year but with the lack of low elevation snow this year it hasn’t been too bad. San Juan Worms are always a good bet on the East, as are small flashy nymphs. Various midges and Pheasant Tails have been working well. There has been some rising fish over Blue Winged Olives, but this hatch tends to be better in the fall.
On the East Gallatin River, hatches of Blue Winged Olives are occurring regularly, the tough part is knowing where they are hatching AND being able to access the river. Fish are most active in the afternoons and nymphing will generally outproduce other methods. Trout are still concentrated in slower and deeper runs where they don't have to work hard to find food. Even though the East Gallatin is a freestone river, during the spring season it can fish similar to a spring creek compared to some of our other freestone rivers like the main Gallatin or Yellowstone. Smaller mayfly nymphs and midge larva are best so try things like yarn indicators to detect the subtle takes.
Flies for the East Gallatin River Right Now
Para Purple Haze in sizes 10-16
BWO Sparkle duns in sizes 12-16
Zebra Midge in black or red in sizes 18-22
Beadhead Pheasant Tails in size 14-22
Beadhead Little Green Machines in size 14-22
Beadhead Lightening Bugs in size 14-22
Beadhead King Princes in size 16-22
Sculpzilla in black, olilve, or white in sizes 6-10
Sparkle Minnow in gold/olive in size 6 and 8
Beadhead worms in size 10
The Month Ahead:
The East usually goes into spring runoff earlier than most other rivers. Until it does, nymph fishing the deeper buckets will remain consistent. If daytime highs rise above 65 degrees and there is some rain in the forecast, keep your eye on streamflows as clarity can change quickly. When you do choose to fish the East Gallatin, focus your efforts during the hours after lunch when fish are most active or your best chance for a Blue Winged Olive hatch may occur.
Considering a fly fishing trip to the Bozeman, Montana area? Read one of more recent blog posts: Five of the Best Rivers to Fish Near Bozeman, Montana.