The Gallatin is about to enter its prime. Flows are coming down, and visibility is improving. Yesterday when I drove over it, the river definitely had that greenish tint that signifies the coming end of runoff. It’s really great being able to post a flow chart that shows the water coming down, not shooting up!
The river below Taylor Fork is still dirty, but above that point it is in great shape. The Upper Gallatin in the park is really fishing well, with caddis and PMDs producing fish most of the day.
Even though the river through the canyon and below is dirty, fish are still eating. Heavy hatches of caddis and PMDs are keeping anglers busy. When nothing is coming off, tie on a stonefly or golden stone nymph and drift it near the banks. We here at Chi Wulff are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of the spruce moths, even though that hatch is still a ways away.
Tags: River - Gallatin
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Hey guys just wanted to pass on some info and tell you to keep up the good work. I have been on the Gallatin several times this week and it has been enfuego. Flows are tough for wading so heed must be taken but the hatches and the fish have been fantastic. Water clarity has been day to day and plugs of mud have been coming down from the Big Sky area from the afternoon boomers. There have been a lot of strange bugs hatching depending on the water clarity. Most of the bugs have been Green Drakes, Chocolate sedges and craneflies. They have been hatching best when the water is dirtiest and lighter when it clears. I can’t explain why this is happening but it has been unusual to say the least. Large Goldens have been all over the river in the canyon but not much on the river in the valley. The nymphing has been off the hook with stones and caddis pupae. The water cleared yesterday and a few Sallies were out along with a nice tan caddis hatch in the late afternoon. I just wanted to pass along a little info to you, I appreciate the info you provide and wanted to get back some Karma for myself. Tight lines, Biggie
Josh, I’ve seen some of the same thing this week. On a rainy evening I saw Green Drakes, tan Caddis, and a small, very dark Caddis – almost black. Caddis pupae have been kicking as well….