What a treat the East Gallatin is for the anglers of Bozeman…Only a few miles out of town lies a small river with unexpectedly large trout. The East Gallatin like most SW Montana rivers is vulnerable to high muddy water during the run off season. However for most other seasons the fishing can be fantastic. Browns and Rainbows lurk in the deep pools, and can be caught on a dry, nymph or a streamer. Public access is limited, so be respectful & cautious.
Best Fly: Beetle
Water Conditions: Great shape for August
Weather Conditions: Mixed Bag of weather lately
Floated or Waded: waded
Section of Water Fished: Near Penwell
The East is in Good Shape with good water for August. My best rig the last three nights has been a #6 gold chubby with a black beetle dropper.
Best Fly: small caddis
Water Conditions: low but with alot of fish
Weather Conditions: cool evening
Floated or Waded: waded
Section of Water Fished: east of Manhattan
Quite a few hungry fish, and willing to take just about anything that is small and dry. I caught fish on a small caddis, bwo and royal wolf. Be sure to check out some of the side chanels, that is where I found the most active fish.
Best Fly: Very small caddis
Water Conditions: perfect
Weather Conditions: warm
Floated or Waded: waded
Section of Water Fished: Manley Bridge
Evening was hot with small caddis and other small bugs, not exact on what they were. Quite a few rises, to the caddis. Caught 5.
Best Fly: Hopper
Water Conditions: Little stained, not too bad.
Weather Conditions: Superb
Floated or Waded: waded
Section of Water Fished: West of Manly Bridge.
Went out too early, hot, silly. Saw a few risers to teeny tiny caddis. Tried to spook a juvenile muskrat away from a pool he was near by slapping a fly on the water behind him and accidentally hooked his tail. Landed him for the only catch of the day. He was NOT happy…but, with catch and release someone may catch him again someday. (Dear PETA, he’s just fine.) Had to leave at 7 and it looked like it was about to get good. (Doesn’t it always look that way when you have to leave?)
Best Fly: Small dries
Water Conditions: Brown
Weather Conditions: Sunny and hot
Floated or Waded: waded
Section of Water Fished: East of Manley bridge
Water was pretty dark this morning due to the rain. Still had a few risers in the 30 minutes I was out.