Gallatin River
Dreaming of fly fishing trips? Fishing rainbows, fishing browns and cutthroats, all in pristine river waters and breathtaking surroundings? Save this dream for something else, because the fly fishing paradise exists. more info
Gallatin River Listings: (add your listing)
Wild Trout Outfitters of Big Sky
Your choice - walk/wade trips, drift boat or float tube trips to Hebgen & Quake Lakes. Our specialty is the Gallatin River, year-round. Our expertise will help you catch fish.
(800) 423-4742
Other Related Listings: (add your listing)
Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishers Shop and Guides
Guided fly fishing trips on area spring creeks, Yellowstone and Madison Rivers. In Bozeman, we are a full-service shop and outfitter just 5 minutes from the Gallatin River.
(406) 585-5321
Yellowstone Mountain Guides - Gallatin Experts
Fly fish the Gallatin Headwaters with us, serving the region for 20+ years. We are an official Yellowstone backcountry permitee, a family experience not to be missed.
(406) 646-7230
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
The most prized waters in Montana trout country, the movie 'A River Runs Through
It' used the Gallatin River as the setting for some of the fishing scenes.
Originating at 10,000 feet in the northwest corner of Yellowstone, the Gallatin
River starts off as a babblingly friendly riverlet. It quickly gains speed and
grows as it gains speed, from Yellowstone through the beautiful Gallatin Canyon,
joining the Madison and Jefferson Rivers and finally emptying into the Missouri
River near Three Forks.
PRIME TIME FISHING: JUNE - SEPTEMBER
MID-SEASON: JUNE JULY
FLY FISHING PARADISE
In the Gallatin River, the salmonfly hatch from June to July because the waters
have warmed and cleared. A mix of abundant hatches now spells heaven for trout,
albeit briefly, and a dream come true for fishing enthusiasts. The large and
colorful salmonfly, in particular, moves upstream giving dry fly fisherman an
experience of sheer paradise.
And fly fishing paradise continues until late August with a variety of Caddis
hatches.
LATE SEASON: AUGUST OCTOBER
FAST AND FURIOUS FLY FISHING
It's a major hatching period now. Hopper season strikes, and trout are in a
feeding frenzy as they devour these terrestrials, including swarms of beetles
and ants along the banks. Fishing, including backcountry fishing and float
fishing, is fast and furious.
And it's quieter now too. The crowds have thinned out; it's just you, the fish,
and the beautiful river. There's a magic light. Peace. And solitude. Autumn
takes out her palette and colors the trees, bushes and shrubs providing idyll
Gallatin River settings for all fly fishermen.
WINTER: FEBRUARY APRIL
FLY FISHING EVEN IN WINTER!
Winter in Montana and there's still fly fishing on the Gallatin River! Brown,
cutthroat and rainbow trout are friendly and willing, as well as Mountain
Whitefish. With temperatures around 40 degrees and rising, midge fishing has
begun also.
EARLY SEASON: APRIL JUNE
LAND A SURFACE-FEEDING TROUT
Fishing conditions can vary enormously at this time. However, if the air
temperature warms enough then midge hatches proliferate, and fishing becomes
rewarding. Land a surface-feeding trout and the fly fisherman's dream year has
commenced.
GREAT FLY FISHING EXPERIENCES ANY TIME OF THE YEAR!
Fishing in Montana on the Gallatin River can be superb any time of the year,
although prime time fishing runs from June to September. Fishing in early spring
and late autumn - March to May, and October – can still deliver some of the best
fly fishing experiences of the year.
And always present is the incredible beauty of Montana trout country.
44FOther pages you might find helpful:
Montana River Action
One of the projects of Montana River Action supports and protects the Gallatin River.
