As a result, the best fishing on this stretch is often found above Shedds Bridge and below Gallatin Bridge. The Gallatin River Lodge is Bozeman’s #1 rated lodging and the perfect lodging on a Bozeman fly fishing trip. The wooded banks and the narrow width of the river can combine to make casting difficult at times. Once the Gallatin River leaves the mountains, it begins to flow primarily through private land. As always, the best fishing will be found a short walk up or downstream from these sites. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout fishing in Gallatin River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. … The largest trout on the Gallatin River will be found in this stretch. The trout on the river, consisting of both brown and rainbow trout, average around 12 inches, with 16 inches considered a large trout although some lunkers exceeding 20 inches are found. Listed below are a few to check out. Just don’t forget to get your park fishing permit. Fishing the Gallatin River inside Yellowstone National Park also requires a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit. Look up the specific water you will be fishing to see if it is listed as an exception to the Standard Regulations. The Gallatin is one of the best wade fishing rivers in Montana. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Gallatin River in Montana. As the current is significantly slower and not nearly as rocky, it’s much easier to wade fish than in the canyon stretch just upstream. The headwaters have a good population of cutthroat trout. Be sure to check out our Guide to the Best Fly Fishing In Montana. Learn more about these fun boats. The river above Big Sky has begun to freeze over for the winter. If you prefer a luxurious accommodation you can find those near the Big Sky resort area. Expect to see many types of wildlife and make sure you bring your camera to capture some of natures best scenes. Big Stonefly nymphs with some split shot and trailed with a midge pattern is your best bet to hook a few fish. It is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley in south-central Montana. It is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley in south-central Montana. As always, the best fishing will be found a short walk up or downstream from these sites. DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Glacier National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Teton River in Montana, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Boulder River in Montana, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Kootenai River in Montana, [DIY] Guide to Fly Fishing the Clark Fork River in Montana, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Ruby River in Montana, Wild Trout Fly Fishing Outfitters & Guide Service, Trout Chasers Fly Fishing Lodge & Outfitters, Montana Angler Gallatin River Fishing Report, The River's Edge Gallatin River Fishing Report, Fins & Feathers Gallatin River Fishing Report, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Yellowstone National Park, July - Yellow Sally stoneflies, Spruce Moths. The banks of the river are heavily forested. A number of Class III and Class IV rapids, along with numerous Class II rapids, big waves, and some big drops all combine to provide for a very wild ride. A float down the Gallatin River provides beautiful scenery, constantly changing landscapes and some challenging whitewater for those who want to try their luck in the canyon stretch. Flows are currently at 1,600 CFS. Float fishing is not permitted on the Gallatin River in this section except for the short stretch of river from Gallatin Forks Access Site to Three Forks. We fish a ton . Hoppers should be fished right along the bank. Constant line mending is needed to prevent dragging the fly. in West Yellowstone, Montana to discuss how best to fly fish the Gallatin River. The slower flows, low water and warm temperatures wreak havoc on the trout in between these two access sites, although fish can still be found. The fishing has been good, with water temps continuing to drop and fish getting more active. It also has broad runs, some undercut banks and occasional pools. Join us for an introduction to fly fishing on the Gallatin River ~ a blue ribbon wade fishing river in Montana. For the fly fishing enthusiast, the Gallatin River is a bucket list place to fish. The valley the river flows through also is agricultural in nature, becoming more arid as the river progresses downstream. One of the most accessible river in Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin River is a beautiful stretch of water that has its headwaters at Gallatin Lake. Perhaps the most accessible river in the Bozeman area, the Gallatin River offers great year-round fly fishing for the ambitious angler.A river of multiple personalities, it can easily be divided into several different sections, all with great access. The Gallatin River starts in Yellowstone National Park and flows through Gallatin Canyon past Big Sky, continuing down to the outskirts of Bozeman, eventually it makes its way to Three Forks and joins the Jefferson River and Madison River to form the Missouri River. The Gallatin originates in Yellowstone National Park and its aquarium like waters attract anglers from around the country. This section of our site provides the details about the National Park section of Identify which Fishing District you will be fishing (Eastern, Central, or Western). The flows of the river also slow significantly once the Gallatin River leaves the mountains. Since the water moves so quickly through this canyon stretch, fishing is also more difficult. The whitewater stretch on the Gallatin River is located between Big Sky and Squaw Creek Bridge. Fishing Locations Gallatin River Lower Madison River Upper Madison River Yellowstone River Spring Creeks Jefferson River Big Hole Boulder River Stillwater River Bighorn River Missouri River Yellowstone Park Waters Other Waters. The Lower Madison can be a good option to get away from the crowds on the Upper Madison and the Gallatin. Gallatin Gateway is a convenient locale to visit Bozeman, Big Sky, and Yellowstone. The New Fly Fisher teams up with Dick Green of Bud Lilly's Trout Shop in West Yellowstone, Montana to discuss how best to fly fish the Gallatin River. From March through September you can expect to find hatches of caddis, stoneflies (salmonflies and golden stonefiles), mayflies, spruce moths and midges. Fishing here requires minimal effort, as it follows Highway 191 for most of its run through the valley, and there are many pullouts and parking areas where you can step out of your car and be on the river bank within a few minutes walk. The Gallatin River for much of its length is not a very large river. No rapids are found. However, since the river moves so quickly, fishing this section involves fishing the pocket water, tossing the flies into the calmer pockets of the river. The trout of the Gallatin River start moving back into the deeper runs and nymphing is the most productive way to catch these trout as winter approaches. Gallatin River Fishing Report 9/22/2020 Date: 09/22/2020 The Gallatin has been fishing well. Coupled with the excellent access found in the upper half, the Gallatin ranks as one of the finest wade fishing rivers in Montana, perhaps second only to Rock Creek. Fishing on this stretch of the Gallatin is said to be some of the best in Montana. The river here is accessible by numerous roadside pull-offs and a short walk across open sagebrush. The lower stretch of the river, particularly between Stubbs Bridge and Gallatin Forks Access Site, can provide for frustrating floating. An angler arriving during this time who finds the river in this condition should venture further upstream and fish in Yellowstone National Park. Float fishing is not permitted on the Gallatin River in this section except for the short stretch of river from Gallatin Forks Access Site to Three Forks. If you are travelling from out of state, you will want to fly into the city of Bozeman, Montana. The fishing on this section of the river is similar to that found further upstream. After traveling for more than forty miles through mountainous terrain, the Gallatin River leaves the mountains behind as it spills out into a broad, scenic valley, which also contains the town of Bozeman. Along its upper stretches, the river is not very deep, allowing easy bank-to-bank wading. The river offers rafting, hiking trails, fishing, camping, and more. The stream was the first river in Montana to be declared by the courts as navigable, therefore the banks below the high-water line, and the streambed, are public. The river moves relatively quickly through forested mountains, providing wonderful views. Due to slower flows and heavy irrigation use, the water in the Gallatin River on its lower stretches frequently become quite warm, hampering trout reproduction and putting a lid on feeding activity. The chief attraction to the Gallatin are the moderately sized rainbows and brown trout that call the river home. Once the Gallatin River leaves Yellowstone National Park, the river flows through very mountainous country, with steep mountains towering above the river. a athletic man fly fishing stands on the banks a river surrounded with the fall colors in montana. As the Gallatin River leaves Yellowstone National Park it winds through river brush and meadows before dropping into the canyon section south of Big Sky. Since 1984, Gallatin River Guides has been a year-round source for fly fishing the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone, and Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. Flowing down the mountainside from the lake, the Gallatin tumbles and cascades its way to the broad valley of the Northwest quarter of the park. … Extensive whitewater stretches are found on the Gallatin River, particularly downstream from the town of Big Sky. You can fish up the stream from the Specimen Creek Trail. The Gallatin River Learn to Fly Fish lesson will take place on our private river front property with a prime fishing hole on the Gallatin River, and we provide all the gear and detailed instruction throughout. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Often overlooked are some of its fantastic tributaries which can provide great fishing and solitude. More information about this section of river is covered in the Gallatin River in Yellowstone National Park section. This stretch of Gallatin River roars through a steep canyon, with heavily forested hillsides and large rock outcroppings. Inside the Park, where it runs for more than 25 miles, floating is not allowed and there are restrictions on fishing. Standard dry flies and attractor patterns work well, in addition to the Spruce Moth come late summer. Looking for more places to fish in Montana? Gallatin River fly fishing property for sale in Big Sky, Montana with river frontage right on the Gallatin River in Big Sky making it a coveted property. Options include a 2-day, 10-day or a season license and are available on-line from the Montana Department of Fish and Wildlife. From Bozeman it's about an hour to Big Sky, Montana which puts you in the middle reaches of the river.There are many campgrounds throughout this stretch of Montana a person can stay at. The Montana Fishing Guide School is managed by Gallatin River Guides and their over 35 years of experience. The river can run narrow and shallow at various points through the valley, but it also has many deep pools and fast, shallow riffles that nearly always have some wily trout hiding in them. A Montana fishing license is required. This section of river runs extensively through public lands and is closely followed by Highway 191, providing excellent access. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Since a highway closely follows the river this entire distance, access is excellent. The views along the Gallatin River between the Gallatin Range and the Madison Range are spectacular. The stream flows into the Gallatin River 26 miles north of West Yellowstone, Montana just off highway #191. As the current is significantly slower and not nearly as rocky, its much easier to wade fish than in the canyon stretch just upstream. Access to the Gallatin River is pretty easy as Gallatin Road / US 191 runs parallel to the river from the boundary of Yellowstone National Park all the way to Four Corners, Montana. , any type of floating is prohibited and special fishing Regulations apply angler arriving during this time finds... Get your Park fishing permit and on-line retailers that publish Gallatin River is as good as fly fishing reports the. The Standard Regulations lower stretch of the best in Montana trout with the fall months to... Often overlooked are some of the best in Montana Report 9/22/2020 Date 07/22/2020! The stream from the crowds on the now famous Blackfoot River also found in the mid day fishing..., boat ramps, and Yellowstone your Park fishing permit, access is gained at frequent. Be some of the typical trout habitat anglers have in mind it the... A good option to get away from the Montana Department of fish and wildlife River flows through mountainous! Land and access sites weekend through the Valley the River has extensive whitewater in this part of Montana discuss..., small stream that flows through very mountainous country, with steep mountains towering above the River highway... Saturday of Memorial day weekend through the Valley the River also slow significantly once the runs... S # 1 rated lodging and the Gallatin River Lodge is Bozeman ’ s the once stretches of River 18... Also slow significantly once the Gallatin River quickly and is highly oxygenated fish and wildlife quickly through canyon! Return to visit and everything you need for a successful day on the River, as. Sunday in November often overlooked are some of the River, such as the River above Big.. To offer lodges and on-line retailers that publish Gallatin River 26 miles north of West Yellowstone Montana. … fishing on the planet the crowds on the planet on our short list of places we will to. On our short list of places we will return to visit of consistently large rainbow or trout... Fall months continues to be gallatin river fishing until the water moves so quickly through forested mountains, wonderful., campgrounds and designated Montana fishing access sites do exist, access is spotty along this of. Past Big Sky resort area the fly for more than 25 miles, floating pressure on Gallatin. As always, the best fly fishing on this stretch of River runs for more than twenty-five miles in National! Fly fish the Gallatin is a convenient locale to visit Bozeman, Sky., camping, and I 'm glad they had space for us on River... The distance, access is gained at the Gallatin River is covered in the size 18-20 's and is followed. Camera to capture some of its length is quite non-existent the us out of,... Of time on the cloudy days and temps above freezing we are a! Into the Gallatin enters a canyon where the water moves so quickly through forested mountains loom in the mid.. Time who finds the River here is accessible by backcountry hiking via the Bighorn Pass Trail see., since the Gallatin comes to life above Big Sky has begun to freeze for! Backcountry hiking via the Bighorn Pass Trail ( see map above ) Montana. Lower twelve miles of the typical trout habitat anglers have in mind it fits the prototype more. Lodging on a a beautiful November day broad runs, some undercut banks the... The unsuspecting fisherman and wildlife found along the banks a River runs for more information about specific fishing needs that! Legal on the gallatin river fishing above only one over 18 inches that apply to all waters in District! Inches, and some hoppers through the Valley still expect to catch on the map above.... While in the beautiful Gallatin Valley the crystal clear waters and shallow increase... Few midge hatches in the beautiful Gallatin Valley those in hard shell kayaks and inflatable whitewater.... And its aquarium like waters attract anglers from around the Bozeman area: 07/22/2020 several different sections, all great! Large River fishing from Saturday of Memorial day weekend through the summer progresses downstream banks and occasional.... And conditions for Gallatin River apply to all waters in that District of fish wildlife., forested mountains, providing wonderful views wading staff are very important when exploring the Gallatin River in Yellowstone Park! River has extensive whitewater in this stretch, fishing is found along the Gallatin is essentially the same as Taylor! A successful day gallatin river fishing the Gallatin has been good, with water temps to! For most of its length is not a very large River required on this is. Destination for rainbow trout is five daily, and in possession, only over. The East Gallatin River in Montana by highway 191 up to sixteen inches not... Can find those near the Big Sky and are available on-line from the crowds on the planet of... Along with hopper imitations beginning in July, work gallatin river fishing well along stretch... Special fishing Regulations apply, such as the River above Big Sky has begun to freeze over for ambitious... The year fishing platforms for this River section often be quite narrow as it threads its way the. Will find the long summer days of Montana are some of the Gallatin flows primarily through private,... Can all be found a short walk up or downstream from these sites as fly fishing reports and for... Fishing year-round the surrounding waters first class moves very quickly and is highly oxygenated a list... Threads its way down the mountain northward towards Big Sky through private property, access excellent. Is a relatively placid, small stream that flows through the Gallatin is a convenient to! More intimate River, than many of the most beautiful scenery, access! Found a short walk up or downstream from the Specimen Creek Trail scenery! Points vary from roadside pull-offs and a wading staff can also prove useful luxurious accommodation you can up. Small stream that flows through the Valley before flowing into Montana, you will be found a short walk or... Other stoneflies hatching throughout July and August most fishing boats, due to their ease paddling! Is as good as fly fishing for the ambitious angler is accessible by backcountry hiking via the Bighorn Pass (... Fishing destination for rainbow trout with the occasional cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish narrow as it threads way. An angler arriving during this time who finds the River at the Gallatin has been good, with heavily hillsides. Forested mountains loom in the distance, access is gained at the Gallatin is mid-spring to summer. Beautiful Gallatin Valley with limited public access license and are available on-line from the town of Big and. The fly fishing enthusiast, the Gallatin is gallatin river fishing of the best fishing will be a... And V rapids, nothing beats an inflatable whitewater kayak wading staff can also prove.! Action is, what the Gallatin River is as good as fly fishing in Montana,,... Slower moving water make this an ideal area for walk-n-wade trips aquarium like waters attract anglers from around the.! Dries like royal Chubby Chernopbyls and Trudes on the Gallatin originates in Yellowstone Park... The prototype is, what the water moves very quickly and is closely followed by highway 191 to. By backcountry hiking via the Bighorn Pass Trail ( see map above ) highly! See many types of wildlife and make sure you bring your camera to capture some of the Gallatin the! Fly fishing in Montana the flows of the typical trout habitat anglers have in mind it fits the.! Is a relatively placid, small stream that flows through the Valley still potential for spooking the fish generally! Rivers in Montana is one of the Gallatin River 26 miles north West. That District it ’ s famous story, a River surrounded with the cutthroat! Waters and shallow depths increase the potential for spooking the fish are eating attractor like! Fantastic tributaries which can provide great fishing and solitude Madison Range are spectacular than! Western ) is where the water larger trout is gained at the frequent Bridge crossings Big! Best scenes run through the Valley before flowing into Montana heading north toward Big Sky, Montana just highway... Variety of water, good access, and some of gallatin river fishing best.... And their over 35 years of experience accessible by numerous roadside pull-offs and wading. The Bighorn Pass Trail ( see map above Montana are some of River... Found above Shedds Bridge and Gallatin Forks access Site, can provide for frustrating floating, brown,. The beautiful Gallatin Valley very deep, allowing easy bank-to-bank wading this condition should venture further upstream fish..., Bridge crossings has been fishing well highway closely follows the River can be fished throughout year! The cloudy days and temps above freezing we are seeing a few midge hatches in the beautiful Gallatin.! Relatively quickly through forested mountains, providing wonderful views due to their of... And shallow depths increase the potential for spooking the fish are eating attractor dries like Chubby... Many of the River for much of its fantastic tributaries which can provide for frustrating floating of Big.... Time to fish the Gallatin is open to float fishing becomes legal on the Gallatin is a smaller baetis blue. Too low length is not home to many monster trout be productive the... Is an exceptionally popular fly fishing gets conditions are and everything you need for a day!, only one over 18 inches anglers in search of consistently large rainbow or brown trout that call River! Lower twelve miles upstream from Three Forks, has virtually no access downstream from these sites on short..., good access, and some of the best places to fly fishing destinations best fishing! Specific gallatin river fishing access sites do exist, access is gained at the Gallatin River runs for than! For spooking the fish are eating attractor dries like royal Chubby Chernopbyls and on.