It originates in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming, in the Gallatin Range of the Rocky Mountains. It flows northwest through Gallatin National Forest, past Big Sky, Montana, and joins the Jefferson and Madison approximately 30 mi (48 km) northwest of Bozeman.
Table of Contents
What is the best month for fly fishing in Montana?
- Late April to Early July.
- Mid July until early September.
- September and October.
What kind of fish are in the Gallatin River?
Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, Whitefish, Brook and a few Arctic Grayling.
Can you float the Gallatin?
Gallatin River Half Day Scenic. Spend time with friends and family, float the river, and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. This is a great trip for those who do not want big splashes or any whitewater. The trip is about 3 hours, but varies depending on water levels.
What is the best fishing river in Montana?
- 1) The Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River has always had a special place in our hearts and we without a doubt consider it the best river to fly fish in Montana.
- 2) The Missouri River.
- 3) The Madison River.
- 4) The Blackfoot River.
- 5) The Bighorn River.
Can you fly fish in Montana in March?
March fly fishing in Montana is early season spring fishing at its finest. Our rivers are empty, trout are hungry, weather is cool, and the fly fishing can be outstanding. Anglers interested in Montana fly fishing trips during the month of March will enjoy our Spring Special Trips.
Is Gallatin River open for fishing?
Gallatin River Fishing Regulations The Gallatin River outside Yellowstone National Park is open to fishing year-round.
Where can I fish on Gallatin River Montana?
All an angler has to do to fish in the upper section of the Gallatin (above Spanish Creek) is to pull over to the side of the road and go. Once the Gallatin River leaves Yellowstone National Park, the river flows through very mountainous country, with steep mountains towering above the river.
Is the Gallatin River a Freestone?
The Gallatin is a freestone river and not dam-controlled; therefore you can expect what nature provides: fairly wadeable and consistent flows from mid-summer through mid-spring (300-400 cfs), followed by a heavy late-spring runoff (peaking around 4,000-8,000 cfs), the severity and duration of which is entirely …
Is the Gallatin River good for fishing?
Because of the very high trout density, this river often produces fast action and high catch rates. The Gallatin is designated a wade fishing river only with the exception of the lower river. We sometimes use small rafts on the river in order to taxi from hot spot to hot spot where we get out and wade fish.
What flies on the Gallatin River?
During periods of warm weather, the Gallatin can fish well on nymphs, small streamers, and baetis dry flies. If you can find a warm day coupled with some overcast weather, take your dry fly rod and go for a walk! You’ll most likely find several fish rising in slicks or behind rocks to BWOs.
Can you kayak Gallatin River?
The Gallatin River is one of Montana’s most famous kayaking rivers. Kayakers from around the country come here to paddle the Gallatin’s famous rapids. Check this off your bucket list with Geyser Whitewater Expeditions. Our Sit-on-Top kayak trips allow you to be a whitewater kayaker in just a few minutes.
What class is the Gallatin River?
River Info The Gallatin River is most famous for its ‘Mad Mile’ section โ a section of continuous Class III whitewater that flirts with Class IV during high water.
How do you catch trout in Montana?
- Use foam patterns when fishing dries.
- Use less weight nymph fishing.
- Make less false casts.
- Raise your rod height.
How do you pronounce Gallatin River?

What river in Montana has the biggest trout?
The Yellowstone River is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 and one of North America’s most productive wild trout fisheries. This large river drains much of Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding wilderness areas.
What city in Montana has the best fishing?
Bozeman is one of Montana’s best destinations for outdoor activities. The city has excellent cuisine, vibrant culture, and access to internationally renowned fly-fishing. Within a one-hour drive in the area, you will get to some of the finest trout fisheries in the western part of the country.
Where is the best place to fly fish?
- Russia.
- Alaska.
- Brazil.
- New Zealand.
- Cuba.
- Tierra Del Fuego.
- Florida.
- Montana.
How long is fly fishing season in Montana?
The Montana Fishing Season typically runs from about March 1st through about November 1st. These are the prime months for fly fishing in Montana, although we really fish year-round.
Can you fish in Montana in April?
April is arguably the most diverse month of the fishing season in regards to fishing techniques and hatches. Spring weather in Montana is notoriously fickle and can produce both balmy warm days and blizzard like winter weather.
Where can I fish in Montana in March?
- Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River is a prime option during spring when water and weather conditions cooperate.
- Paradise Valley Spring Creeks.
- Lower Madison.
- Gallatin River.
- Missouri River.
What is a chubby fly?

What is a PMD fly fishing?
Pale Morning Duns or PMDs provide some of the finest dry fly action of the summer. They are classified as crawler nymphs. Nymphs, emergers, cripples, duns, and spinners are very important to catch the most selective trout. Spinners vary according to sex.
How do you tie a moth fly?

What is a spruce moth?
Spruce Moths are endemic parasites that feed on the new growth of Douglas Fir, Subalpine Fir, and Engelmann Spruce trees. Adult moths hatch from their pupal cases in late July or early August. After emerging the adults are viable for 7 to 10 days in which time they mate, deposit eggs, and die.