Gallatin River Fly Fishing

Gallatin River Fishing is an angler’s paradise, offering pristine river water teeming with rainbow and brown trout in breathtaking surroundings of Yellowstone National Park and Gallatin County, near Bozeman, Montana.

  • The movie "A River Runs Through It" references the Gallatin River for some of its best fishing scenes.
  • Anglers wait eagerly for blue-winged olive mayflies and caddis hatches in April and May, signaling the return of optimum trout fishing.
  • September through November brings a major hatching period of hoppers, and trout feed hungrily on them.

Originating at 10,000 feet in northwest Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin River begins as a creek, gaining speed and water as it journeys through Yellowstone, and Gallatin Canyon near Bozeman and Big Sky, Montana, and continues north through Gallatin Gateway, Belgrade and Manhattan until it joins the Madison and Jefferson Rivers, creating the Missouri River near Three Forks.

The movie "A River Runs Through It" references the Gallatin River, one of the most prized rivers in Montana trout country, for some of its best fishing scenes.

Best Time to Fish

Anglers wait eagerly for blue-winged olive mayflies and numerous caddis hatches in April and May, signaling the return of optimum trout fishing. The large, colorful salmonfly moves upstream with its biggest appearance usually in late-June and early July. Fly fishing continues successfully until late August with Caddis hatches, terrestrial insects (flying ants and hoppers) and year-round midge populations. Rainbow and brown trout average 12-17" throughout the Gallatin River system.

There isn’t much competition for anglers casting for trout or the Mountain Whitefish in Gallatin River from December to February, so there’s more fish for the hearty souls who brave Montana’s weather.

Best Place to Fish

September through November brings a major hatching period of hoppers and trout feed hungrily on them as well as beetles and ants along Gallatin River banks. The crowds thin out and it's just you, the fish, and the beautiful Gallatin River.

View the local providers:

Creating custom angling adventures for novices to experts who want to unleash the secrets of Gallatin River rainbows and browns. Our photo gallery speaks for itself!
Phone (406) 333-4401
Anglers coming to fish the Gallatin River, stay in our comfortable cabins overlooking the river, some w/kitchenettes, on-site diner & nearby hiking. Yellowstone is 45 mins.
Phone (406) 763-4243
Guided fly fishing trips on area spring creeks, Gallatin, Yellowstone and Madison Rivers. In Bozeman, we are a full-service shop & outfitter just 5 minutes from the Gallatin.
Phone (406) 585-5321
Located in 4-Corners, on the way to the Gallatin River, we have inner tubes, rafts, drift boats and more to make your fishing safe and more enjoyable.
Phone (406) 587-4747
Elegant & romantic cabin accommodations above and adjacent to the Gallatin River in Bozeman. With 1/2 mile of river frontage at your door, and only 15 minutes to the Madison.
Phone (406) 581-4814
Offering outstanding private cabins and homes along the Gallatin, and on other great Montana waters. Cozy cabins to luxury lodges – for your next fishing vacation.
Phone (800) 550-4589

Related providers:

Who knows how to fish the Madison River best? Those who live & operate along the river everyday. Based near Ennis, we offer exceptional experiences for experts and beginners.
Phone (406) 682-5654

Other Online Resources

  • Montana Fishing
    Guide to West Yellowstone Montana fishing.
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