Gallatin River in Montana

From the high country of Yellowstone National Park to its confluence with the Missouri River, the Gallatin River is a classic Montana river with placid flats, raging rapids and great trout fishing. Anglers and adrenaline seekers can find equal satisfaction in this river that offers fishing, rafting and so much more.

Originating from Gallatin Lake in Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin River travels 115 miles through pristine wilderness areas, mountain canyons and high plains before it joins the Missouri River in Three Forks, Montana. Considered by many local anglers to be one of the best rivers for wade-in fishing, access to the Gallatin River is plentiful along Highway 191 between West Yellowstone and the Gallatin Gateway. In these sections, anglers can expect to see action from cutthroat and rainbow trout in the cold mountain water, an easy hike from their cars.

Although float fishing is forbidden on much of the river, recreational rafting is allowed and that's great news for those interested in taking scenic and whitewater rafting trips. Stretches of sustained Class I to Class IV rapids await on the Gallatin River, while gentler sections meander past sites made famous in the now-classic movie "A River Runs Through It."