Overview

Originating from Gallatin Lake in Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin River travels 120 miles through pristine wilderness area, mountain canyons, and high alpine meadows before it joins the Missouri River in Three Forks, Montana.  The Gallatin River caters to the outdoor enthusiast's appetite by delivering epic whitewater rapids, bountiful areas for fishing, and breathtaking scenery ideal for camping or sightseeing.

Fishing

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.

Considered by many local anglers to be one of the best rivers for wade 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 waters.  

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. 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.

Have a guide take you to the best fishing areas with a local guided fly fishing trip.

Rafting

One of the primo whitewater runs in the Yellowstone-Teton area, the Gallatin River makes for an intense rafting trip.  In June, when the mountain snow melts, the Gallatin River boasts a class IV section called the "mad mile."  This stretch offers a mile long stretch of challenging whitewater guaranteed to wet your whistle.  Get on board with a guided rafting trip and see what the fun is all about!

Camping

There are plenty of seasonal camping sites available that overlook the Gallatin River.  Nestle yourself in the shade of pine trees and watch as rafting parties pass by your campground.

Highlights

• Experience the river where the now-classic movie, "A River Runs Through It" was filmed.
• Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife!  The Gallatin River Montana is home to bighorn sheep, black bears, elk, wolves, coyotes, fox, and bald eagles.