Gallatin River

Yellowstone National Park is where the Gallatin comes to life. Starting as a small stream in the backcountry from Gallatin Lake, here the Gallatin makes its way through some of the most scenic country. Increasing in size as it picks up cold snow from melted tributaries along the way, this gin-clear, glacier boulder field stretch is home to rainbows, browns, and the occasional Yellowstone cutthroat eager to take your hopper in the summer months. Be sure to bring your bear spray when fishing in this area, it is not uncommon to see grizzly bears or a mamma moose.

From the Park Line to Big Sky, the Gallatin River picks up a major tributary, the Taylors Fork, about 3 1/2 miles below the Yellowstone National Park line. During runoff or any major rain storm during the summer, the Taylors Fork can discharge mud making the downriver Gallatin water unfishable, sometimes for days. But when conditions are right you can pick away at each glacier boulder, most of which are holding trout.

North, or downstream, of Big Sky, Montana, the canyon is a popular spot for all recreation, including rafting and kayaking. With a high fish count per mile and plenty of public access, this can be a nice place to wet a line. Because of the multiple access areas in the Canyon section, the fishing pressure can be high.

The Gallatin Valley, from Spanish Creek tributary to the headwaters of the Missouri River, is an open valley surrounded by farmland. Cottonwood trees, which line the banks of some sections, protect the river from those windy days. Braided channels and slower moving water make this an ideal area for walk-n-wade trips. And the Gallatin’s deep pools and distinct runs in this stretch can produce larger trout!

When fishing the Gallatin River we recommend anglers be willing to walk up or down river from the public access locations to avoid other anglers.