Gallatin River Fly Fishing
Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing on Bozeman’s Favorite River
Gallatin River Fly Fishing Trips
Gallatin River fly fishing trips with our Montana fly fishing guides offer anglers a unique combination of both float and wade fly fishing on one of Montana’s iconic rivers. The Gallatin is a smaller, more intimate river, than many of the surrounding waters. Originating high up in the Gallatin Range, the Gallatin River winds its way through Yellowstone National Park, on through the towns of Big Sky and Bozeman on its way to Three Forks where it joins the Madison and Jefferson Rivers to create the Missouri River.
We offer both float and wade fly fishing trips on the Gallatin River. Our fly fishing guides are all experienced professionals that have the knowledge, patience, and commitment to teaching to make your trip a success. The Gallatin River is one of the most scenic rivers in the state and offers great access all along its length. We use specialized rafts with fly fishing frames to float the Gallatin River through the Gallatin Valley and drift boats on the lower stretch of the river. Gallatin River fly fishing trips are great for anglers of all skill levels.
Gallatin River Fly Fishing
The Gallatin River runs right on the outskirts of Bozeman, MT and our fly fishing guides consider it our backyard. We know these waters well. The Gallatin offers anglers consistent fly fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout from early spring through late fall.
There is great access for wade fishing anglers along Highway 191 as the river courses through Yellowstone National Park and the Gallatin Canyon through Big Sky, MT. This stretch can be characterized as high alpine meadows that transitions to steep canyon whitewater. Below the Gallatin Canyon the river calms down as it courses through open farmland closer to Bozeman, Montana.
Dry fly fishing with stoneflies, caddisflies, and terrestrials can be effective throughout the summer months and nymphing is effective year-round. The streamer fly fishing can be excellent on the lower reaches of the Gallatin River and is a great place to hunt for larger brown trout. What the Gallatin River trout lack for in average size, they more than make up for with spunk and their willingness to rise to a dry fly.
The Gallatin is known to many as the “A River Runs Through it” river as many of the scenes from the classic movie were filmed along its scenic banks. The Gallatin River’s proximity to Big Sky, Montana make it a great winter fly fishing option in between ski days at Big Sky Ski Resort. The swift currents keep the water open to fly fishing except during the coldest of spells.
Book Your Next Montana Fly Fishing Trip
Plan Your Trip
Prime Season:
April 1- April 30 and July 1-September 15
Notable Hatches:
Spruce Moths (August); Salmonflies and Golden Stones (July 1-July15); Summer Caddis (July 1-August 15); Terrestrials (August 1-September 15)
Nearby Towns:
Bozeman, MT; Big Sky, MT; West Yellowstone, MT; Livingston, MT; Ennis, MT
Nearby Rivers:
Madison River, Yellowstone River, Jefferson River, Yellowstone National Park, Boulder River, Stillwater River