Gallatin River Fishing Report

Information
Maclean’s famous story, A River Runs Through It, is set on the now famous Blackfoot River. Despite this, Robert Redford’s 1992 movie version was largely filmed on the Gallatin as he felt the scenery and fishing were more cinematic. The river originates high in the mountains of the Gallatin Range inside Yellowstone National Park and flows for 115 miles until it intersects with the beginning of the Missouri River at Three Forks. Inside the Park, where it runs for more than 25 miles, floating is not allowed and there are restrictions on fishing. Once it exits the park, it crosses a forty-mile expanse of mostly public lands, and runs parallel to a highway that makes it quite accessible. Because the river is narrow for much of its run, float fishing is restricted from Yellowstone Park to the confluence with the East Gallatin River. No wonder this river has a great reputation for wade fishing!


Unimpeded by dams, the river provides consistent, easily waded flows from mid-summer through mid-spring. Rainbows predominate with an estimated 1400, 8+ inch, fish per mile from the West Fork confluence at Big Sky to the mouth of the canyon. Browns are abundant accompanied by occasional cutthroats, brook trout, white fish and graylings. New to the lower most band of the river are northern pike. Never known for trophy trout, the river offers excellent dry fly fishing and beautiful surroundings. Since the fish are recognized as indiscriminate eaters, the Gallatin has come to be known as an excellent river for those learning to fly fish.
 
blog sign up
 
Like much of Montana, the River played a significant role in the state’s history. First explored by Native American hunters, by the early 1900’s, the area eventually became known to fur-trappers and gold prospectors. By the turn of the twentieth century logging rose in importance to the local economy as loggers famously rode the logs down river to prevent them from jamming. The towns of Bozeman and Three Forks are most closely associated with the River although given the importance of Maclean’s legacy, Livingston should also be considered as part of its history and heritage.
 
Featured Fishing Trips
Guided Fishing Trips
$
525
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
The Gallatin River is one of the closest, in proximity to Bozeman, Montana. As it makes its course from Yellowstone National Park to the Headwaters of the Missouri River, the Gallatin ... moreRiver flows through a diverse topography. High mountain meadows near Yellowstone Park, robust pocket water through the Gallatin Canyon, and the wide open spaces of the Gallatin Valley offer three distinct environments in which to fish and explore this fine river. Since it is smaller than many of our other rivers, the Gallatin offers a good opportunity for fishing on foot. Consistent hatches of caddis, mayflies and stoneflies throughout the season make the Gallatin an easy choice on any day.
$
525
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
With over 55 combined years of experience fishing the Montana rivers, we have the deep knowledge needed to guide you down this Blue Ribbon River. Located in Ennis, Montana, one of ... morethe top fly fishing towns in the world, Red Mountain Adventures is conveniently located to help you with your fishing experience on the Gallatin River.

Our guided float trips on the Gallatin River are perfect for novices to experts who gain from our deep knowledge and instruction on the Gallatin River. Book with us today and enjoy the best in Montana fly fishing.
Additional Information
Tributaries:
The Gallatin River is a tributary of the Missouri River
Source:
Gallatin Mountain Range
Mouth:
The Missouri River
Length:
120 miles
Seasonal Conditions
Season
Temperature
Hatches
Spring
37 - 65
 F
Baetis, mayflies and early stone flies hatch; use parachute adams or royal wullfs
Summer
46 - 79
 F
Warmer water brings salmon flies, caddis, golden stones, yellow sallies, pale morning duns & tricos & spruce moths; use royal trude or elk hair caddis
Fall
22 - 45
 F
Blue winged olives dominate; nymph and streamers
Winter
18 - 40
 F
Use stonefly nymphs and midge patterns as trout move to slower, deeper runs
Game Fish Opportunities
Latest Guide Fishing Reports
Guide Reports
The Gallatin River has been fishing well with the forecast for a warm-up this weekend. This should provide even better fishing. The ice has been breaking up siring up food from the ... morebottom. This has been providing some good fishing. The open canyon and valley stretches of waters up to Big Sky are fishing very well. The winter stones are hatching so nymphing seems to be the best. Small black stonefly nymphs are working the best. It is best to jump from one deep run to another. Look for currents that are steady enough to bring food to trout yet not too strong.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Monday, 1 Feb, 2016
Fish Caught:
1-3 fish
Last week the fishing was quite good with the warmer weather. But with the storm that has rolled in, the temperatures have dropped into the mid 20’s making the fishing conditions ... morea bit more challenging. The fishing itself has been very good. Make sure to layer up during the week if you are going to be out there. Towards the end of the week the temperatures should move up in the 40’s with sun on Saturday. Some good Midge hatches may materialize during this time. Watch out for the ice build up during the week. The valley is where we would fishing on the Gallatin River. The water temperatures are more stable. Nymphs are our best choice with Stoneflies and Midges. Look for the Fish to be in deep pools and large seems. On Saturday you may also see some fish rise to Midges.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Tuesday, 15 Dec, 2015
River ice is building up with the lower temperatures so be careful on the Gallatin River. Find a safe place to wade fishing that is stable. The lower water is pushing the trout into ... moredeeper pools, runs, and foam seam lines. Make sure to hit every inches when you find a good spot as the trout don’t want to move much at this time of year. Midges, streamers, and blue-winged olives are your best bet.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Tuesday, 1 Dec, 2015
Because of the significant change in weather, the fishing has been slow recently. Ice is developing along the shore so be careful. Looks like possibly snowy weather for the next few ... moreday, so fishing mid-day will be your best chances. Be patient and hit every inch of a foam seam line or deep hole. The fish don’t want to move much in the winter so you have to put it right on them.
Fishing Water Report:
Date:
Sunday, 15 Nov, 2015
Fishing Trips
The Gallatin River is one of the closest, in proximity to Bozeman, Montana. As it makes its course from Yellowstone National Park to the Headwaters of the Missouri River, the Gallatin ... moreRiver flows through a diverse topography. High mountain meadows near Yellowstone Park, robust pocket water through the Gallatin Canyon, and the wide open spaces of the Gallatin Valley offer three distinct environments in which to fish and explore this fine river. Since it is smaller than many of our other rivers, the Gallatin offers a good opportunity for fishing on foot. Consistent hatches of caddis, mayflies and stoneflies throughout the season make the Gallatin an easy choice on any day.
  • Rods and flies are included. Wader rentals are available
  • Lunches are included with full day trips
The Gallatin is a great freestone River with lots of opportunities to catch wild trout. Located near Big Sky, Montana, it's one of those rivers you just have to cross off your bucket ... morelist. Our wade trips take you along some of the most beautiful and fishable trout stretches of the famous river. Scenes from the movie A River Runs Through It were filmed along the Gallatin river and fly fishermen will recognize the beauty and serenity from Hollywood's adaptation. Anglers can expect mostly rainbows in the 10 to 12 inch range on average and of course some opportunities for pigs as well. There are also whitefish and brown trout but they are not as common. The Gallatin is a great place to learn the basics of fly fishing.
  • Full-day of professionally guided fly fishing for up to two anglers
  • Lunch, drinks, and snacks
  • Flies and other needed gear
With over 55 combined years of experience fishing the Montana rivers, we have the deep knowledge needed to guide you down this Blue Ribbon River. Located in Ennis, Montana, one of ... morethe top fly fishing towns in the world, Red Mountain Adventures is conveniently located to help you with your fishing experience on the Gallatin River.

Our guided float trips on the Gallatin River are perfect for novices to experts who gain from our deep knowledge and instruction on the Gallatin River. Book with us today and enjoy the best in Montana fly fishing.
Current Forecast
Water Flow
Fishing Access Sites
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Gallatin River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
271 acres
Elevation:
4,154 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing
Boat Services:
Ramp
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Gallatin River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
10 acres
Elevation:
4,236 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing, Hunting
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Gallatin River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
72 acres
Elevation:
4,436 ft
Activities:
Fishing, Hunting
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Gallatin River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
154 acres
Elevation:
4,524 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing, Hunting
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Gallatin River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
8 acres
Elevation:
4,682 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Gallatin River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
4 acres
Elevation:
4,823 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Hand Launch
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Gallatin River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
14 acres
Elevation:
5,377 ft
Activities:
Fishing
1 reviews   0 comments
Fishing Quality
(5.0 of 5)
Scenery
(5.0 of 5)
Access
(5.0 of 5)
Water quality
(5.0 of 5)
Top Fly Fishing Rivers in the US
The Gallatin River is rated as one of the top trout fishing rivers in the US byBob Mallard, author of 25 Best Towns - Fly Fishing for Trout
Fishing Quality
Scenery
Access
Water quality
0
0

Discover Your Own Fishing and Hunting Adventures

With top destinations, guided trips, outfitters and guides, and river reports, you have everything you need.