Gallatin River
The Gallatin River runs along Highway 191 south of Bozeman toward Big Sky and Yellowstone, and it's some of the best blue-ribbon trout water in Montana. Fly fishing here draws anglers from all over the world, and it doesn't take much more than a rod and a guide to get started.
In summer, the Gallatin Canyon section is popular for whitewater rafting and tubing on hot days, with outfitters running trips out of Big Sky and Gallatin Gateway. Come fall, the canyon's cottonwoods turn gold along the river, making the drive itself worth the trip.
Where to see the river
The Gallatin runs about 120 miles, from Gallatin Lake in Yellowstone to the Missouri River at Three Forks. It is great for wade fishing and, in the right season, for whitewater.
Axtell Bridge fishing access. The easy stop. From Four Corners, drive south on US 191 for about 4 miles and turn at Axtell Bridge Road. Park, walk the bank, get your feet wet, or wade in to fish.
The canyon. US 191 follows the river south toward Big Sky, with turnouts along the way. Stop closer to Bozeman if you can. The highway is two lanes with tight corners and fast traffic, and it gets harder to pull over safely once you are deep in the canyon.
The lower river. From Manhattan to the Missouri, the river is open to floating.
How the river changes through the year
The Gallatin is a freestone river, so snowmelt sets the pace. Late spring runoff makes it high, cold and fast. By July the water is clearer and calmer. Trout fishing is usually best right after runoff and through mid to late summer, and the river stays open all year.
Getting there
From Bozeman, take Huffine Lane west to Four Corners, then turn south on US 191 into the canyon.
