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.