Fishing the Gallatin Montana

As a former term-limited Montana legislator who sat as Chairman of the Fish Wildlife & Parks committee and someone who has had the privilege of growing up here in Montana catching trout for over 50 years, I thought I might share some valuable information. In 2001 I sponsored HB 292 which became law and was signed by then Governor Judy Martz. It has always been my interest in seeing more people having access to Montana’s incredible blue ribbon trout streams and rivers. That is what HB 292 did and why it was called the Fishing Access Enhancement Program.

With that said, fishing and catching haven’t always gone hand in hand. So I am going to attempt to start a series here that will help Montana anglers and those visitors to Montana who choose to answer the call of the river. Since I now live in Bozeman, the heart of some of the very best trout fishing in the world I’ll start with a river that is a local favorite around here the Gallatin River.

The Gallatin River runs 89 miles from the Yellowstone National Park boundary to Three Forks. The nearest lodging available for quick access is in West Yellowstone, Bozeman, and Big Sky. The best hatch on the Gallatin, if you are lucky enough to catch it, is the green drake hatch in late June and early July. These large mayflies don’t come off in massive hatch-like numbers, but those that do are gobbled up and a favorite of the Gallatin trout.

When serious anglers think of fly-fishing in Montana, they undoubtedly think of the classic film A River Runs Through It. While the story in the movie is set on the Blackfoot River just outside of Missoula, much of the movie was filmed on the Gallatin River.

The Gallatin River is easy to spend a day on exploring the channels and casting a dry fly, but can be distracting because of the picaresque mountain meadows and scenery around you. Most the fish you will catch are rainbows in the 10- to 14-inch range. Don’t expect monster fish, while trophy fish are there, they are few and far between. If you’re happy catching modest-sized, beautifully speckled rainbows and lots of them, this is your river. Fortunately, the Gallatin runs along Highway 191 and follows the river through the canyon and provides easy access and reaching the river a breeze.

In the summer, you can have success catching on attractor dry flies, like stimulators, elk hair caddis, my personal favorite and parachute Adams. But always hit the local fly shop and don’t be afraid to try their top recommendation to elevate your catch opportunity.

In early summer, the Gallatin sees a significant golden stonefly hatch. However, there are caddis, pale morning duns, and green drakes present at the same time. I like to work the seams and eddies as well as the obvious deep pools where you find them. Sometimes you will find nice sized trout in less than a foot of water.

The Gallatin River is also a great river to fish terrestrial patterns. The steep walls of the Gallatin Canyon are covered with conifer trees that provide habitat for beetles, moths, and flying ants. Always take time to check your surroundings when you find the place you are going to fish... and you will catch. A terrestrial may be the catcher of the day.

Finally, always remember that fishing is a privilege and please be respectful and don’t leave trash behind. Keeping our rivers and streams pristine is something we take seriously in Montana. Email me and let me know what river you want me to write about next in this series catching fish in Montana. [email protected]