Gallatin River Fly Fishing

Nestled between the Gallatin and Madison Mountains with deep pools, high velocity riffles, and an abundance of boulder-formed pocket water

What you can expect

As a guest at TroutChasers, you’ll have prime fishing access on this picturesque Montana river. Best known for its excellent summer dry fly fishing and the setting for the movie "A River Runs Through It," the Gallatin River has great pocket water with a healthy population of trout. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Jason and our expert fishing guides can access stretches of the Gallatin River that receive little to no pressure and are often overlooked or inaccessible to other anglers

  • Our most popular Gallatin River float offers the opportunity to see deer, elk, eagles, and finish up right at the Lodge property.

  • Species you may catch on the Gallatin: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, Whitefish, Arctic Grayling

  • The average size trout in the stretch of the Gallatin we fish range from 12–16 inches, with some fish exceeding 18 inches.

  • The Gallatin sees a great number of insects hatching throughout the summer with awesome dry fly fishing being had from May through July.

  • August brings a drop in flows from irrigation, and the hatches will line up from mid-September through October.

Gallatin River Fly Fishing Seasons

The spring and fall fly fishing seasons bring the larger rainbows and browns out when these larger fish grab your fly it will excite you!

The Gallatin sees a great number of insects hatching throughout the summer with awesome dry fly fishing being had from May through July. August brings a drop in flows from irrigation, and the hatches will line up from mid-September through October. During the peak summer months, the river’s cool, clear waters provide ideal conditions for anglers targeting active trout. The fall season, with its vibrant foliage and fewer crowds, offers a peaceful and productive fishing experience.

Get To Know The Gallatin River

Explore the diverse waters of the Gallatin River. Our guides are eager to share their knowledge and help you create an unforgettable fly fishing experience.

Why We Love Fishing the Gallatin River

“The Gallatin has to be my favorite river to fish! The diversity it offers from its beginning in Yellowstone National Park, to the abundant fish in the Canyon, to the larger fish on the Valley floor is amazing!”

— Jason Fleury, Outfitter/Guide, Co-owner

Frequently Asked Questions About Fly Fishing on the Gallatin River

Get prepared for your fly fishing adventure on Montana’s Gallatin River with these frequently asked questions.

  • The Gallatin River is unique due to its variety of fishing environments, from high mountain streams to broad valley stretches, offering diverse fishing opportunities for different trout species. Quintessential, western waters. Small, intimate. It’s what you picture when you think of the Rocky Mountains. There is abundant wildlife, lack of people, and eager fish.

  • In regards to peak fishing times, outside of the first two weeks of June, when runoff typically occurs, the Gallatin offers great fishing year round.

  • Traditional attractor dry flies work great on the Gallatin.  Stimulators, Royal Wulff, Purple Haze, and Chubby Chernoble’s are tough to beat for dry flies. An assortment of Perdigon jig nymphs, and smaller streamers round out a basic assortment.

Plan Your Adventure

Experience the Best of the Gallatin River

Join us for an unforgettable fly fishing adventure on the Gallatin River. Book your trip today and discover why this river is a favorite among anglers.