Gallatin River

Although the fish numbers per mile on the Gallatin River in Yellowstone National Park are lower than the numbers closer to Bozeman Montana, the fish size, the incredible scenery, and less angler pressure make a full day wade trip worth it! Being able to hole hop, or “leapfrog” your fishing companion to cover a lot of water is the best tactic when fishing this section of the Gallatin River. Open to fishing from Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the first Sunday in November.

Yellowstone National Park is where the Gallatin comes to life. Starting as a small stream in the backcountry from Gallatin Lake, here the Gallatin makes its way through some of the most scenic country. Increasing in size as it picks up cold snow melted tributaries along the way, this gin clear glacier boulder field stretch is home to rainbows, browns, and the occasional Yellowstone cutthroat eager to take your hopper in the summer months. Be sure to bring your bear spray when fishing in this area, it is not uncommon to see grizzly bears or a mamma moose.

Unlike Montana, Yellowstone National park has a fishing season and legal fishing hours; Open to fishing from Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the first Sunday in November. Legal fishing hours are from sunrise to sunset. Barbless flies and lead-free weight is mandatory on all YNP waters. For more information please review the current YNP fishing regulations.

NOTE: Felt sole wading boots are prohibited on all rivers in Yellowstone National Park. Trout On The Fly offers non-felt rental gear if needed.