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Gallatin River

Boat Ramps
13
Access Points
60
Species
9

The Gallatin River is a premier fly fishing destination that originates at Gallatin Lake high in the mountains of Yellowstone National Park at an elevation of 8,834 feet. This blue ribbon trout stream flows north for approximately 120 miles through Montana before joining the Madison and Jefferson rivers to form the Missouri River near Three Forks. The Gallatin transforms dramatically throughout its journey - from a small mountain stream in Yellowstone to a fast-flowing river carving through the scenic Gallatin Canyon, and finally widening as it meanders through the fertile Gallatin Valley. Characterized by crystal clear water, diverse aquatic habitats, and stunning mountain scenery, the Gallatin offers exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels throughout the year.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Gallatin River and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Gallatin River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Gallatin River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Montana licenses and regulations

Montana Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Montana Fishing License

All anglers 12 and over must possess a license.

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Montana Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Montana Stream Access Laws

Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high water marks. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water-related recreation, it does not give them the right to enter private lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams without landowner permission. Montana's stream access law ensures public access to surface waters by public bridge or county road right-of-way. The width of a public bridge or public road right-of-way easement is the same as the public highway to which it is attached.

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Take Gallatin River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Gallatin River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Gallatin River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Gallatin River and check the forecast before you go.

Gallatin River above Deer Creek, near Big Sky, MT

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