Here are three of the best vacation spots in Montana that offer great fly fishing and diverse options for family friendly fun.1. Bozeman, Montana

1. Bozeman, Montana

The Fishing Near Bozeman

I consider Bozeman the best place to trout fish in Montana. That’s why I started guiding here 25 years ago and still call Bozeman home today. The Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin are all less than a half hour away. The mountains around town cradle fantastic lesser-known small streams and creeks that support abundant trout populations. Hyalite Reservoir balances easy road access with beautiful views and plenty of fish.

Bozeman draws people in for reasons far beyond fly fishing. It’s the perfect place to base-camp for your family’s Montana vacation and adventure.

Other Things to do Near Bozeman

Unlike some other mountain destination “towns,” downtown Bozeman boasts a vibrant community. Main Street bustles year-round but especially in the summer months, attracting visitors and locals alike with shopping, dining, drinking, and entertainment.

Any shoppers in your family will love the wide array of classy, practical, and quirky retail options downtown. Interesting art galleries, well-stocked outdoor stores, elegant clothing boutiques, off-beat record shops, Bozeman has it all.

You can also expect world-class gastronomical experiences. From food trucks to fine dining, craft-breweries to wine bars, Irish pubs to mixologist cocktail lounges, this town punches well above its size.

Don’t skip the Museum of the Rockies, especially if you have a dinosaur lover. This museum houses an impressive collection of fossils, including the largest T-Rex skull ever discovered. Enjoy exhibits about the native tribes of the area, a settler’s museum that provides hands-on demonstrations of homesteading life, and a planetarium.

Hikers appreciate the many trail options in and around town. The Galligator Trail and Peet’s Hill run right through Bozeman, allowing you to take a lovely streamside or hillside walk without ever leaving the city. Just slightly farther afield, you will find the M trail (short but very steep), and the Drinking Horse Trail (great for kids or others who don’t like challenging walks).

Taking a float tube down the Lower Madison river is a favorite Bozeman past time in the heat of summer. Brings some kind of floating device, a lot of sunblock, and a selection of your favorite beverages.

2. Gardiner, Montana

Located just outside the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Gardiner, Montana invites adventurous families. While this little hamlet of less than 600 year-round residents doesn’t provide nearly the amenities you’ll find in Bozeman, it’s right on the doorstep of America’s first national park and surrounded by incredible outdoor opportunities.

The Fishing Near Gardiner

Situated on the banks of the upper Yellowstone River, Gardiner is one of the best famlily vacation spots in Montana with immediate access to some of the best freestone dry fly fishing in the country. This stretch teems with wild, native Yellowstone cutthroat trout that seem to prefer finding their food on the surface. Anglers can fish early or late in the day and still have plenty of time for non-fishing activities. From Gardiner, you can access the numerous rivers and creeks in northeastern Yellowstone National Park—from the nearby Gardner and Yellowstone Rivers, to the slightly further Slough Creek, Lamar River, Trout Lake, and Soda Butte Creek, among many other options.

Non-Fishing Adventures Near Gardiner

Most families visit Gardiner for Yellowstone National Park. Staying in town offers more accommodation and amenities, while remaining close to the geysers, prismatic pools, iconic wildlife, and breathtaking scenery that draws millions of visitors every year. The town of Gardiner, however, has more going for it than proximity to Yellowstone.

In addition to excellent fishing, this section of the Yellowstone River races through several whitewater sections. A guided raft trip will cool you off on a hot summer day when the fishing is usually at its slowest. Rapids in this area run from Class I-III, giving a nice balance of leisurely float and bumpy ride.

Dude ranches stud the hills near Gardiner, offering guided horseback riding for all experience levels. Whether you want to test out a short one-hour excursion or book a full day immersive experience in the Absaroka Beartooth Mountains, you’ll find plenty of options around Gardiner.

Those who want to move a bit faster over the landscape should visit the zipline park. Soar down a mountainside far above the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem while safely strapped into a protective harness.

To relax and unwind, head a few miles down Paradise Valley to Chico Hot Springs for a nice long soak. They also have a fantastic bar with great live music, a luxury spa, and a dining room serving five-star cuisine.

3. Big Sky, Montana

About halfway between Bozeman and the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park, you’ll find Big Sky, which is one of the most popular vacation spots in Montana. While best known as a winter skiing destination, Big Sky makes an excellent choice for a fly fishing vacation basecamp any time of year. Big Sky splits the difference between Bozeman and Gardiner for amenities. You won’t find as many shopping, eating, and drinking options as you will in Bozeman, but it’s not as remote as Gardiner.

Big Sky Fly Fishing

Driving from Bozeman to Big Sky will be an exercise in restraint as you wind along the banks of the Gallatin River. Try to keep your eyes on the road. The town of Big Sky sits just a few minutes’ drive from the upper Gallatin with its ample wade fishing access. Enjoy a few hours casting before or after a day of shared family fun.

In addition to the nearby Gallatin, you’re not far from the legendary Upper Madison, where you should spend a day floating on a guided trip. If you’ve got time to roam, explore Hebgen Lake, the famed Henry’s Fork in Idaho, and the phenomenal trout streams on the western side of Yellowstone National Park.

Non-Fishing Adventures near Big Sky

Big Sky Resort is the largest ski area in North America and a top wintertime destination for anyone who enjoys skiing or snowboarding. (Winter fishing around here can be pretty good too.) When the snows melt and summer arrives, Big Sky Resort transforms into a warm-weather playground. The main draw at the mountain is downhill mountain biking. Let the lifts carry you up and gravity bring you and your mountain bike back to the lodge as fast as you dare.

If breakneck biking isn’t your speed, Big Sky serves up plenty of alternatives. Ouzel Falls trail suits just about everyone with a very moderate climb and a gorgeous waterfall. If you’re feeling up for it, try the Beehive Basin Trail for a more vigorous hike.

Got a golfer in the family? Tee off in the shadow of Lone Peak on Big Sky’s world class par 72, 18-hole course. You won’t find a better backdrop to spoil a good walk at 6,500 feet.

The somewhat sprawling vacation community of Big Sky gives you a plethora of lodging options and numerous restaurants, bars, and breweries. If you’re there during the summer, stop by the Farmer’s Market in the Town Center. Every Wednesday you’ll find all manner of fresh and prepared foods as well as local art, jewelry, crafts, and family fun.

Montana Fishing Vacations Can Include the Whole Family

A Montana fly fishing vacation doesn’t have to exclude or annoy your non-fishing family. Contact Fins and Feathers Fly Fishing, and let us help you build a Montana vacation that will make everyone happy.