Gallatin River Fly Fishing Day Trips

Gallatin River Guide Trips

The Gallatin River flows just outside of Bozeman on its journey from the headwaters south of Big Sky to its terminus near Three Foks, Montana where it joins the Madison and Jefferson to form the Missouri River. This world-renowned freestone river is home to robust populations of wild rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.

A wildly diverse fishery awaits anglers fishing the Gallatin for the first time as its character changes dramatically from a small alpine stream to a meandering river over its 75 mile-course. Learn the intricacies of fly fishing this unique river with our expert Bozeman fly fishing guides on a Gallatin River guide trip.

Day Trip Options

Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips on the Gallatin River for over two decades. These trips are ideal for anglers with all skill levels and are available in 2 offerings:

• Float the lower Gallatin River between Manhattan and Three Forks during the summer and early fall seasons. Guest can expect to see very few other anglers while floating through a mixed patchwork of agricultural fields lined with towering cottonwood trees and the Horseshoe Hills.
• Wade along the river between Gallatin Gateway and the Yellowstone National Park boundary. Roadside public access is readily available, so we can easily fish multiple locations during the day – moving from one spot to another as conditions change.

Gallatin River Fly Fishing Trip Pricing

All options are priced as full day trips with the typical duration being 6-8 hours from meeting to drop off. Shorter itineraries are available, but the pricing remains the same.

• $695 total for groups of 1 or 2 anglers on float trips
• $1250 total for groups of 1 – 3 anglers on wade fishing trips*

We provide the use of gear, flies, terminal tackle, lunches, drinks, and transportation to and from the river with your guide.

The guides take care of everything from knot tying, fly selection, and helping with tangles in addition to providing helpful instructions on all aspects of the day. Whether they are rowing or wading alongside you during the day, they provide helpful instruction and assistance with all aspects of the fishing experience. Our guides are experts at reading water, understanding fly placement, identifying hatches, maneuvering through the waterways, and teaching all aspects of fly fishing.

Fishing licenses can be purchased online or at a variety of sporting goods stores in the region and are not included in the pricing. Guide gratuities are paid directly to the guide at the end of the trip and at your discretion. We provide license purchasing instructions and tip recommendations in our confirmation packets.

Booking Instructions

Reservations can be placed online, through e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.

* It’s important to note that the wade fishing options will need to be booked through e-mail or phone – they are not available for online booking. The river is slippery, difficult to wade, and can be very busy during the summer months, so this is rarely the “best” choice for a Bozeman fly fishing trip.

Articles From The Montana Fly Fishing Blog