Montana

Gallatin River Lodge

Bozeman

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Season

April-October

Species

Rainbow & Brown Trout

Ideal For

All Anglers

Fine Accommodations Just Outside of Bozeman

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On 20 acres just outside the town of Bozeman, Montana sits the Gallatin River Lodge, a full-service fishing lodge situated within easy striking distance of the Yellowstone River, the Lower Gallatin, the Upper and Lower Madison, and numerous spring creeks and lakes (all less than an hour’s drive from the Lodge). As for “home waters,” a short walk across a meadow on the Lodge property leads to two miles of private access on the Gallatin River, excellent water for both brown and rainbow trout. Your room is the perfect place to return to after a long day on the water and the exceptionally comfortable accommodations are matched nicely by the outstanding cuisine. The Gallatin River Grill and Bar has rightfully earned its reputation of serving the best food in Bozeman, with a menu featuring a wide range of entrees and appetizers plus nightly specials to choose from.

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Lodging Details
The Gallatin River Lodge is located on 20 acres near the Gallatin River, ten miles west of Bozeman, Montana. The cedar post-and-beam building offers spectacular views of five mountain ranges, and the landscape is beautiful and unspoiled. A large heron rookery is within sight of the Lodge, and eagles, osprey, and sandhill cranes are regulars to the property as well. Whitetail deer, beaver, mink, muskrat, fox, and pheasant inhabit this riparian area. The Lodge’s private trout pond is just outside the front door and the Gallatin River is simply a ten-minute walk across hay meadows.

All six Lodge Suites feature elegant oak furniture and private baths with a large Jacuzzi tub and shower. A king or queen-sized bed, Mission-style couch, beautiful fir floors, Tiffany lamps, satellite TV, and western artwork adorn each suite. Large windows offer superb views of the mountains and river terrain. Air conditioning is available in every room. A library, fly tying table and lounge area is open to guests on the second floor. The great room with a large stone fireplace faces the trout pond and the Spanish Peaks just south of the Lodge. A century-old oak bar graces the dining room.

The Trout Lodge has four downstairs guest rooms with contemporary furnishings, king-sized beds or two twin beds, private bathrooms with large walk-in showers, and flat-screen televisions. These rooms open onto covered patios with views of the pond. The upstairs two-bedroom suite offers sleeping accommodations for up to six guests, two bathrooms, a wet bar, an entertainment room, and a private deck overlooking the pond and framing the Spanish Peaks.

Food and Beverages
The chefs feature creative Montana cuisine, a blend of homemade cooking and restaurant fare. The full-service bar offers an extensive wine list, with innovative cocktails created onsite. You will find a hand-picked selection of Montana microbrews, a full selection of premier liquors, and outstanding wines to accompany your meal. The wine list boasts unique selections from around the globe with more than 120 bottles to choose from. Each aspect of dinner at the Lodge is made from in-house ingredients; from the bread baked daily to Chef Craig’s famous huckleberry ice cream. The culinary team works exceptionally hard to bring an array of Montana products to your table.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
We are happy to assist you or your family in the organization of non-angling activities during your stay. Remember that Yellow Dog can customize any trip package! If you want to fish less and sightsee more, let us know. Whether it’s horseback riding, touring Yellowstone National Park, hunting, hiking, or exploring, give us a call to discuss your needs and desires.

Internet / Communications
Internet access is available at the Lodge. Most cell phones work in southwest Montana. Be sure to check with your service provider prior to your trip regarding specific coverage in the area.

General Information
Gallatin River Lodge’s team of experienced and professional guides fish all of the “great” waters located in this part of Southwest Montana.

Gallatin River
The Gallatin River is a 10-minute walk beyond the door of the Lodge, just across adjacent hay meadows. The Gallatin flows over 90 miles with hundreds of small creeks adding to its flow. It originates from springs in Yellowstone National Park and flows to Three Forks, the birthplace of the Missouri River. The three sections of the Gallatin are the Meadow, Canyon, and Valley.

The Meadow stretch extends approximately 30 miles from Yellowstone to Big Sky. Riffles, runs, and pocket water characterizes the Gallatin here. Rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and cut-bow hybrids inhabit this area. The Canyon stretch extends about 25 miles through a narrow, shaded, rocky gorge. The classic river fishing scenes from A River Runs Through It were filmed in this section.

The Valley section contains 35 miles of classic Western freestone water. The Gallatin River Lodge sits along this section. Offering excellent wading for browns and rainbows, the river primarily braids through private ranch property. Larger browns and rainbows can be found in this section. Access is more limited than the upper sections.

The last five miles of the river can be accessed by boat, but all other areas cannot be fished from watercraft.

April and early May are excellent months to fish the Gallatin. Anglers fish stonefly, attractor nymphs, and streamer patterns and also see consistent midge and baetis hatches during these months. By late May, runoff begins and the Gallatin usually is not fishable until mid-June. Late June is salmon fly time on the Gallatin. July brings salmon flies, golden stones, caddis, and PMDs. Attractor nymphs work well throughout the summer months. August and September are hoppers, caddis, and attractor dry months. October is one of the best months on the Gallatin and streamers and nymphs are quite productive.

East Gallatin
The East Gallatin runs north of town and eventually meets up with the Gallatin. Surrounded mostly by private farmland, access is limited and all fishing is done by wading. The East Gallatin is a smaller stream that holds good numbers of rainbows and browns and can be very productive. It’s a great alternative to fishing the Gallatin and is within 20 minutes of the Lodge.

Madison River
The Madison River is within 30 miles of the Lodge. It contains three sections as well: the Upper section in Yellowstone National Park, the tailwater of Hebgen Dam, and the tailwater of Ennis Dam. The Lodge will usually fish the section below Hebgen to Ennis most of the year, and the lower river in winter, spring, and fall.

The upper river, although a tailwater, fishes more like a freestone river and has been described as the “50 Mile Riffle.” Brown and rainbow trout are the predominant species, and native whitefish and Westslope cutthroat are also found here. Typically, anglers will float and wade fish the Upper Madison, as most areas of the river pass through the private property over this stretch. April through mid-May means stonefly and attractor nymphs, while spring caddis and baetis hatches become more prolific beginning in mid-April. In late May, the river can occasionally become unfishable due to runoff.

Mid-June through August, the Madison offers one of the finest angling experiences in the world. The Madison’s famous salmon fly hatch begins in early July. A variety of hatches occur throughout the summer including numerous mayflies, stoneflies, and caddis. Hoppers and various attractor patterns work well through early September. Terrestrials, streamer, and nymph fishing in September and October often produce some of the largest fish.

Over the course of 45 miles, the lower Madison flows through the Bear Trap Canyon to Three Forks, MT, and the Missouri River. It is a deep, fast river through the canyon stretch. Anglers can float and wade the area of the lower Bear Trap to within a few miles of its confluence with the Jefferson River. This tailwater offers consistent hatches in the spring including prolific caddis, midge, and baetis. Large browns and rainbows inhabit this area, along with a few cutthroats. Mid- to late June offers prolific stonefly hatches and some super fishing. Fall streamer fishing for big browns and rainbows often produces some of the biggest fish of the season.

Yellowstone River
As the longest undammed river in North America, the Yellowstone provides over 300 miles of fishable trout water. It flows north of Yellowstone Lake within the Park bounds and flows hundreds of miles to meet the Missouri River near the Montana-North Dakota border. Deep pools and runs characterize this great freestone river. Typically, Lodge guests will float fish the river from the boundary of Yellowstone Park to Big Timber, MT, a section of over 70 miles. Browns, rainbows, and cutthroat are the predominant species. The Yellowstone is open year-round to angling. Spring and fall months offer the most consistent hatches of stoneflies, caddis, midges, and mayflies such as baetis, BWOs, and sulphurs. Terrestrials and attractor fishing characterize summer angling. Drifting a large hopper pattern over good water often delivers some of the largest fish in the river. The Yellowstone fishes well in the fall and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Montana scenery. Streamer and nymph fishing can be productive throughout the fall and winter.  

Paradise Valley Spring Creeks/Streams/Alpine Lakes
Many famous spring creeks are nearby: DePuy’s, Nelson’s, Armstrong’s, and the MZ Ranch are all within 30 minutes of the Lodge. These spring creeks flow on private property and require a rod fee. Many anglers find challenging, technical fishing on the creeks; an experienced guide can really help with this type of fishing. Small streams, stillwaters, and alpine lakes are nearby. The Lodge can also make arrangements for horseback access trips to isolated alpine lakes and backcountry streams in the area. Guests may also travel to Yellowstone National Park, just an hour away, and fish the numerous streams, lakes, and rivers within the Park boundary. Finally, the private pond at Gallatin River Lodge (full of rainbow trout) offers a great angling treat for many guests. It also provides a great place to practice and is used for casting instruction requests.

Boats and Equipment
Float fishing on area rivers is done via McKenzie-style drift boats designed for fly fishing. The Gallatin River Lodge can outfit you with any equipment you may need for your fly fishing trip through rentals or for purchase. Guests are welcome to ship their equipment directly to the Lodge prior to arrival.

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge.

2025 Pricing
Pricing is based on time of the year, chosen accommodations, availability, etc. Please call Yellow Dog to start the quote process.

Included

Lodging
Guided fishing
Continental breakfast
Lunch for anglers on guide trips
Use of rod/reel, flies, tackle, etc on guide trips
Guide pickup & drop off on each day of fishing
River shuttle fees for guide’s vehicle

Excluded

Airfare
Bozeman airport transfers
Dinner (can make reservations to eat at the lodge)
Lunch for guests not going on guide trips
Gratuity for guides and lodge staff
Alcohol on guide trips (BYO)
Fishing licenses
Lodging taxes (will add upon final invoicing)

Gallatin River Lodge (Bozeman, Montana)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
A deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking for all trip packages and reservations, and final payment if due 90 days prior to arrival. All trip cancellations must be received in writing, sent to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. For all lodging and fishing cancellations outside of 30 days of scheduled arrival at the lodge, a full refund or a trip credit (minus a 7% lodge processing fee and a $100.00 per person Yellow Dog cancellation fee) will be issued. For cancellations inside of 30 days, deposits and final payments will be forfeited, and no refund or credit will be issued. If a cancelled package is resold by either the lodge or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be sent minus a $100.00 per person Yellow Dog cancellation fee. In the case of cancellation by the client, both deposit and final payment may be transferred to another guest or angler for those same (original) dates if facilitated and arranged by the client. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages. Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for this trip.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access.

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment

Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3
Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees)
Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT.