The Gallatin River, MT

One of the many rivers and tributaries with their beginning in Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin River takes a course where few of the other rivers were tenacious enough to go. The Gallatin slowly carves its path as it enters that Gallatin Canyon along Montana's Hwy 191 and gathers its steam from each new tributary that joins in. Its cobblestone depths, perfect for learning the art of casting, give way to the occasional boulder, and even more frequent number of white water rapids just past the resort village of Big Sky. As the cliffs rise on either side of the river, the rapids become more torrid, as would be necessary in order for this small water source to carve its path. It is through this portion of the river one is more likely to see a kayak accepting the challenge of the white water than it is for an angler to master the current. Somehow, the Gallatin finds its calm once again as it leaves the canyon and allows the wade fisher ample opportunity to experience the solitude and total focus of the individual angler. Since the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks has strictly prohibited float fishing on the upper Gallatin, many areas allow for the perfect opportunities for fishing instruction by knowledgeable guides. Float fishing is allowed just above Manhattan, where the Upper (or West) Gallatin meets the East Gallatin, to form its last 10-mile stretch before joining the Missouri River. Beautiful cottonwoods corridors line either side of this portion of the river, where wildlife sightings of Heron, White-Tailed Deer and Cormorants only add to the whole outdoor experience. From its beginning to the end, the Gallatin's ever changing character offers everything an angler could want.

Yellowstone River, MT

Still the longest free flowing, undammed waterway in the lower forty eight states, the Yellowstone River begins its 678-mile trek in the high country of northwestern Wyoming. There are three general parts to the river, each with its distinctive character and special fishing techniques required. The upper river begins at the headwaters high in the mountains of Wyoming and develops into a spectacularly voluptuous mountain river, complete with some Class III white-water sections. In this section of the river, the fly fisher can catch the native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout as well as the Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout, Mountain Whitefish and the occasional baitfishes. The second section, the transitional portion, begins around Big Timber, MT and meanders through the softening landscape, allowing the river to change from the ideal cold-water fishery of the mountains to the warm water fishery of the lower portion and Missouri Rivers. Here all the varieties of trout found on the upper river mix with the Burbot, Goldeye and non-game fish, leaving the fly fisher to wonder what surprise they might find at the end of their fly. With the lower section coursing through the eastern plains area of Montana, the water warms to support Walleye, Sauger, Catfish, Pike, Sturgeon, Paddlefish and the ever-present Brown trout. The last 15 miles of the river belong to North Dakota, where it empties into the Missouri River.

Fishing the river is never a problem thanks to the various designated fishing access areas. Because of the differing regulations belonging to both the National Park Service in Yellowstone and the state services of Montana and North Dakota, it is always wise to check with a guide to find the rules, the condition of the river and the appropriate fly for the season.

Bighorn River, MT

The character of only a few rivers has changed as dramatically as Montana's Big Horn River. Born high in the Pryor Mountains of Wyoming, the Big Horn's silt laden waters were transformed into one of the America's best tailwater fisheries with the completion of the Yellowtail Dam in the late 1960's. Plentiful food sources and ideal water temperatures allow for extended growing periods for the Big Horn trout, allowing for an unusual number of large to trophy size fish. It is quite normal to catch four Brown Trout to every one Rainbow, but the occasional whitefish and golden eye will keep the excitement going throughout the day's journey. The Big Horn is a gentle, deep river where floating allows the most ideal presentation. Its mossy depths that give ample shelter to the Brown Trout populations. It is the patient and open-minded angler that is rewarded with the spoils of the river.

Much of the Big Horn's course below that dam runs through the Crow Indian Reservation, where access can be limited to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks access sites. Fortunately, excellent floating runs most of the year, from Fort Smith, below the dam, through each of the next few access points. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is currently negotiating for additional access sites along the river, making floating/fishing opportunities more prevalent all the way to the Yellowstone at the Interstate Bridge. Whichever access point chosen, this journey through meadowed fields, abundant with wildlife, as well as a river full of trout may be one the most peaceful and rewarding trips an angler can take, one that complete an angler's Montana River Experience.

Missouri River, MT

Known as "The Big Mo" to locals, the Missouri River offers the angler a wide variety of fishing opportunities few others find possible. Born of three incredible trout rivers, the Missouri takes up the legacy of the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin Rivers to form its own story, one that begins with its wide, unrestricted beauty. Here, at Three Forks, MT, the Missouri's expanse boasts thousands of trout per mile, as it transitions through its series of dams and reservoirs. Migratory trout often move between the areas of Toston Dam and Canyon Ferry Reservoir, offering a fair number of larger trout and the occasional trophy to the patient angler. But it is below Holter Dam that the Missouri gains its reputation as a premier fly-fishing river. For some 90 miles, the Missouri runs "wild" through an area that Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks classify as a Class 1, Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. In an area where Rainbow Trout often out-number their larger counterparts, the Brown Trout, this portion of the Missouri and its tailwater flow make it the ideal river for drifting nymphs and streamers. One day is never enough time to cover this unique portion of Montana's history and culture. .