LOCATION
Bozeman, Montana
SEASON
Year round
CAPACITY
Maximum of 18 fishing guests per week
SPECIES
Rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout
GENERAL INFORMATION
On a 350 acre ranch outside Bozeman lies Gallatin River Lodge, an outstanding, full-service Montana fishing operation. The location of G.R.L. in Bozeman makes it the perfect home base for fishing Southwest Montana, with the Yellowstone, Madison, and numerous spring creeks and lakes all just an hour’s drive from the lodge. A short walk leads to 2 miles of private access on the Gallatin River, an excellent brown and rainbow trout fishery.
LENGTH OF STAY
Standard package is a four day / five night package, although trips of any length can be arranged.
THE FISHING
Gallatin River
The Gallatin River is just 5 minutes outside the door of the Lodge, just across the hay meadows. The Gallatin flows over 90 miles with hundreds of small creeks adding to its flow. It originates from springs in Yellowstone 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 Park to Big Sky. Riffles, runs, and pocket water characterize 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. Deeper runs, pools, and pocket water characterize this section. Browns, rainbows, and cut-bows are the predominant species here. The Valley section contains 35 miles of classic western freestone water. The Gallatin River Lodge is in this section. Offering excellent wading for browns and rainbows, the river here is braided through mostly private ranch property. Larger browns and rainbows can be found in this section. Access is more limited than the upper sections. The last 5 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 PMD's. Attractor nymphs work well throughout the summer months. August and September are hopper, 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 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 West Slope Cutthroat are also found here. Typically, anglers will float and wade fish the Upper Madison, as most areas of the river pass through 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. 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 delivers some of the largest fish in the river. The lower Madison flows through the Beartrap Canyon to Three Forks and the Missouri River for 45 miles. It is a deep, fast river through the canyon stretch. Anglers can float and wade the area of the lower Beartrap to within a few miles of its joining the Jefferson at the confluence. 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 trout stream in North America, the Yellowstone provides over 300 miles of fishable trout water. It heads above Yellowstone Lake in the Bridger Teton country south of Yellowstone National Park and flows hundreds of miles to meet the Missouri River near North Dakota. Deep pools and runs characterize this great freestone river. Typically, lodge guests will float fish the river from Yellowstone Park down to Big Timber, 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, BWO 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 are on private property and require a rod fee. Many anglers find challenging, technical fishing on the creeks, and 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. 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 offered for casting instruction.
SEASONS
April - May:
Springtime is probably the best-kept secret in Montana. All the rivers are fishing well and are generally low and clear. Spring run-off usually doesn’t begin until late May or early June, and you can expect a lot of streamer and nymph fishing with possibilities for early caddis and mayfly hatches. This is a great time to experience Montana as things begin to “green up.” You can expect some aggressive feeding from the fish.
June:
This can be a transition month in Southwest Montana. While some years high water might be a problem, June can still offer tremendous fishing. In anticipation of the salmon fly hatch this is a good time to fish a lot of stone fly nymphs for big browns.
July - August: Lots of fun and sun. Late June and early July brings out the salmon flies on the Madison. July offers a lot of great caddis fishing and in August it’s time to start thinking big dry flies! The hopper fishing is tremendous and this is the time to fish big attractor patterns.
September:
This is the local’s favorite time of year, and the fall in Montana is beautiful. You can still fish hoppers and big attractor patterns, and the fish are beginning to turn on to big, heavy streamer patterns. You can expect temperatures to be in the 70’s with the rivers low and clear.
October:
Mid-November: If you like fishing streamers, you can expect a lot of action from aggressive fish during the fall months. The weather can be somewhat unpredictable, but the fish don ’t seem to care. This is also a great time to do cast-and-blast combos
THE LODGING
The Lodge is located on a 300 acre ranch near the Gallatin River, 10 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 nearby, with eagles, osprey and sand hill cranes as neighbors. 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 suites at the Lodge 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. Free high-speed wireless internet access is available. Large windows offer superb views of the mountains and river terrain. Air conditioning had recently been added to all of their rooms.
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. Creative Montana cuisine is featured by the chefs and served by the staff. The full service bar offers an extensive wine list.
RATES & DETAILS
2009
Length of Trip |
Double Occupancy Lodging and Fishing |
Single Occupancy Lodging and Fishing |
Single Occupancy Lodging, Double Occupancy Fishing |
3 Night/2 Day |
$1,575 |
$2,380 |
$1,980 |
4 Night/3 Day |
$2,085 |
$3,225 |
$2,625 |
5 Night/4 Day |
$2,600 |
$4,090 |
$3,290 |
6 Night/5 Day |
$3,105 |
$4,925 |
$3,925 |
7 Night/6 Day |
$3,620 |
$5,780 |
$4,580 |
Trips are available for all budgets
from deluxe to economy.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Full service guiding, all lodging, breakfast and dinner from the Gallatin River Grill, picnic lunches for your day trip or with your guide, taxes and airport transportation
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Individual Montana fishing license, transportation to and from Bozeman, Montana, fishing gear and flies, terminal tackle, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities for guides and staff.
DEPOSIT INFORMATION
A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip is due to us within 10 days of booking to secure the reservation. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. YDFA reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
HOW TO GET THERE
The nearest commercial airport is Gallatin Field, located in Bozeman, Montana. Serviced by Delta, Northwest, United, Frontier, and Horizon Airlines, the airport is just 15 minutes from the Gallatin River Lodge. You will be picked up by the manager of G.R.L. whenever your flight arrives and taken directly to G.R.L.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Montana fishing licenses are available at all area fly shops and sporting goods stores, or by logging on to the following website: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES
We are happy to assist you or your family in the organization of non-angling activities during your stay. Remember that we can customize any trip package! If you want to fish less and sight-see 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. Horseback riding trips into the backcountry to fish for native cutthroats can also be arranged.
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