Gallatin County, MT · Inland River
Gallatin River
The tumbling pocket-water trout stream that drops out of Yellowstone through the Gallatin Canyon along US-191 past Big Sky — and the river where the film of “A River Runs Through It” was shot. Wade-only through much of the canyon, with eager rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout holding in fast riffles and plunge pools.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (4/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Gallatin River.
Flood Watch issued July 21 at 12:11PM MDT until July 23 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Gallatin River
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Skip the Rainbow Trout trip today. In season 4/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 51 days ago on 2026-06-01. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 3
Central District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 18". Many blue-ribbon stretches add catch-and-release, artificial-only, or seasonal rules — confirm the water-specific exception.
Source: Montana Central District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brown Trout Skip the Brown Trout trip today. In season 4/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 51 days ago on 2026-06-01. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 3
Central District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 18". Many blue-ribbon stretches add catch-and-release, artificial-only, or seasonal rules — confirm the water-specific exception.
Source: Montana Central District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Montana Central District
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Gallatin River: Montana FWP fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Gallatin River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Gallatin River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Gallatin River?
Gallatin River is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Gallatin River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Gallatin River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Gallatin River have?
Gallatin River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Gallatin River?
state agency regulations apply at Gallatin River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Gallatin River tidal water?
No. Gallatin River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.