March 11, 2010
Local Streams and Rivers
Catching my fist Cutthroat in the creek behind the cabins was really exciting.
K.&T. N., GA
Gallatin River
The Gallatin is four miles east of the Ranch and parallels US 191. The Gallatin originates in Yellowstone at 10,000 feet. In its upper sections, the Gallatin resembles a spring creek, meandering down alpine meadows, gathering momentum and growing in size the further downstream you go. After leaving Yellowstone, it travels through the beautiful Gallatin Canyon and eventually joins with the Madison and Jefferson Rivers to form the Missouri River.
This is an ideal river to learn angling skills. Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats and Mountain Whitefish frequent these waters. The different sections of the river offer very different fishing opportunities. This Blue Ribbon stream is a favorite of guests and guides alike.
Madison River
This river originates in Yellowstone National Park at 8,000 feet elevation. It flows through the Park into Hebgen Lake, then into Earthquake Lake, and after an additional fifty miles of riffles, it flows into Ennis Lake. Later, it joins with the Gallatin and the Jefferson to become the Missouri.
The Madison is a world renowned fishery offering Browns, Rainbows, and Mountain Whitefish.The Madison is well suited for walk/wade fishing and drift boat fishing.
Yellowstone River
This river, 1 1/2 hours from the Ranch, is a premier river for drift boat fishing. This spectacular river originates in northwest Wyoming at an elevation of 12,000 feet in a remote wilderness area. The Yellowstone is the longest free flowing undammed waterway in the lower forty eight states and is 678 miles long.
We normally fish the Yellowstone from 20 miles south of Livingston to 20 miles east of Livingston. The Yellowstone produces Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats and Mountain Whitefish.
Missouri River
Where the Missouri comes out of Holter Dam just north of Helena, MT is a favorite destination of both locals and guides. The average size fish is 3-4 inches longer than any of the other rivers we fish and there are very good numbers of them. This river usually is accessed by drift boat and offers over thirty miles of fishable water.