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The Gallatin River, located in southwestern Montana, is a beautiful western trout stream worthy of recognition. From its source in Yellowstone National Park, it flows for over 100 miles with hundreds of small creeks adding to its flow before reaching the Missouri River. During its journey the Gallatin passes through breathtaking canyons and open meadows.
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| Canoeing the River |
| © Jackson Hole Net |
Recognized for its scenic splendor, the Gallatin Canyon will forever capture the visitor or regular commuter of its never ending beauty. The steep forested slopes rise directly from the banks of the river. Colorful, yellowish red sandstone outcroppings jut from the mountains and in places, the colorful slabs drop directly to the river. Wildlife abounds and sightings of bighorn sheep, black bears, elk, and mule deer are common.
The Gallatin Canyon is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a fine place to cast a fly. It is one of the locations where A River Runs Through It was filmed and you can see why Hollywood picked the spot. Rainbows, cutthroats, and browns all make up the population of trout in these waters. Many anglers come to the canyon and river each year to fish its pristine and productive waters. The trout are vibrant and every stretch of river differs.
In Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin River is born, just inside the northwest boundary. The river is a small brushy stream as it leaves the park and gains volume, depth and width as it flows north. Nearing Big Sky, the river becomes narrow and more of a shallow stream as it enters the canyon. The river has many feeder creeks and greatly affect the clarity of the river during runoff and rainy periods. Below Big Sky the river flows approximately twenty miles before reaching the end of the Gallatin Canyon. This stretch of the canyon is steep and rocky. The river gains double the width and volume as it plunges past large boulders. Swift riffles and runs broken up by long pools also characterize this stretch. After leaving the canyon, the Gallatin River flows through agricultural land and eventually reaches the Missouri River.
The Gallatin River is not only for anglers to enjoy, but kayakers, whitewater and scenic rafters can enjoy this beautiful canyon as well. In the spring, everyone wears wetsuits due to the high water and its hypothermic water temperatures. As the summer wears on, the water level drops and the water temperature rises. On a hot summer day, there is no better place to be than in the cool Gallatin Canyon. A quick dip in its mountain waters is a guarantee of an immediate cool down.
When visiting southwest Montana, the closest commercial airport is in Bozeman. If you are coming to the Gallatin River and exploring the Gallatin Canyon, book your lodging early, especially in the fishing season. Montana is a large state and very diverse. It is a unique environment with a wide selection of fishing opportunities as well as other outdoor activities and attractions. The Gallatin River Drive is a scenic roadway that is exceptional and connects Bozeman to West Yellowstone, the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Remember to enjoy the simple pleasures of Mother Nature in your next adventure in the great outdoors. The Gallatin Canyon offers a small slice of paradise for all to experience. So if you are heading to Big Sky or Yellowstone National Park from Bozeman, you will be in for a real treat. The drive is remarkable in its stunning scenery. Hopefully, you will have time to explore and absorb the environment. The river offers great recreation opportunities, but the most affordable and most simplistic is meditation. Take some time and listen to the sounds of your environment...the rushing river, the majestic birds, the wind offering insight for what is to come. The mountain air is sweet with life and clean. Embrace the splendor and the freedom of the graceful, yet powerful river. There is a free spirit in all of us that can appreciate this free land.
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