River Resources

Southwest Montana is home to some of the most beautiful and well-known rivers in the world. Our office location in Bozeman, Montana is just a stone’s throw away from world class fishing and floating. We’ve developed this River Resource page to help those looking to raft, float or fish any of the numerous waters in our backyard. Feel free to call our team any time at 406-922-0179 for local info and tips on floating, boating and fishing southwest Montana. Also, keep in mind that should you need any gear for your float or fish trip, we can supply you with top of the line equipment at rental rates to make sure you have the most enjoyable time possible. 

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The Yellowstone River

The famed Yellowstone River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the United States and offers amazing scenery, beautiful water and great fishing with plenty of public access points. Know as one of the crown jewels of trout fishing, the Yellowstone is known for cutthroat, large brown trout and rainbows.  

The river begins at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park before flowing north past the park boundaries and through the town of Gardiner, MT. Just downstream of Gardiner is the first public access point, Queen of the Waters.

Below Queen of Waters, the river runs through Yankee Jim Canyon, a steep-walled whitewater section often run by whitewater enthusiasts in kayaks and whitewater rafts. 

Most fishing on the river is done from Brogan’s Landing fishing access to Livingston, as the river opens up and slows down as it works its way through breathtaking Paradise Valley. 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks does a great job maintaining public access along this stretch. Slip & Slide, Crystal Cross, Point of Rocks, Emigrant, Emigrant West, Grey Owl, Chicory, Dan Bailey, Loch Leven, Mallard’s Rest and Pine Creek all offer great options for floaters and anglers, and can be strung together for short a afternoon float or spend a night or two at some of the areas campgrounds.

Downriver of Pine Creek the Yellowstone passes public access points at Carters Bridge and Free River before flowing through the town of Livingston, past Mayors Landing and on to Highway 89 Bridge.  

From the Highway 89 Bridge to the town of Big Timber, MT, the river traces interstate 90, passing a handful of public access points including Sheep Mountain, Springdale Bridge, Grey Bear and Otter Creek. 

Downriver from Big Timber the Yellowstone sees much less pressure from anglers and floaters, running some 100 miles until eventually reaching the Missouri River just east of the North Dakota border. 

The Gallatin River

The Gallatin River is the closest stretch of river to Bozeman, just a hop skip and a jump from the heart of town. Starting in the high mountains of Yellowstone National Park at Gallatin Lake, the river runs over 100 miles until eventually merging with the Jefferson and Madison rivers near Three Forks, Montana to form the headwaters of the Missouri River. The Gallatin offers great fishing, solid public access and beautiful views. 

Before breaking park boundaries the Gallatin flows some 25 miles through Yellowstone National Park. Floating is prohibited in the park, and a special Yellowstone fishing permit is required. Once leaving the National Park the Gallatin passes the town of Big Sky, MT and runs along side Highway 191 through the Gallatin Canyon. Fishing access is excellent through this stretch, as one can drive up and down the canyon, spot a stretch to fish, pull over and have a good chance at finding a nearby spot to access the river. This stretch has plenty of rapids and is a popular run for whitewater kayakers. It’s worth noting that float fishing is prohibited on this stretch of the Gallatin. As such, wade fishing is the go to option. 

Once out of the canyon the Gallatin enters the wade and flat Gallatin Valley. A few handful of public access points including Kirk Wildlife Refuge, Axtell Bridge, Shed’s Bridge, Cameron Bridge, Erwin Bridge, Four Corners, Gallatin Forks and Bud Lilly break up what is mostly private land until the river meets the Jefferson and Madison to form the Missouri River. Floating fishing this section from Kirk Wildlife to the Missouri Rive headwaters is allowed. 

The Jefferson River

The Jefferson river begins near the town of Twin Bridges, MT and flows some 80 miles before reaching the headwaters of the Missouri River. While not as renowned for its fishing as the Madison and Yellowstone, the Jefferson offers a less crowded option for the angler or floater looking to skip the crowds, and is a great option for the canoe or kayaker looking to get a day in on the water.

For more detailed information for canoe, kayakers, or other floaters on the Jefferson, check out the Jefferson River Canoe Trail website.