Winter on the Gallatin… Fly Fishing the Montana Winter
A sub-zero dawn on the valley section of southwest Montana's Gallatin River.
The Gallatin River of southwestern Montana is almost entirely a local’s river from November until March. When winter strikes with a vengeance many anglers stow their gear in anticipation of next spring’s fishing. Tourists spend time on the mountains skiing and avoid the river.
That would be a mistake.
For those in the know, the Gallatin can be a productive winter fishery. Preparation is key. J.D. Bingman, owner of Wild Trout Outfitters in Big Sky, Montana, says, “For the true die-hard fly fisher person cold does not matter… and (they) will go fishing no matter what.”
Montana Troutfitters - the local's fly shop in Bozeman, Montana.
The Gallatin, perhaps best known for its proximity to Yellowstone and it's appearance in the film ‘A River Runs Through It’ is comprised of three main sections. Arising from Gallatin Lake in the northwestern reaches of Yellowstone National Park, the river flows ninety miles through Wyoming’s Park county and Montana’s Gallatin county. Near the town of Three Forks, Montana, the Gallatin joins with the Madison and Jefferson Rivers to form the mighty Missouri. The river is home to rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout as well as a smattering of grayling.
The Gallatin has many cold weather springs that keep parts of the river warmer and the fish happier in wintertime. J.D. of Wild Trout Outfitters knows that these springs are key to a successful day on the water. “The key to winter fly fishing is knowing where the cold water springs (around 54 degrees) are, because in the winter the fish love them.” Many local guides keep a running chart of the best cold weather springs; visitors are encouraged to hire a guide who knows the Gallatin’s sweet spots.
Releasing a wild trout on the Gallatin River.
“Gallatin in the winter can be a nymph fisherman’s paradise, the fish will stack in the deep runs and holes… pretty predictable to figure out where the fish are since they concentrate in the slower deeper water where it’s warmer,” says Kris Kumlien, general manager of Bozeman’s Montana Troutfitters.
The Axtell Bridge at mile marker 36.8 is a solid winter access point with typically good footing and a short walk, though those features often draw a crowd. Not far off of Highway 191, Axtell Bridge is only a few miles from the small town of Four Corners. Hot coffee and a good breakfast go a long way in making a cold day on the river palatable and locals are known to break for a coffee at MoJava, a coffee hut just down the road from Axtell.
The Gallatin is a jewel of a river and offers exciting possibilities in the winter for those in the know. With careful planning and awareness of fishing and climate conditions winter fly fishing can be some of the best fishing you will ever experience.
A cold day overlooking the canyon section of the Gallatin River.
And, let’s face it, logging hours on a Montana river in the dead of winter does earn a few bragging rights.
About Jess McGlothlin, Expedition Portal's newest regular contributor:
The outdoors and travel have always been a way of life for Jessica McGlothlin. Growing up in various locations across the United States and playing in the wide-open spaces of the West, Jessica calls Montana home.
She is a passionate writer and photographer who brings a unique, energetic perspective and approach to work through her company, Fire Girl Photography. Currently based out of Texas, Jessica works freelance but loves to travel and always makes time for adventures that may come her way.
Jessica is passionate about all things outdoors – from fly fishing to rock climbing, and has special interest in international travel and shooting sports / self defense. She has spent too many nights in her beat up Subaru named Patton and is constantly on the move, camera in hand. Assignments have taken her from the ring of international horse shows to survival training courses in the south Texas wastelands, and her favorite part about the job is never knowing what is going to come around the corner.
Published pieces have appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Big Sky Journal, Cowboys & Indians, American Angler, Outside Bozeman, the Mountain Gazette, and Outside Rein. She is an active contributor on Chi Wulff, one of the premier fly fishing blogs.
Her goal is to make the leap to international journalism, but she plans to enjoy the journey that takes her there and shoot a plethora of good pictures along the way.
More about Jess and her photography can be found on her personal website
