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Mountain Peaks that seem to rise forever, crystal clear trophy trout waters and a full-service flyfishing outfitter committed to making every minute of your fly fishing vacation relaxing and enjoyable, makes choosing your next fly-fishing destination easy…Welcome to “the last best place.”


Since 1984, Gallatin Riverguides, owned and operated by the French Family, has earned the reputation as one of Montana’s premier flyfishing establishments.  We are exclusive dealers in the Big Sky area for many of the worlds top flyfishing equipment manufacturers, Ross Reels, Sage, Simms, R.L. Winston, Galvan to list a few..  We guide daily excursions to the beauty and excitement of Yellowstone National Park; the magnificent Madison River; and the blue ribbon waters of the Yellowstone, Missouri, Gallatin, Bighole, and Beverhead rivers.

Gallatin Riverguides is a supporter of and advocate for Trout Unlimited and catch and release.

  • Authorized Frontiers Agent
  • Member, F.O.A.M (Fishing Outfitters Assoc of Montana)
  • Member, D.U. (Ducks Unlimited)
  • Member, F.F.F. (Federation of Fly Fishers)
  • Member, T.U. (Trout Unlimited)
  • Member, H.F.F. (Henry's Fork Foundation)

Betsey French (Montana Outfitter #235)
Owner/Outfitter/Buyer

Gallatin Riverguides
US Mail: Box 160212
Big Sky, MT 59716
Shipping: 47430 Gallatin Road
Big Sky, MT 59730
Direct Phone: (406) 995-2290
Toll-Free: (888) 707-1505
Fax: (406) 995-4588
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Last Updated (Monday, 30 November 2009 15:30)

 
Regional Conditions

We'll do our best to keep a regular fishing report running throughout the summer. Tight Lines!

-Jimmy "loosewraps" Armijo

 

Gallatin River 280c.f.s., January 31st 2010. The ice jam has broken up so it's safe to hit the river.  The fishing has been excellent on warmer overcast days.  The fish are in the deep pools, tailouts and pocket water.  On warmer days you can find them spread out in deeper riffles.  Standard winter fare has been working well.  Girdle bugs and smaller stone fly nymphs.  Smaller nymphs in reds; midges, lightning bugs, copper johns and the like.  This week could see some nice warming trends, be ready with some midge dries and emerger's

 

Lower Madison 1250 c.f.s., January 31st, 2010. Great fishing on warm days. Bear Trap has been fishing well with nymphs,, streamers and crayfish.  Below the damn has been excellent, San Juan Worms and Wooly Buggers.  If you can catch it on a calm day midges have been hatching and there is a good chance for some dry fly action.

 

 

Upper Madison 500 c.f.s., January 31st 2010. Just a month left before the upper closes.  Fishing has been hit or miss, there is a lot of ice down toward Ennis, your best bet is up around Slide Inn, and there is always the section between the lakes, there could be plenty of opportunities if you are willing to trek in toward the head of Earthquake. Midges, worms woolly buggers and small stone fly nymphs are all working well.

 

Yellowstone River 720 c.f.s., January 31st, 2010--Lots of ice, but where it is clear you can get a nymph down to the bottom and have a banner day!  Midges below girdle bugs are the way to go.

 

 

Missouri River 4130 c.f.s., 63 deg.--Dry fly fishing on the upper section has been best on Trico spinners, spent caddis(size 16-18 dark brown body, grayish tan wing) and PMD spinner (size 16-20 rusty and pale yellow) patterns and on the lower section, below Mid Canon, fishing with ants and hoppers has been the ticket. Nymphing with a variety of bugs will produce fish all day.

 
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