Trout fishing’s most legendary waters
The hallowed mountains, rivers, and plains of West Yellowstone have long been a special part of America’s environmental and sporting history. Here, an angler can find American trout fishing as it used to be. Home to the beautiful Yellowstone Cutthroat trout and many other incredible trout species, an angler’s resume is not complete until they have visited this part of the world with a rod in hand.
The Gallatin is often referred to as trout fishing’s most beautiful river. With emerald waters and picturesque canyons, it is no surprise that this river served as the setting for Robert Redford’s A River Runs Through It. The trout here are plentiful and large, and more than willing to take a fly during the region’s more famous hatches, like the Salmon Fly hatch in the summer.
In Yellowstone National Park itself, anglers have a chance to fish many an unnamed tributary to the beautiful Yellowstone River, which runs out of the park and into the aptly named Paradise Valley. Taking a drift boat down this storied river is something everyone should experience, fisherman or not.
- 23° 2° Dec-Feb
- 47° 21° Mar-May
- 77° 40° Jun-Aug
- 66° 30° Sep-Nov
The Catch
Top fish species to target in West Yellowstone, MT
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout
Madison River Lodge
Our Montana Angler exclusive package at the Madison River Lodge allows our guests to enjoy an all inclusive experience just steps away from the legendary Madison River. The location simply can't be beat: the lodge is situated on the center of the famous Upper Madison "50 mile riffle". The river bends around the property and anglers can cast a line at their convenience. The lodge is surrounded by protected public BLM lands that adjoin the Wall Creek Wildlife Management area which is home to abundant wildlife. Each guest room has its own private bath and walk out patio overlooking the river The legendary waters of Yellowstone Park are only 40 minutes away and the trophy dry fly fisheries of Hebgen and Quake Lakes are just minutes upstream. A longer drive will land you on the Ruby, Jefferson, Gallatin or Missouri Rivers as well as several of our private access fisheries. This traditional style lodge has a classic look and warm feel with its warm wood accents and stone fire places. The huge back decks provides amazing views upstream along the river and surrounding mountains. The private setting, incredible access and warm and inviting staff make this a truly special location.