Montana Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Montana Near Yellowstone, Big Sky & Bozeman
History of Karst Camp
The Gallatin River is also the home to our Fly Fishing Center in Big Sky, MT at the historic Karst Camp. Our private river front property has access to a great fishing and also boasts plenty of space to optimize the learning process. The shop is open for rentals as well as being the base for our Learn to Fly Fish program.
Originally a dude ranch, Karst Camp was established in 1901 by Pete Karst. The camp began as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park for early tourists. The camp, known as Karst Stage Stop Inn, saw up to 600 tourists per summer with 25 guests cabins. In 1937 Karst built a tow rope for skiers, (which has since vanished), as well as a bar and brothel for local miners. Visitors can imagine the rugged conditions both residents and tourists endured to appreciate Yellowstone Country 100 years ago.
The Gallatin River starts in Yellowstone Park, one of the purest water sources in the world. For 50 miles, it flows through rocky canyons and picks up more pure mountain water from crystal clear tributaries. It is a paradise for trout and a world famous fly fishing stream. The Gallatin River offers excellent “dry fly” fishing in beautiful surroundings and has famous scenery seen in the movie, “A River Runs Through It.” The trout are not picky eaters here, which makes the Gallatin River an excellent place to learn how to fly fish. The brown trout and rainbow trout average around 12 inches, with 16 inches considered a large trout – although some Biggies exceeding 20 inches can be found!
The Madison River is a headwaters tributary of the Missouri River with it confluence being in Madison Junction in Yellowstone Park. It is best known for brown trout and rainbow trout. With plenty of flow, this river will give a variety of angling options with the upper and lower sections as well as the Wilderness stretch through Bear Trap Canyon. We are one of two outfitters that hold this coveted permit to fish on the Beartrap. With this restricted permit, we have limited availability, so jump on your chance for this exclusive trip!
- Reservations are highly recommended and are the only way to get a guaranteed trip.
- Montana Fishing License Required – You mush obtain a Montana Fishing License prior to the trip. Buy one at a local retailer or purchase a license online.
- Meeting location – Montana Whitewater’s Fly Fishing Adventure Center at mile marker 55.5 on Hwy 191
- Address: 55365 Gallatin Rd., Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730.
- Lunch not included. You can purchase lunch adjacent to your trip at our Main Office, mile marker 64, a great option if you are doing a packaged activity or you can bring a packed lunch with you to eat riverside!
- We need a minimum of 2 people to run a trip and a maximum of 6 per guide.
- As a company, we recommend following catch and release policies in order to keep the fish populations healthy.
Fly Fishing Montana in the Greater Yellowstone Area on some of the most pristine rivers in the country!
No one should visit Montana and miss out on the fabulous blue-ribbon fishing our rivers have to offer! At Montana Whitewater, we are proud to offer packages for every level of experience. Whether you’ve never been on a river before or are tying your own flies, we’ve got you covered. We provide all the gear you need and have access on the Gallatin and Madison rivers. Book your Montana Fly Fishing trip today and maybe you’ll catch the big one!
Montana Whitewater offers experienced, friendly guides and great learning opportunities. Join us for a class or book a guided Montana fly fishing trip and get out on the river.
**Please note that each person 12 and older must purchase a fishing license prior to your trip. A one-day fishing license is $30-40 for non-residents. Anyone 11 and under does not require a license if they are with an adult who has already purchased one. Fishing with a hookless fly is an option if you do not wish to purchase a license but would still like to participate!
Trips
Gallatin River Learn to Fly Fish
Adult: $75 | Child (Ages 6-12): $65
- Ages
6+
Gallatin River Cast & Raft
Adult: $150 | Child (Ages 6-12): $135
- Ages
6+
Gallatin River Learn & Guided Fly Fishing
Adult: $200 | Child (Ages 8-12): $175
- Ages
8+
Madison River Full Day Fly Fishing – Beartrap Canyon Wilderness Area
2-4 people: $2600 for 2 boats
- Ages
8+
Gallatin River Half Day Guided Fly Fishing
Adult: $150 Minimum of 2
- Ages
8+
Gallatin River Learn to Fish & Classic Zip
Adult: $130 | Child (Ages 6-12): $117
- Ages
6+
Gallatin River Learn to Fish, Half Day Raft & Classic Zip
Adult: $211.50 | Child (Ages 6-12): $192.50
- Ages
6+
Gallatin River Learn to Fish, Half Day Raft & Super Zip
Adult: $234.50
- Ages
12+
Gallatin River Learn to Fish & Super Zip
Adult: $159.00
- Ages
12+
