Gallatin River - Yellowstone National Park, USA
Author: Gary David Blount
Publisher: [email protected]
Published:
Total Pages: 72
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKNormal 0 The Gallatin River originates from the northwest flank of Three Rivers Peak from Gallatin Lake in Yellowstone National Park. Gallatin Lake is just over 9,000-feet above sea level. The Gallatin River flows 13-miles northwesterly, before it begins to run parallel with Highway 191. For the next 12-miles the Gallatin River remains within Yellowstone National Park and is easily accessed from the many roadside pullouts along Highway 191. In this 12-mile section of the Gallatin River there are three significant tributaries, Fan Creek, Bacon Rind Creek and Specimen Creek entering the river. These three tributaries are used by the Gallatin River Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Grayling and Mountain Whitefish for spawning and theses tributaries supply recruitment back into the Gallatin River. The Gallatin River area within Yellowstone National Park is full of wildlife: Elk, Bison, Moose, Deer, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Coyotes, Beavers, River Otters, Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Great Blue Herons. There are trails up every tributary which makes for easy access into the back county. The Gallatin River from it’s source, Gallatin Lake downstream to Highway 191 is icy cold, small and contains little habitat for large trout. From Fan Creek downstream to the Yellowstone National Park boundary the Gallatin River is lined sparsely with willows, pine forest and meadows. This section contains superb trout habitat, riffles, runs, pools and brush lined undercut banks. From the Yellowstone National Park boundary downstream to Bozeman, Montana the river flows swiftly through Gallatin Canyon. This section of the Gallatin River sees a lot of guided whitewater float trips during spring run-off and most of the summer.