Montana Lakes & Rivers

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Montana Lakes Rivers & Waterfalls

Big Sky Montana

The Biggest Skiing in America, next door to Yellowstone National Park.

14 . The Gallatin River is easily accessible and well known for both great fly fishing and rafting. Just south of town towards West Yellowstone, you can spend the day on either Hebgen or Quake Lakes. Go

Bozeman Montana

Lively Ski Town near Mountainous Expanses and Wide Open Spaces.

66 . To many Bozeman is considered Mecca for fly fishing enthusiasts and anglers frequent nearby rivers like the Gallatin, Yellowstone, Madison, Boulder and Big Hole. Hyalite Reservoir is great for boating and you can enjoy whitewater rafting on the Gallatin. Go

Glacier National Park

Vast Mountain Valleys, Glacial Lakes, Epic Hikes, and Historic Lodges.

6 . The spectacular waterfalls and glacier lakes of Glacier National Park are some of the things that make the park so popular. But if you are looking for camping and water sports, head to Flathead Lake or Hungry Horse Reservoir. Go

Missoula Montana

59 . The Bitterroot River is great for fishing and canoeing. Rock Creek is also a top pick for fishing and a bit more off the beaten track. Other beautiful rivers for floating and fishing include Blackfoot and Big Hole Rivers. Go

Red Lodge Montana

Small western town near Beartooth Pass and the great outdoors.

12 . The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Rock Creek are great rivers for fishing. Go

West Yellowstone Montana

Yellowstone Basecamp and Snowmobiling Mecca.

40 . Anglers and boaters will love West Yellowstone. Fish the waters of the Henry's Fork and Madison Rivers. Float from Big Springs into Island Park. Boat on Hebgen Lake. Go

Whitefish Montana

Flathead Lake and an Outdoorsy Lifestyle in Far North Montana.

29 . Lakes and rivers seem endless in northern Montana. Most popular are Flathead Lake and Big Thompson River. Go

One of Bozeman's attractions is Missouri Headwaters State Park, where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers converge to form the mighty Missouri. The nearby Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the US.
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Top Pick: Bozeman Montana

Dan wants you to go:

Whitefish is the closest large town to Glacier National Park, and all the park's wonderful lakes and waterfalls. It also situated near the Flathead, Swan, and Kootenai rivers, all excellent recreational rivers!
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Top Pick: Whitefish Montana

Dan crushed it:

Glacier National Park contains some of the most photographed lakes in the world. Sitting on the terrace of Many Glacier Lodge and looking across the lake at the peaks beyond is sublime. The park has numerous waterfalls.
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Top Pick: Glacier National Park

Dan's little secret:

The Madison River and Henry's Fork are famous for fly fishing. I really enjoyed boating on Hebgen Lake and Henry's Lake and Island Park Reservoir are popular as well. Check out Quake Lake and take a trip to Mesa Falls.
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Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana

Alyson loves it:

Great rivers for fishing and rafting. Some of the best in our region!
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Top Pick: Missoula Montana

Dan suggests:

The Flathead River, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Whitefish Lake and Flathead Lake offer serious recreation outside the park.
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Top Pick: Glacier National Park

Dan loves it:

Whitefish Lake, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake Koocanusa, Swan Lake and popular Flathead Lake are all within easy range for boating, fishing, and camping.
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Top Pick: Whitefish Montana

Lisa knows:

The Gallatin River flows right below Big Sky along the highway. It's known for great fishing and some rafting, but it is simply beautiful. We found a couple campsites right along the river that provided the perfect setting.
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Top Pick: Big Sky Montana

Lisa's good word:

The glacial lakes of Glacier National Park are unlike any other lakes in the lower 48s. And the waterfalls are stunning as well. With so much snow melt in the spring, it's no wonder Glacier National Park is full of water.
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Top Pick: Glacier National Park

Lisa did it:

Nearby Hebgen Lake is great for water sports, camping, and fishing.
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Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana

Lauryn's tidbit:

Whitefish Lake is a former glacier - but now a popular destination for residents and visitors! A big sandy beach is great for laying out, or enjoy the waters of the lake on a boat or kayak.
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Top Pick: Whitefish Montana

Carli suggests:

Great lakes and rivers in Montana! Check out Hebgen Lake, Yellowstone River, Yellowstone Lake, Buffalo River, Island Park Reservoir, Gallatin River, Madison River, and Henry's Fork.
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Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana

Carli gives props:

Well let's start with "A River Runs Through It." We can move on to the 3 major rivers: Gallatin, Madison and Yellowstone. Then head to Hyalite and Canyon Ferry for boating and smaller rivers like the Missouri and Shields.
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Top Pick: Bozeman Montana

Carli's tip:

Fishing the Gallatin river is one of the highlights of a Big Sky trip! Hebgen Lake is another adventure too.
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Top Pick: Big Sky Montana

Lauryn's little secret:

The Gallatin and the Madison are both Montana rivers you can raft while staying in Big Sky country and offer a range of Class I - IV+ rapids.
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Top Pick: Big Sky Montana

Mike's little secret:

Sporting dozens of lakes and as many, if not more streams and major rivers, within a 30-minute drive, people who love to fish, boat and swim will enjoy this region.
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Top Pick: Bozeman Montana

Mike loves it:

Hebgen Lake in July and August is great for water skiing, personal watercraft riding, and fishing for big trout in the quiet bays, especially early morning before the wind picks up.
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Top Pick: West Yellowstone Montana

B.J.'s good word:

Glacier is one of my favorite National Parks because of its plethora of rivers and lakes that are scattered throughout the gorgeous mountains. The mountains reflecting in its pristine lakes are unreal.
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Top Pick: Glacier National Park

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