Hyalite Creek

Hyalite Creek flows from Hyalite Reservoir through a scenic canyon just 15 miles south of Bozeman, offering convenient small-stream fishing in the Gallatin Range. The lower creek below the reservoir is open year-round and holds brook trout and brown trout in the 6-12 inch range, with occasional larger fish in deeper pools. The upper creek above the reservoir opens July 15 to protect spawning fish and offers fishing for native Yellowstone cutthroat trout and rare arctic grayling in a wilderness setting. Hyalite Canyon Road provides easy access with numerous pullouts along the lower creek. The fast, cold water and tight streamside vegetation challenge anglers, but well-presented dry flies and small nymphs fool plenty of willing trout. This is an excellent learning stream for beginners and a quick escape for Bozeman locals seeking solitude. The surrounding canyon offers world-class ice climbing in winter and popular hiking trails to waterfalls and alpine lakes year-round.