Gardner River

About Gardner River

The Gardner River, located near Gardiner, Montana, is a mid-sized mountain river known for its mixed bag of trout and whitefish, fishing exceptionally well with nymphs. Recent flood events have altered access, making the formerly roadside lower river now require a hike, which is expected to improve long-term fishing by reducing pressure and refreshing the river structure. This fast-flowing river offers opportunities for good numbers of fish, with notable fall-run brown trout and winter/spring-run rainbows entering from the Yellowstone River. The lower Gardner River, below Osprey Falls, is now open for year-round fishing, providing excellent winter angling due to warmer water from the Boiling River hot spring, with good hatches and opportunities for large post-spawn browns and pre-spawn rainbows. The upper Gardner features a gentler meadow creek ideal for beginners, while Sheepeater Canyon presents a more challenging, swift-moving environment. Anglers should be aware of potential BWO hatches and the possibility of encountering prickly pear cactus and rattlesnakes in drier, south-facing areas.