
Outdoors
Fishing near Bozeman
Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near Bozeman where fishing is allowed, closest first.
Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. Montana license information ↗
Closest picks
Lower Hyalite Group
9 mi south · USDA Forest Service
Lower Hyalite Group Site is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is just nine miles south of Bozeman, MT.
Langohr Campground
10 mi south · USDA Forest Service
Langohr Campground is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is located just 12 miles south of Bozeman, Mont.
Map of all 28 places
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Within 30 miles (14)
Custer Gallatin National Forest
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
Lower Hyalite Group
Lower Hyalite Group Site is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is just nine miles south of Bozeman, MT.
- Backpacking
- Berry Picking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
Langohr Campground
Langohr Campground is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is located just 12 miles south of Bozeman, Mont.
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Photography
Mystic Lake Cabin
Mystic Lake Cabin was built in 1930 and is currently open year-round. It provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting and exploration of numerous trails. The cabin is located in a non-motorized area.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Fox Creek Cabin (Mt)
Fox Creek Cabin is a former ranger station located in a remote area. It is very small and offers only basic amenities. Guests will need to bring most of the gear and supplies they need to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Hood Creek Campground
Hood Creek Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is 17 miles south of the city of Bozeman, Mont.
- Backpacking
- Berry Picking
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Hyalite Pavilion
The Hyalite Pavilion is a day use picnicking area located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Gallatin National Forest. It is 15 miles south of the city of Bozeman, MT.
- Backpacking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
Maxey Cabin
Maxey Cabin offers a quaint mountain retreat that is ideally located in one of Gallatin National Forest's most popular recreation areas.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Chisholm Campground
Chisholm Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana.
- Berry Picking
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
Window Rock Cabin
Window Rock Cabin was built in 1940 and now offers a year-round retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. It is ideally located in one of Gallatin National Forest's most popular recreation areas. The cabin is accessible by car in the summer.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Spire Rock Campground
Spire Rock Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. It is 26 miles south of Bozeman.
- Backpacking
- Berry Picking
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
Greek Creek Campground
Greek Creek Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon, in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is 30 miles south of the city of Bozeman, Montana.
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Photography
- Rafting
- Star Gazing
- Water Access
Swan Creek Campground
Swan Creek Campground is located in the scenic Gallatin Canyon, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. It is 31 miles south of Bozeman.
- Berry Picking
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mushroom Picking
- Photography
- Star Gazing
Lee Metcalf Wilderness
The Bear Trap Wilderness is one of the four units of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The Bear Trap is the first wilderness areas to be managed by the BLM.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wilderness
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (3)
Ruby Creek Campground
The Ruby Creek Recreation Area is located on the Upper Madison River. The campground has 22 camping sites, with a separate boat launch and parking area nearby. There is a seasonal volunteer campground host on site.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area
In Idaho, BLM manages 350 acres of public lands in the Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area. Lush riparian vegetation like rose aspen, willow, serviceberry and snowberry follow the creek.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Canyon Ferry Lake
Canyon Ferry Dam and reservoir are located in Montana about 50 miles downstream from where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers join to form the Missouri River.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
75 miles and farther (11)
Helena Valley Reservoir
The Helena Valley Unit is in central Montana, adjoining the city of Helena, Montana, and 3.5 miles west of Canyon Ferry Dam on the Missouri River.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Winter sports
Yellowstone National Park
On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal wonders. Today, millions of people come here each year to camp, hike, and enjoy the majesty of the park.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
Humbug Spires WSA
This 11,175-acre roadless area is located 26 miles south of Butte. Impressive granite outcroppings, part of the Boulder Batholith, rise 300-600 feet and provide outstanding rockclimbing opportunities, most of which range from 5.5 to 5.7 in…
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Photography
- Wilderness
- Wildlife viewing
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge has often been called the most beautiful National Wildlife Refuge in the United States.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
Centennial Mountains
Centennial Mountains - This 28,000-acre mountain range, which forms the boundary between southwest Montana and Idaho, is some of southwest Montana’s wildest country.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Island Park Reservoir
Island Park Reservoir which is formed by Island Park Dam is a major feature of the Mindoka Project. Recreation on this 11 square mile (7,000-acre) reservoir with 64 miles of shoreline is administered by the Targhee National Forest .
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
Clark Canyon Reservoir
Recreation on Clark Canyon Reservoir and Barrett's Diversion Dam, located on the Beaverhead River south of Dillon, Montana, is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- History
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
Clarks Fork of The Yellowstone
The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone flows through the Shoshone National Forest through the awesome Clarks Fork Canyon into BLM-administered public lands, located just inside the mouth of the canyon.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Off-highway vehicles
- Photography
Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway
Tucked into the secluded southern reaches of Montana near Dell, the Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway offers a quiet, rugged drive through part of the untamed Rockies.
- Accessible Facility Or Activity
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Grassy Lake
Grassy Lake which is formed by Grassy Lake Dam is a major feature on the Mindoka Project. This 1,477-acre reservoir is located near the Wyoming-Idaho border between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Water sports
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Bozeman. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Bozeman

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
5 Reasons to Visit Bozeman, MT
A local activity Short shared by bestwesternTV.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
10 Best Things to Do in Bozeman, MT in the Summer
A local activity Short shared by Bozeman Real Estate Group.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Bozeman



More outdoors near Bozeman
- Hiking near Bozeman
- Camping near Bozeman
- Boating and kayaking near Bozeman
- Biking and mountain biking near Bozeman
- Picnic spots near Bozeman
- Horseback riding near Bozeman
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Bozeman
- Swimming holes and lakes near Bozeman
- Off-roading and OHV areas near Bozeman
- Snow play and winter sports near Bozeman
- Parks in Bozeman
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Questions
Where is the closest place for fishing near Bozeman?
Custer Gallatin National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 0 miles south of Bozeman as the crow flies. Next are Lower Hyalite Group (9 mi) and Langohr Campground (10 mi).
Do I need a fishing license near Bozeman?
Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a Montana fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.