Bring your fly-fishing gear. Fishing the headwaters of the Missouri River near Three Forks provides sports persons with hundreds of miles of accessible blue-ribbon trout fishing. The Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson, and Missouri rivers are among the world's most famous trout waters. With a snow-capped, mountainous background, fishing these clear waters captures many a fisherman's attention. The area offers views of a multitude of wildlife including great blue herons, sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawks, golden and bald eagles, river otters, beaver, mink, Canada geese, whitetail and mule deer, elk, and an occasional moose highlight the panorama. All nonresidents 15 years and older are required to obtain a fishing license. A valid licensed adult must accompany anyone under 15 years of age.

The Gallatin River emerges from the canyon just above its confluence with a small feeder stream, Spanish Creek. From Spanish Creek downstream, the Gallatin River runs through a broad canyon, in the vicinity of Bozeman. The scenery is beautiful and the fishing pressure is comparatively light as access becomes more difficult. After emerging from the canyon, the Gallatin River primarily flows through private property for the rest of its length down to Three Forks. The forested river banks found upstream give way to a mix of cottonwood tress, low brush, grass, and agricultural land along the river for the rest of its length.

This section of the river has significantly slower currents than found upstream. It also has broad runs, some under-cut banks, and occasional pools. The valley the river flows through also is agricultural in nature, becoming more arid as the river progresses downstream. The largest trout on the Gallatin River will be found in this stretch.*

*For extensive information about fishing in the Three Forks area and throughout Montana, visit Jim at BigSkyFishing.com. Many thanks to Jim for the use of his photos.

• Droulliard Fishing Access (six camp sites, trails, toilets, boat launch, 14-day stay limit)
• Williams Bridge
• Sappington
• Cobblestone
• Grey Cliff
• Black's Ford
• Logan Bridge
• Fairweather
• Milwaukee

There are rifle and archery hunting seasons for elk, deer, and antelope. Goat, sheep, mountain lion, and bear hunting are also plentiful as well as upland and wetland game birds.

Fairweather Campground - 1 mile west of Logan on Route 205, 3 miles north on Logan-Trident Road, 7 miles northeast on Clarkston Road.

Missouri Headwaters Campground - 3 miles east of Three Forks on Route 205, 3 miles north on Highway 286.

Floating and canoeing are favorite family outings on the waterways of the Headwaters. Camp in one of the many Fish, Wildlife, and Parks fishing access sites along the rivers. The lower twelve miles of the Gallatin River, between Gallatin Forks Access Site and Three Forks, has virtually no access. Happily, it's the one stretch of the Gallatin River that may be floated. The current is slow, so plan any float trip accordingly.

Floaters enjoy stretches of white water and canoeists have unique opportunities to experience the spirit of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, fur traders like John Colter, and mountain men like Jim Bridger, all of whom canoed the rivers of the Headwaters.

Play a round or two at the Headwaters Public Golf Course featuring a 9-hole course amid beautiful panorama views. Constructed in 1988, the golf course is used by Three Forks and Gallatin Valley residents alike. The course borders ponds where wildlife including birds, geese, deer, and turtles mingle with the golfers.

Several tournaments are held throughout the season and the course is utilized by the local high school golf team. Lessons are available and the Pro Shop rents golf cards and stocks a wide assortment of golfing equipment for sale or rent. Privately owned carts are welcome. Call (406) 285-3700 for more information.

Join us for a great time during the Three Forks Rodeo each July. The Three Forks Rodeo offers two evenings of real rodeo action in a small-town setting. There's music, food, bull- and bronc-riding, crafts, a home-town parade, and much more. Don't miss real western hospitality in this historic Montana town. The Three Forks Rodeo and parade are held in Three Forks on the third weekend in July. The Rodeo is held at the fairgrounds. Take Interstate 90 to Three Forks, exit 278 one mile to Mail Street, then drive through town to the fairgrounds. The parade is held on Main Street on Saturday morning. For more information, call the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce at (406) 285-4753.

• Headwaters Community Fairgrounds - US Hwy. 2, southwest edge of town.  Available for public or private events. Call 285-3431 for reservations.

• Headwaters Public Golf Course - Seventh Ave.  9 holes, club house, driving range East Call 285-3700 for more information.

• Headwaters Trail System - Seventh Ave. East.  Jogging, walking, hiking, and biking.

• Three Forks Ponds - Northeast of town.  Boating, fishing, swimming, jogging, barbecue facilities, restrooms, and beach.