Sotar Westslope

On the Gallatin River near Bozeman, Montana, Sotar Westslope offers float-ready raft rentals ideal for anglers, families, and anyone chasing a day on the water. The pickup point listed is between Four Corners and Gallatin Gateway, putting you close to braided channels, cobble bars, and the clear, cold flows that make the Gallatin one of Montana’s most popular blue-ribbon trout rivers. The Sotar Westslope is a light and agile raft and frame setup that adapts to fishing or recreation.

Rent it for a single day or up to seven: the Montana Raft Frames Fishing Package outfits you with PFDs, a Yeti 65 cooler, dry-box storage, a k-Pump 100, 9' Cataract X oars with Cutthroat blades, anchor and a spare oar; switch to the Paddle Configuration for a multi-person scenic float with thwarts and paddles. There’s room for coolers, rods, and camp gear, and Gateway Boat Co. lets you tailor PFD sizes, dry bag options, and oar lengths when you book. The scene here is elemental.

The river carves through sage and riparian cottonwood, runs between broad gravel bars and exposed benches, and threads pockets of fast riffles and glassy pools where trout stack. Look for native Yellowstone cutthroat and common brown and rainbow trout along tailouts and undercut banks. The watershed sits at the western edge of the Madison Range and much of the corridor falls inside Gallatin National Forest, so you’ll see volcanic outcrops, talus slopes, and the kind of open skies that make evening casts unforgettable.

Practical notes matter: pickups are available 6-9 AM or 3-6 PM and the rental accommodates a maximum of seven people; drivers should have a 2" ball and 4-flat wiring for trailers, or call Gateway Boat Co. about delivery. Renters must be at least 21 to book. Gateway Boat Co. directs 4% of every booking to water conservation that benefits the home rivers they guide on, a local-first approach that keeps winters snowy and fishable seasons healthy.

Whether you’re setting up a guided float-fishing itinerary, loading the raft for a family scenic day, or stringing lines at dawn, Sotar Westslope is versatile gear that feels at home on the Gallatin. It’s an accessible way to join the river’s current, learn the runs from experienced outfitters, and spend a real day outdoors without hauling your own frame. Booking is handled through the operator’s online system; choose pickup times during the listed windows or call to request a custom slot.

Bring sunscreen, layered clothing, and a waterproof bag for phones; basic angling tackle is optional if you choose the fishing package. For groups, reserve early in high season to secure the preferred configuration and to support Gateway Boat Co.’s conservation fund and future angler access.