Summer Graduation Present Trip
My son and three of his buddies are trying to plan a mid June fly fishing trip "out West" in celebration of their high school graduation. Their first thought is the Missoula area primarily because one of the guys recently watched "The Movie".
I would like to steer them to an area where they can:
1. wade safely
2. Catch fish
3. Have reasonable stream access without having to worry about tresspass laws
4. Have a safe place to stay at night.
I would like to arrange and pay for in advance a guided wade trip for their first day so they can the lay of the land. My son has been fly fishing for about 9 years, his buddies just got into it this past summer.
Can anyone recommend some streams and areas that could accommodate four young fly fishermen? Would one guide be willing to take out a group of four or do I need to plan on two guides?
As they have limited budgets I suggested they try camping as a way to conserve money. They are a little concerned about space for all their gear and security.
Any suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Re: Summer Graduation Present Trip
My first impression is that mid-June can be tough fishing due to the potential for high water from snow run-off. If they can wait a couple weeks, their opportunities will probably be better. There are many places they could go that would offer what they are interested in, and I'm sure you will get lots of suggestions, but here are several thoughts:
Personally, I would stay away from Missoula itself, and the Clark Fork specifically, due to the sheer size of the river which is not particularly condusive to 4 young guys wade fishing - there are better places to go.
I wouldn't hestitate at all to camp, and wouldn't be particularly concerned about safety. In fact, I've done that a number of times with my sons, with other fishing friends, or alone.
Rock Creek, just east of Missoula, offers plenty of wade fishing access, plus ample camping opportunities, and I wouldn't think a guide would even be necessary.
Another option would be the Missouri River in the Wolf Creek or Craig area. Again, there is camping available at several places, some fishing lodges/camps, or motels in Helena. A guide for a day would help them get started, and after that they'd be good to go on their own.
The Gallain River between Four Corners (Bozeman) and Big Sky would also be another river for them to consider. Again, there are many public access places, along with plenty of options closeby for camping, motels, etc.
While you may find a guide that is willing to take 4 young fellows out for the day, I think 2 per guide is more common. I'd sugggest deciding on a location first, then contact a local outfitter and discuss the guiding options.
I will be guiding on the Yellowstone River just south of Livingson next summer and fall. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing/camping, etc. there also, but I think the 3 places I suggested above would be better for your sons and his friends.
John