An Icon of Western Fly Fishing.....still there?

[Matt / PA]

I was just flipping through the stacks and stacks of fly fishing pictures I have stuffed in a box and came across this one, and it makes me smile everytime I do.........anyone know if that thing is still there?

Picture is circa 1995.



I can still remember the first time I ever fished there........ after reading that, it was darn near impossible to consider not following the guidlelines for fear of what was on the other end of that red paint. LOL

[Ray]

"Non payers will be band"...I love it!

[Matt / PA]

"Non payers will be band"...I love it!

Worse yet........it actually reads: "none payers will be band"........ the letter E was worn down a bit or some helpful soul tried to erase it.

[Marco]

"band"? "Deliverance"? For sure, I'd pay up.




Mark

[JohnScott]

Matt -

Western Fly Fishing covers a LOT of places.

If you narrow down the area a bit, I may go look for it ??

John

[sagefisher]

I thought it said non payers will be 8 and thank you for your....

Band sounds better. However, ate ( 8 ) may have more of an impact.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[Grn Mt Man]

If you don't pay up maybe the next "band" you hear will be the heavenly band or a fiery one.

[flybop]

That must be the "Three Dollar Bridge" on the upper Madison. You are right, that place is iconic in the fly fishing world. We almost lost that access when the ranch was for sale some years ago. There was a very cooperative effort from various fly fishing businesses and groups ( and I think, the state of Montana) to purchase this land and keep the Three Dollar Bridge Access open. I have not fished there recently, it is very, very crowded, but I think there is still a payment plan set up.

[ducksterman]

I'd agree, flybob...I haven't been there in a long time either.

[Matt / PA]

Yep it sure is the $3 Bridge access on the Madison.......I take it the sign must be gone and some wouldn't recognize that one? LOL
It was a beauty!

I fished it mostly back in the mid 90's when I was guiding out there and it was "Doom and Gloom" for the Madison due to whirling disease.........I had some of the most incredible fishing of my life in those few summers in those pockets and runs. 50-75 big trout days were pretty common on nymphs.

Here's a picture of exactly what's sitting behind that crazy sign. I do miss that place and on that beautiful July summer evening look upstream of me..........all to myself.