I fished the Gallatin in August 2004. We had no problems with crowds. In fact, only two other anglers came upon while there. We fished the Gallatin 5 times that week (on weekdays) and had a blast (and solitude).
Guys;
I had emailed Jim some information earlier today and he invited me along. I’m only 80 or 90 miles North of him. Not sure at this time if I can make it as the AuSable River Fish-In may take some recovery time. Jim and his wife will be attending that one but his Montana trip is solo.
In checking out locations mentioned here it looks like a 22 to 26 hour drive. 2 hard days or 3 easy day of driving. At least a 12 day trip to take advantage of the fishing.
I have a 10 foot pop-up camper that is a bit more comfortable than a tent (with heater) but harder to set up (Yeah, I leaning toward taking up his offer!!) We could set it up as a base camp and drive to other locations.
Two guys would make the expenses easier to cover as well as the drive.
My Birthday is the 23rd of September and I could even get my kid brother over in Idaho to visit for a day or 2. Oh Boy!! I’m really leaning towards the trip!! Jim, just set the hook!!
Montana in September, Fishing, Good Briends, Birthday, etc!! Can I shake the hook? I doubt it!!
I feel more like I do now than I did when I got here!
Cactus AKA “Lucky Dog (Pirate Name)”
There are 2 excellent Guide books for Montana, these were originally produced by the late Gary LaFontaine’s Gray Cliff Publishing company, and were purchased from them by Lyons Press after Gary’s death. Both are written by John Holt:
Montana Fish-Fishing Guide WEST
Montana Fish-Fishing Guide EAST
EAST contains Beaverhead, Big Hole, Gallatin, Madison, Missouri and Yellowstone.
WEST includes Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Flathead, and Glacier National Park.
Both have pretty much everything you want to know with the complete drainages for each river, flies, maps, (driving instructions too) and ‘other waters’ lakes, ponds etc.
Very good books. $22.95 for each.
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
Dang Jim !!! That’s like asking a little kid what kind of candy he wants in a candy
shop or which toy he wants at Toys-R-Us !!!
Anything in Yellowstone (Northeast Entrance area especially), Kallispel/Whitefish Area,
The Bighorn, Big Hole, Clarksfork, Blackfoot…It’s all heaven !!!
Cmon Jack! Like I said in my email, what can be more relaxing than fishing! 
A post fish-in fishing trip. Don’t tell the pirates, or we could be in real trouble!
Who told you there were fish in Montana? Sorry to break it to you, but there aren’t any anywhere in Montana. Don’t waste your time. It’s no good.
Alright you can go as long as you keep it a secret. But if someone asks you, tell them it was a terrible time. Good Luck!! Don’t forget about the Spring Creeks. They’re a hoot too.