Ok, so I’ve been looking around a bit for a suitable location for a fish-in in Montana next year, which is no easy task considering all the water there is to fish here.
I haven’t settled on anything, but I did some searching, and Three Forks (the headwaters of the Missouri River) looks like it could be a wonderful place for families to enjoy. http://www.threeforksmontana.us/
Not only are there four famous rivers to fish, the Missouri, Gallatin, Madison and the Jefferson, but there is golf, shopping and dining close by. There are other sites offered that show more of what Three forks has to offer, just google them and have a look around. On the link above I clicked on attractions and then clicked on fishing for a list of all the fishing accesses in the area. Click on the Missouri Headwaters link for the state park info, or follow the link below.
I am looking at the Montana State Park, http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/visit/parkSiteDetail.html?id=281910, located on the Madison at the confluence of the rivers for a headquarters, so to speak. They have tent and RV camping available, Cabins for rent, and a tipi for rent. Prices are listed for each, all you have to do is play around with the lists on the left side of the page.
Take a look at the links I’ve provided and then give me some feedback. I really like this area for all it has to offer a large group like I hope we will have.
Three Forks is a neat little town; we’re spending a night at the Sacajawea Hotel this year (surprise birthday for my wife’s uncle). Be aware that things get a bit crowded there during the Rockin’ the Rivers festival (August 8-10 this year) - we were visiting relatives down there a few years ago and ran into Alice Cooper and his entourage at the hotel; that was interesting.
Bear in mind that unless you’re after carp, you have to drive a good 45 minutes to get to most fishable public water from Three Forks in midsummer. The lower Gallatin and Jeff get badly dewatered and warm and the Madison below Ennis Lake (which is basically a 7 foot deep warming pan) simply gets too warm. There are a few spring creeks and smaller streams closer than that, but they can’t support large numbers of anglers and some are private.
Thanks for the heads up. It’s that sort of stuff that I need to know. I’ll be looking into it some more for sure then, and perhaps that will determine when we hold it. I really appreciate it.
Did some checking, and LFC was dead on. The guide I talked to game me a couple of really good suggestions. I’m going to keep looking, and will let you all know what I’m thinking.
How about giving some thought to West Yellowstone? Several places which have rooms/cabins/camping with access to the Park of course, plus the Madison, just a short drive to Henry’s Fork, Quake and Hebgen Lakes, also the Gallatin River. Bat that one around a bit?
We would be honored to have the Fish-in here! Wendie and I have discussed this and figured giving a discount as well. If you would like to have it here we need to get it done ASAP. I’m assuming this is for next year, we haven’t put the 2011 reservation book out yet. In the next few weeks it will begin to fill up fast with our regulars.
We are on the Madison River between Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake. If you want to fish other water you are basically 45 minutes away from prime fishing on the Henry’s Fork and the Gallatin. Yellowstone is 24 minutes away, which you’ll have to take the scenic drive past Hebgen and past Grayling, Duck and Cougar creeks. Henry’s Lake is 1/2 hour away as are Cliff and Wade Lakes. Chances are no matter the weather there will be fish able water somewhere, if not right out you back door, not too far away.
Plus I might be able to get Ron and Vicky to finally get out here and pay us a visit!
Jim
Speak of the devil and look who shows up. Hi Jim. The idea of having a full service fly shop at the site would be a big plus, so is having the Madison right out the back door.
Well, isn’t it funny how things work out. I was going to call Deanna today to ask about you guys and to get your contact information to call and discuss everything you just provided me!
If you could send me a pm with you phone number I’ll give you a call in the next few days and we can discuss the best time of the summer to hold an event like this.
Wow, having lived in West for a while, as well as marrying a girl from there, the Campfire Lodge and surrounding area would be spectacular for this. It would also be very close for me and mine to come participate. These are my home waters and I couldn’t be more pleased to see a Fish-In in this area! The Campfire Lodge and surrounding area are some of the most beautiful in the entire world and those who have been there will not disagree.
There’s the Madison, Henry’s Fork, Gallitan, Hebgen Lake and ‘gulper’ action, Henry’s Lake and monster hybrids as well as so many other great options. Not to mention all of the cool and famous fly shops in West yellowstone that just beg a visit. Bring it on!
I called the lodge and left a message. After poking around their website I think we may have a winner for a fish-in spot. I’ll get back with everyone on the details and dates and you can put in for your vacation time for next year!!!
Sorry REE, all I had to do was click on your link for the info I needed…duh. Well, nobody ever accused me of having the sharpest hook in the fly box, lol
