My nephew from NJ and I(CA) would like to visit Montana/Wyoming next year to do some trout fishing. We are looking to fish a few different streams/rivers while we are there. We plan to spend about a week(will rent a vehicle). We are just beginning to do the research for the trip.
I would like to get some thoughts from the members in regards to what area(s)we should focus on for fishing, the time of year we should target, and possible locations to stay at.
Our main focus is to experience the area and fish.
I must suggest Rock Creek, anywhere on the 50+ miles of pristine waters I guarantee that you will get into fish, not to mention great scenery. Anytime after spring runoff ends is great, which should be about the time you head out here, try Rock Creek Cabins for a rental or there are a few B & B’s up there too or you can stay here in town (Missoula) and hit my other favorite river the Bitterroot, the reason I suggest the Bitterroot second is that, it’s the best for dry fly fishing but with all dry fly fishing you arent guaranteed to fool any fish as most are heavily fished, my solution take a scenic Bitterroot drive south and hit the West Fork which is much like Rock Creek. Then head on down to Bozeman for a few nights hit the Gallatin, Firehole, and Madison (maybe the Jefferson too) but my favorite in Bozeman is definatly the Gallatin from there hit YNP and on into Wyoming, which is a state I have never fished.
Rick
You really cant go wrong with any choice of rivers in MT. I would suggest avoiding August since some rivers may be too warm to fish or closed (Blackfoot, Big Hole, and Jefferson always seem to have some sort of restrictions). Having said that, there are plenty of waters that are still fishable at that time (Yellowstone, Gallatin, Upper Madison, Rock Creek just to start). If you come in August, and plan on fishing the Park, check on the water temps for the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison since they tend to get a bit warm. I prefer river fishing in MT in the spring and fall. I usually skip rivers except the Gallatin and a few mountain streams in July and August. Going in June puts you right at runoff and many rivers are blown out (except for tailwaters and spring creeks such as DePuys, Nelson, and Armstrong).
I would concentrate on two areas, Bozeman and Missoula. From these two locations you are within a short distance of some great fishing. No matter what you choose, chances are you can’t go wrong.
As for Wyoming, I don’t have much experience there except for mountain lakes so I can’t really help you out any there.
I agree with the recommendations that you’ve gotten so far, with two additional comments.
Wherever you decide to go, be sure to check the mileage between places. A week is a pretty short time, and the distances can be long between places. Unless you want to spend much of the week driving (and there’s nothing wrong with that if you want to see some different areas), it may be better to concentrate on 2 or 3 different rivers or streams.
Also, you didn’t say how good of a wader you are. Assuming you are both “average” waders, then I’d suggest concentrating on the smaller rivers having plenty of public access, such as Rock Creek and the Gallatin, versus larger ones like the Yellowstone.
Thanks for the great info. Since we are looking at a week, I do not want to spend that much time driving. I would prefer to spend the time fishing and enjoying the outdoors.
John: When you mention being an “average wader” can you expand on that. I recognize that the smaller waters would be less challenging however I have waded some hard fast rocky waters with no problem.
Mark/Burnt Hackle/John- great info. As I look into this more, would you mind if I sent you a PM with follow-up questions as required ?
Rock Crek and the Gallatin are both fast and rocky in many places, and can be 30-50’ wide, versus 200’ wide for the larger rivers. Earlier in the season (say, through mid-July) most of the rivers - both smaller ones as well as the larger ones can have pretty strong currents regardless. Since I assumed neither of you have been to Montana before, I didn’t want you to be intimidated by first sight.
If you do get the chance to go to Wyoming, try fishing Flat Creek, just outside of Jackson. Really tough spring creek fishing, but the Snake River Cutts that live in the creek and amazing. I was there this last September and had a great time… wish I was there now…
My brother used to live in Great Falls, MT. When I went out to visit him we fished the Missouri River in Craig, MT.
It was great…both of us were new to fly fishing so we booked with a guide and had a great time. We did primarily drift boat fishing. Almost 10 hours on the water.
Your best bets are difinately Missoula and Bozeman for bases in Montana fishing from these two cities (towns to you all from back east) you can hit most all water (give or take) in Montana for great trout. And yes the Missouri is also reachable from Missoula but it is a stretch and from my experience is just a gigantic slow-mover which isnt that technical (relatively speaking–from my p-o-v)
If you like the intamacy of close quarters trout fishing then the smaller rivers are the best bet for sure, but then again I just sold my raft because I like wading alot more.
Rick
PS. pm’s are fine, I’m not a guide but would definately love to take anyone on any river out here, you really can’t go wrong, slinging streamers, high sticking, the five foot #24 trico drift, the 80 ft parachute adams to that monster over there, lovin’ it!
My preference would be away from other people, with beautiful scenery, many trouts, peace and calm. So that leaves out most of the generally often thought of places. I like it when I don’t see another person for most of the day! Let alone another flyfisher.
Rivers, streams, glacier lakes in the south east corner of Wyoming is where I’ll be, high up in the mountains of the Snowy Range.
Great info. I’m still doing some research in regards to making a trip but will utilize all of your input.
What time of year of would be best to target a trip ? Not being familiar with the Montana snow melt situation, when generally do the rivers/streams/creeks become fishable ?
I don’t mind fishing some strong water however I’m not into blow-out situations.
Just talking about a trip gets my adrenaline pumping.
About the only time you don’t want to go is June (that’s actually mid-May to mid-July). Some years the melt starts late, etc.
Bozeman is a good central location. You can also head a little further east past Livingston to Big Timber for the Boulder River, a wadable freestone, float the 'Stone, or find a few other smaller streams in the Stillwater Drainage (another wadable freestone).
Right now I looking at using Bozeman as the central point for the trip.
Would you recommend that we possibly hit one of the lodges/with guide service, stay in a local Bozeman Hotel and fish independently, stay local and go out with a guide ?
Generally, two things about Montana. One is there are many rivers to choose from. Two is you can spend quite a bit of drive time between the big names.
To make the best of your limited time and to see a number of rivers, you have to float at least one of the big names with a guide. It will be well worth it. I think you can stay in a local hotel and use a guide and do some independent fishing too.
I am of the personal opinion that many of the freestones do not require a guide during the low flow months. You may want to get Fothergill & Sterling’s “the Montana Angling Guide.” A bit outdated, but good river descriptions and maps for fishing access. I am told there is a newer version out there. I have yet to see that only a special fly works in any of them.
I am not any help in regards to rivers near Bozeman. I spend all my time in our local streams, all within a 30 mile radius. I don’t use a guide, but then again I live here and have no worries if I get skunked. I’ll just hit it again the next day.
As for guides in the Bozeman area, unless fishing areas where floating is a possibiltiy (Yellowstone and Upper Madison in particular), I dont feel they are really needed. If I had to use a guide I would check out Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers (www.gyflyfishers.com) as that is without question my favorite flyshop in Boze. As a disclaimer I get nothing out of this but I really like the people who work there and I know a few of the guides.
As for lodging, I dont really have any recommendations since I have never had to use a hotel here hehehehe. Gallatin River Lodge might be an option though I dont know a whole lot about them.
I would agree that June is not a good option unless fishing stillwaters or spring creeks in the Livingston area. Run-off varies from year to year depending on snowpack and temperatures in June. While the Lower Madison may be fishable in June, other rivers such as the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Upper Madison may not be because of flows.
I personally spend from Memorial Day until snowfall in the fall in the summer fishing mostly alpine lakes (with the exception of the Gallatin in the Canyon). By checking at local flyshops (see Greater Yellowstone Flyfishers, though the Rivers Edge is also very good as well), you can get more accurate info on river fishing, especially regarding the salmonfly hatch.
If you have further questions, please feel free to PM and I will help you out the best I can.
I’d recommend that you take a float (or two or three or four) while you are out there. Fly in and out of Bozeman and spend a couple days fishing the Y. Stone, L. Madison, and Gallatin then go someplace else… spend a few days in YNP or head over toward Missoula…Have a great trip. Cheers.
>>
Right now I looking at using Bozeman as the central point for the trip.
Would you recommend that we possibly hit one of the lodges/with guide service, stay in a local Bozeman Hotel and fish independently, stay local and go out with a guide ? <<
Don’t mean to knock BozeAngelas (Oops! Just did! :-), but I don’t think there’s a lot of fishing opportunities close to Bozeman (that’s why their guides drive all the way over here - Livingston, MT). There’s the Gallatin (not one of my favorites), Lower Madison (from Ennis Lake) which is usually too warm during the summer, and the East Gallatin. Yellowstone Park fishing is a bit of a haul from there.
The Missouri (north of Helena) is a fantastic fishery but that’s the only river to fish in that area (as far as I know). Dittoes for the Big Horn (hope you like crowds!).
Hi
The Rivers Edge, 2012 N. 7th Ave., Bozeman, Mt. 59715, 1-406-586-5373.
I think this is their web site. theriversedge.com
This is the best shop in Bozeman.
There are two more shops located in the 4 corners area about 5 miles from here.
I mainly fish stillwater so I’m not much help on the rivers.
Travel time here is a lot faster than most areas. You can generally average over 60 mph.
I’d personally suggest the Cody area. Great access to a number of rivers, small streams, and even a few small stillwaters. The Cody area also offers some nice “Western” flair that you don’t really see in some of the other towns. Cody also offers easy access to Yellowstone. All in all, some of the other areas will put you on the crowded and famous waters. Cody will offer much better diversity.