By John Herzer

Timeless cliff walls and ponderosa pines tower over deep, clear runs and boulder strewn riffles -- the Big Blackfoot is trout water. Affording both wading and floating angler opportunity for nearly sixty miles, the Big Blackfoot River is as diverse as the Montana landscape it shapes. Harboring good populations of Montana's only two "native" salmonids, cutthroats and bull trout, the Big Blackfoot is also abundant with rainbow, cutbows, browns and mountain whitefish throughout its length.

The Big Blackfoot's optimum fishing starts at River Junction Campground, at its confluence with the North Fork, just south of Ovando. Although initially rumbling past rolling ranch land, the river soon takes on its' more characteristic bank side vegetation, winding around canyon walls and house size boulders only ending at its confluence with the Clark Fork River five miles east of Missoula. All but the final ten miles of the Big Blackfoot are tucked away from busy roadways and housing developments, astonishing seclusion in light of its proximity to Montana's third largest population center.

Over looking a few local "I-flyfish-every-week-of-the-year-and-in-any temperature" hard cores, the Big Blackfoot action starts picking up around the middle of March. Anglers dredging nymphs and steamers realize surprising catches on into May and the onset of runoff. The much anticipated salmon fly hatch usually kicks off when the river is swollen and colored in early to mid June and bank fishing quickly becomes all but impossible. As the water starts to subside, savvy boat antlers able to mirror bushy dry flies and weighted streamers with the bank are rewarded with the Big Blackfoot's trophy browns ranging from 18" - 24".

With the dropping and clearing water of July comes a number of lesser stone fly, caddis, and a few may fly hatches -- together with more obvious holding areas. Dead drifting most any classic western attractor of moderate size motivates strikes from eager 10" - 16" rainbows and cutthroats. Use similar patterns (with the noted additions of hoppers with beadhead nymph droppers and uncertain cyclical hatches of spruce moths) on through August for similar action. By virtue of the Big Blackfoot's rapid speed, pool drop configuration and powerful size (even at low flows), its fish are rarely "selective" as compared to those of the Clark Fork or the Bitterroot. They have to eat the bugs passing over them right now or get very skinny waiting for easier targets.

The Big Blackfoot browns start to show themselves again in September and October as the aggression of their upcoming spawning run becomes apparent. The river is gin clear and at minimum flow as significant hatches rebound, including the giant orange sedge (October caddis). Days shorten, morning frosts the boats, elk bugles echo down to rivers edge, as mountain mahogany turns brilliant shades of red and yellow. Autumn is a great time to fly fish the Big Blackfoot.

Thanks to an unprecedented cooperative effort between public and private interests and more stringent fishing regulations, the Big Blackfoot River is quickly returning to the quality fishery that inspired Norman McLean's novel A River Runs Through It, and Robert Redford's subsequent big screen hit. Scarcely seven years ago only sun soaked tubers and an occasional bait fisherman utilized the Big Blackfoot. Today Highway 200 hums with numerous, eager guide rigs wheeling up river from Missoula with boats in tow.

Unfortunately, the Big Blackfoot's future isn't as clear as its waters. Just when it appears that people understand a river of such splendor is an important resource, planning begins for one of North American's largest cyanide heap leach gold mines at its headwaters! More information on how you can help continue trout fishing on this spectacular river is available at the address below.

Fly Box for the Big Blackfoot: Here is the very minimum selection anglers should carry with them when fishing the "Foot".

Dries: Wulffs and humpies (#14-10); parachute adams (#16-12); Goddard's and elk hair caddis (#14-8); stimulators; madam-x and parachute hoppers (#12-6)

Nymphs: prince, hare's ear, zug bug and pheasant tail all of which work better with beadheads in #16-12; golden and black stones (#10-4)

Streamers: olive, brown and black woolly buggers (#8-4); olive and black zonkers (#8-4)

WORDS OF CAUTION TO FLOATERS AND WADE FISHERS: The Big Blackfoot is a powerful, challenging river at any level. Float fishing is undoubtedly the most efficient means of angling, but not just any oars person should attempt this challenge. While high water covers many obstacles, it, in turn, exponentially increases force and reduces reaction time. Although low flow slows the pace a great deal, the exposed boulder fields require expert boat handling to negotiate rapids. Wading during run off is not recommended as the river is bank full, often up into willows and shrubs, and the visibility is poor. During low summer flows bank angling can be a delight for sure footed individuals. Felt soled boots are recommended; careful wading is required while traversing the varying river bottom. When booking an outfitter to float fish the Big Blackfoot, be assured their guides have not only experience on this section but that they also have experience under similar conditions for that particular time of year.

Nymphing on Rock Creek for Bigger and Better Returns

By Doug Persico

Western Montana fly fishers overwhelmingly rate Rock Creek as their favorite dry fly stream. Generating legendary hatches, this quintessential stream offers riffles, pools, long runs and deep holes. Best of all, it is the perfect size to wade and cast, especially to rising fish. Except for a fairly brief period in the spring during the spring runoff, the stream can be waded almost anywhere along its 50 odd miles, and it is almost never crowded compared to the more fabled waters of the Yellowstone Park area.

However, if a fisherman were to consider Rock Creek as only a dry fly stream, he or she would be missing the best fishing opportunity Rock Creek has to offer. Rock Creek nymph fishing exceeds its reputation as a classic dry fly fishery. Nymphing produces consistently bigger fish and greater numbers of fish. Best of all, nymph fishing produces during those times when there is no dry fly fishing.

Techniques

Dead drifting a nymph on the bottom and fishing a nymph on or near the surface, either by itself or in tandem with another fly, are the two most productive methods of nymph fishing. Dead drifting simply means figuring out where the fish are holding on the bottom, weighting either the fly or the leader enough to get the fly down to where the fish are, and drifting the fly through the holding water until a fish takes it. Recognizing the take and setting the hook follow. Sounds simple, right? It is, until you consider such questions as, how do you know if you are deep enough, and how do you recognize the take.

The answer to the first question is easy. If you are getting hung up on the bottom and losing an occasional fly, you're deep enough. To answer the second question opens up one of the big debates currently in fly fishing -- are strike indicators nothing more than bobbers and an open acknowledgment that the fly fisher hasn't mastered his craft?

Most of my customers use strike indicators to recognize takes when dead drifting a nymph. Strike indicators are simply something the angler can see under any condition. They are attached to the leader far enough away from the fly so that they can be seen on the surface as the fly drifts on or near the bottom. The strike indicator telegraphs to the fisherman the fact that the nymph is no longer drifting. The angler must then quickly set the hook before the fish spits the fly out. Strike indicators are a valuable aid to increase productivity. As a fly shop owner, I make and sell indicators, and I consider them a valuable source of revenue for the shop.

The other method of nymphing used most often on Rock Creek is fishing a nymph unweighted either as a wet fly on the swing or as a trailer to a dry fly. To fish a nymph on the swing, simply cast across the current and start stripping line slowly in as the fly starts swinging below you. In most cases the fish will hook itself.

A technique that is becoming increasingly popular is to fish an emerger imitation in tandem with a dry fly during the hatches. A section of tippet is attached to the bend of a dry fly hook. The tippet section is from 16 to 18 inches long, and an emerger nymph is attached. The dry is drifted and catches fish in its own right as well as acts as a strike indicator for the trailing nymph. This method is proving itself deadly and increases in popularity every year.

Fly Patterns

Just as there are a number of techniques that work on Rock Creek, there are a number of patterns that seem to work well. Some patterns work well all the time, and some work best during a particular time of year. If I were limited to just one pattern and size of nymph to use on Rock Creek all year long, that pattern would be a size 10 Prince, with or without a bead head. For some reason known only to the trout, this pattern works any time of year. Other patterns will work better than a Prince at various times, but day in and day out during the entire year, a size 10 Prince will always produce fish.

During the winter the fish are not very active, but when the weather is warm and sunny enough, and there is no slush ice floating down the creek, a dark stonefly dead drifted through the deep holes can produce some big browns. I sell more Kauffman and Brookes' stoneflies in sizes 4 and 6 than all other patterns combined.

During the latter part of March, Skwala stoneflies and Western March Browns start to hatch. This is the time to dead drift smaller stone fly patterns for the Skwala and size 14 Pheasant Tails for the March Browns. It is also the time to trail a crippled March Brown emerger behind a dry fly. We have particularly good results sinking a Quigley Cripple in the surface film behind a size 14 Parachute Adams or even a size 10 Skwala Stimulator. For a lot of locals, this time of the year is their favorite. I know that this is my favorite time of year to fish dries on Rock Creek, as long as I can trail the emerging nymph behind them.

Once the Skwala and March Brown hatches are over, we begin the countdown to the Salmon Fly. This hatch is easily the best known in the state, since it occurs in a lot of our major streams. I consider Rock Creek's hatch to be at least as good as any in the state. However, to a dedicated nympher, the hatch itself is less important than the weeks preceding it. During this time there are caddis emerging. Dry attractor patterns are fooling some good trout, but the nymph fisherman knows that the major story is being told on the stream bottom where both the Salmon Fly and Golden Stone nymphs are preparing for their destiny.

Both of these stonefly species hatch on land. When the time is right, the nymphs wiggle out of the water, split their cases, and emerge as adults from the cases and climb onto bushes near the stream banks, which is where they will spend the major part of their adult lives. Prior to this momentous event, the stonefly larva have been moving around the stream bottom. The trout, of course, are not indifferent to this movement since the larva of the various stoneflies is a major part of their diet. As the date for their hatching gets closer, the larva migrate closer to the stream bank. Finally, on the appointed day, out they come.

Not all stoneflies hatch on the same day. The hatch is progressive. It starts near the mouth of the creek and progresses several miles upstream from where the insects are actually hatching. I dead drift a big black nymph as close to the bank as I can get it. Anyway, I used to fish like that. Since opening a fly shop, my outings during the stonefly season have been few and far between. I have sold a lot of large black nymphs, however.

After the stoneflies are done, Rock Creek settles into its summer pattern. The primary hatches are caddis and Pale Morning Duns. This is the premier time to fish emerging nymphs just under the surface, trailing behind a high floating dry. Sparkle Duns and Quigleys work extremely well for PMDs and Sparkle Pupas are devastating in the evenings as caddis imitations. For those anglers who like the bottom, Gold Ribbed Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails and the ever popular Prince, either with or without bead heads, will almost always take fish.

As the season starts to wind down, the hatches change. Late August brings the Blue-Wing Olive and the beginning of the Giant Orange Caddis. Fishing the olives is pretty much like fishing the PMDs. Small Pheasant Tails do a good job on the bottom, and olive Sparkle Duns in the surface film can be killers.

But the real star of the fall on Rock Creek is the big orange caddis. This guy is big with a body almost two inches long. If you want to see the adult, they will be on the water in the evening although not in large numbers. My personal experience with this insect, at least as a dry, has been frustrating. I can count on one hand the number of fish I have taken on dry imitations of this caddis.

A couple of years ago I began experimenting with different nymph patterns to try and imitate the insect. After a lot of false starts, I came up with a size 8 Serendipity. This is perhaps the simplest caddis nymph there is, but it has proved to be absolute dynamite on Rock Creek in the fall. It can be dead drifted on the bottom for big browns or fished as a wet fly to imitate an ovipositing caddis. In either case, we've had a lot of success with the pattern.

The orange caddis stays with us until the snow starts to fly. As soon as the ice and snow start to build up on the banks, both the trout and the anglers seem to go into hibernation. The cycle has been completed, and we are back into the stone fly larva on the bottom we started with. If you're planning to fish Rock Creek at any time during the year, the techniques and patterns discussed here should help to make your experience more enjoyable. Even if you're a dryfly bigot, remember that there will be times when there is no dry fly fishing. And if you're going to fish and want to catch something other than a cold, you're going to have to go under the surface. And when you do, you will be surprised both by how challenging it is and by how rewarding it is.

Rock Creek By Mark E. Jones

Allow your mind to conjure up a classic, free flowing trout stream located in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana, and you will have created a mental image of Rock Creek. Rock Creek is located approximately 25 miles east of Missoula, Montana where, after flowing through fifty miles of mostly national forest service lands, it enters the Clark Fork River. It remains one of the true "Blue Ribbon" fisheries of the West, supporting large populations of browns and cutthroats. (Note: Whirling disease has impacted the rainbow population, but they are still present in the system.)

Rock Creek is a mostly free flowing, classic Western trout water. Although Rock Creek is open year around, and provides some excellent angling opportunities before high water, the fishing season typically commences with the salmon fly hatch in late May or early June.

The salmon fly hatch on Rock Creek is somewhat more predictable than many Western rivers, and the angler arriving on the creek during the second or third week of June will have the opportunity to present large salmon fly imitations (size, 2,4 or 6) to hungry fish. Because of the high water, the same angler will also encounter difficult wading conditions and may find themselves competing for the relatively few wadable areas with other bank anglers. However, if you are a strong wader and not opposed to a day of slipping and sliding, June fishing on Rock Creek can be productive. During these high flows, fishing from a well equipped raft is far more productive. This success is attributable to the float fishing angler's ability to access all available holding water with long, drag free floats.  Commerical outfitters and private floating is permitted until July 1, at which time all fishing from boats is prohibited.

As June gives way to July and August, Rock Creek quickly recedes and becomes more "wader friendly." The boats are gone, and at this time one can expect to encounter large golden stone flies intermingled with assorted mayflies and caddis. The hectic pace of fishing the salmon fly hatch quiets and gives way to the more typical attempt to match the hatch. Rock Creek trout are easily fooled, and the lower water defines the obvious holding water.

A few special words are required about the spruce moth fishing in August. Generally, in early August, Rock Creek provides some incredible morning fishing to the angler using any reasonable light colored, down-winged imitation. Any size 12 elk hair caddis will do. Depending on the day, the fishing will commence early and continue until 10:30 or 11:00 am. Then, the bugs simply disappear and the fish take up their more subtle forms of feeding.

Fishing in September and October on Rock Creek is not as predictable as in the early summer months. For whatever reason, Rock Creek trout become more selective and difficult to catch. This is not to say that one cannot expect outstanding fishing, but only that the fall fishing does not match the incredible catch rate of early summer. During this time, the lower twelve miles provide opportunities for spawning brown trout, and sporadic may mayfly hatches are present. The upper reaches are most productively fished during the heat of the day with smaller mayfly offerings and any size stonefly nymph. Regardless of the time of year, Rock Creek will provide any angler with a picturesque setting and catchable trout.

Rock Creek is easily accessible and has numerous forest service campgrounds.

Crane Meadow Lodge

Phone: (406) 684-5773

Email: info@cranemeadow.com

Visit: http://www.cranemeadow.com

Contact person:

Address: PO Box 489, Twin Bridges, MT 59754

Home waters: Ruby River

 
Located in the heart of an 8,000-acre ranch on the Ruby River, just outside the town of Twin Bridges in Southwestern Montana, Crane Meadow's exceptional private water program and home style hospitality make it among our top picks for serious anglers who like to put in long, productive days on the water. In addition to the ranch's twelve miles of private access to the Ruby River, Leonard Spring Creek, and Mill Creek, Crane Meadow has exclusive leases with more than a dozen local landowners, enabling access to seldom fished reaches of the Beaverhead, upper Ruby, and countless other sneaky spots.

The lodge's unmatched public water program allows anglers to float the Jefferson, Big Hole, and the Beaverhead or wade-fish Proposal and Poindexter sloughs. Many anglers visiting Crane will elect to float one of the nearby rivers for the first half of the day and wade-fish the ranch's private waters in the evening. Crane Meadow Lodge features four private cabins complete with queen beds, separate living areas, and screened porches. The main lodge sports a relaxing western atmosphere with a comfortable living area, fireplace, spacious dining room, and a complimentary bar. The dinner features local specialties with an emphasis on wild game. Breakfasts are continental. For those who long for quality guides, warm hospitality, and the un-crowded dry fly waters of yesteryear, this is the place.
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Hawley Mountain Ranch
Phone: 4069325791
Email: hawleymountain@aol.com
Visit: http://www.hawleymountain.com/fishing.htm

Enjoy spectacular fly fishing at Hawley Mountain Ranch from our private Boulder River frontage that we have kept catch and release for our guests for over 30 years. Fish in solitude at a breath-taking mountain setting where parts of "A River Runs Through It" were filmed. You or others in your family can experience a variety of other outdoor activities including horseback riding on spectacular mountain trails, a jeep trip to alpine lakes and ghost gold mining towns, hiking to unique places, a scenic float trip on the Yellowstone, and more. For more information see our website.
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Hawley Mountain Ranch
Phone: 406-932-5791
Email: hawleymountain@aol.com
Visit: http://www.hawleymountain.com/fishing.htm 

Lost Horse Creek Lodge

Phone: (406) 363-1460

Email: info@losthorsecreeklodge.com

Visit: http://www.losthorsecreeklodge.com

Contact person:

Address:

Home waters: Bitterroot River

Backcountry Angler

Phone: (406) 683-3462

Email: backcountry@backcountryangler.com

Visit: http://www.backcountryangler.com

Contact person:

Address:

Home waters: Beaverhead River

Backcountry Angler

 Backcountry Angler's River Lodge is located within a stone throw of the Beaverhead River near Dillon, Montana. Southwestern Montana is widely known as one of the great fishing destinations in the Rocky Mountain West. We offer an experienced guide service, deluxe lodging, & quality equipment in our fly shop. We also cater to the non-guided fly fisherman by offering lodging in our Fly Shop Inn. The suites in our Fly Shop Inn are comfortable, private and convenient to amenities. Most fishing is for Browns and Rainbows on the rivers. However, there are also Cutthroats, Brook Trout and Grayling in the area we fish. The excitement of a wild trout hitting your fly - and the test of wills that follow - is an unforgettable experience in a truly beautiful setting.

LynnnHaven Ranch

Phone: (406) 777-0905

Email: thelynns@lynnhavenranch.com           

Visit: http://www.LynnHavenRanch.com

Address: 3264 Snowflake Drive,  Stevensville,  MT 59870

Home waters: Bitterroot River

After many years of living in the city we decided to pursue our dream of living where we loved to vacation. We started this awesome ranch on 20 secluded acres with breathtaking views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Imagine yourself taking the best vacation of your life here in western Montana. The fresh mountain air, the open spaces, skiing the rolling hills, or the feel of a steady horse beneath you as you top the next rise... the flash of color as the monster trout rises to your offering... basking in the warmth of the sun as you relax in the afternoons ... shared time with family and friends.

Our ranch would be the perfect base camp for your western Montana adventures. The beautiful western furnished guest house comprises the lower level of our home and has a separate entrance. Nearly 2,000 sq. ft. of privacy and luxury await you. With all of the amenities, comfortable beds, fully-furnished living area, and much more you will feel right at "home". The spacious kitchen allows you to cook your own meals from basic to gourmet. Preparing meals this way can be a great way to save money, especially if you are traveling with the kids. Come for a visit, but be aware this lifestyle is addictive and the memories you make will be for a lifetime. Thanks again. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. The Lynns LynnHavenRanch

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Bitterroot River Bed and Breakfast LLC


Phone: 406-777-5205 


Email: gonefishin@bitterrootriverbb.com 


Visit: http://www.bitterrootriverbb.com 

The Bitterroot River Bed and Breakfast is located within the Town limits of Stevensville, in Montana _s scenic Bitterroot Valley . Our Bed and Breakfast overlooks the River and is at the base of the Bitterroot Mountains . We offer a tranquil country-style setting with on-property access to the River, combined with the convenience of being located within a small town. The Bitterroot River B&B is within walking distance of main street Stevensville, which offers art galleries, museums, antiques, groceries, restaurants and other unique shopping opportunities.

The Bitterroot River Bed & Breakfast enjoys river front access to prime trout fishing and other activities available along the Bitterroot. The Bitterroot is well known as one of the finest dry fly fishing rivers in the state. The dry fly fishing season begins as early as March, depending on the weather, and usually ends in late November. There are opportunities for fishermen who prefer wading as well as those who prefer floating and fishing from a raft or drift boat. Our River front access provides the wading fisherman with the opportunity to spend a few hours or the entire day exploring the River on foot. There are other excellent fishing rivers in the area including the Big Hole, Clark Fork and Rock Creek.

Guided fly fishing float trips are available from several local outfitters and guides, and you can go online to buy your Montana Fishing License right here at the B&B. There are a variety of other recreational activities such as hiking in the nearby Selway-Bitterroot wilderness area, downhill and cross-country skiing, and many other local attractions for the family. The area is very scenic and harbors abundant wildlife. Eagles, osprey, herons, deer, elk, and bear are a few of the animals that frequent the beautiful riparian habitat found along the Bitterroot River . Stevensville, "Where Montana Began" is Montana's oldest permanent settlement. It was established when Fr. Pierre DeSmet founded the St. Mary Mission in 1841, at the request of the Salish Native American people who were seeking the "Black Robes" as teachers.

King's Motel Flatline Outfitters

Phone: (800) 222-5510 or (406) 684-5639

Email: kingsflatline@yahoo.com

Visit: http://www.kingsflatline.com

Contact person:

Address: 307 South Main, Twin Bridges, MT 59754

Home waters: Beaverhead, Big Hole, Madison...

King's Motel and Flatline Outfitters is located in Southwest Montana along the Lewis & Clark Trail in the heart of flyfishing paradise. Fish the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Jefferson, Ruby and Madison or arrange a fly fishing trip in Yellowstone Park with our experienced outfitter or one of his guides. Enjoy a great breakfast or dinner in our new dining room and relax at the campfire before retiring to your comfortable cottage style room to dream of your day's experiences. Enjoy the beautiful National Park (Yellowstone and Glacier). Start at Yellowstone travel two hours to King's and Flatline Outfitters. Spend a few days relaxing and fishing and continue on to Glacier approximately six hours away. What a fabulous vacation. Call us at 800-222-5510. E-Mail: kingsflatline@yahoo.com and check out our website at www.kingsflatline.com

Blackfoot River Outfitters, Inc. 

Phone: (406) 542-7411

Email:

Visit:

Contact person: John Herzer and Terri Raugland

Address: 4555 Mallard Way (PO Box 59808)

Home waters: Blackfoot River, Clark Fork River...

Montana Fly Fishing Guides, LLC

Phone: (406) 223-2488

Email: eric@montanaflyfishingguides.com

Visit: http://www.montanaflyfishingguides.com

Contact person: Eric Adams

Address: PO Box 817 Livingston, MT 59047 406.223.2488

Home waters: Madison River, Missouri River etc. and private spring creeks

Montana Fly Fishing Guides offers professional guided fly fishing in southwest Montana. We operate on some of the best wild trout fishing in the country; including the Yellowstone River, numerous small streams, spring creeks and trophy lakes. Our guide staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and above all eager to teach others about fly fishing. Novice anglers to the most experienced will enjoy exploring the abundant fly fishing opportunities in our part of Montana. Livingston is located just north of Yellowstone National Park and considered to be a Mecca of fly fishing. Nearly a dozen world class fisheries are within a few miles drive. Our home water is the Yellowstone River which is the longest freestone river in the country. With superb hatches of caddis, mayflies, stoneflies and terrestrials it's a must on your fishing check list. The nearby private waters of Armstrong Spring Creek, DePuy Spring Creek, Milesnick Spring Creek, and Nelson Spring Creek offer spectacular views and world class walk and wade fly fishing. Choose your preference technical site fishing or wild river fishing by raft on one of the many other rivers we fish such as the Boulder River, Stillwater River, Madison River, Missouri River or a trophy lake - we service it all. To learn more about our services please visit us at www.MontanaFlyFishingGuides.com. Thanks please feel free to contact me if you have further questions. Eric Adams Montana Fly Fishing Guides, llc.

Phone: (406) 431-5089

Email: flyfishpat@yahoo.com

Visit: http://dragfreedrift.com

Contact persons: Garrett Munson / Pat Straub

Address: 716 N. Warren, Helena,  MT 59601

Home waters: Missouri River, Yellowstone River, Blackfoot River

Dave Inks / Water Strider Company

Phone: 406-375-0251

Email: davidinks@aol.com

Visit: http://www.waterstrider.com

Designer and manufacturer of the Waterstrider, a kickboat raft, Dave operates an on-line fly fishing shop for fly fishing adventurers who both float fish and camp along the world's great fishing rivers. Dave's on-line store specializes in unique products that afford complete camping independence when float-camping in a Waterstrider.

Note from the author of this site: My tenure as a fly fisher spans almost forty years. I personally own a Waterstrider and consider it to be the best one-man fishing machine on the market!

The Water Strider™ , a one man or one woman raft system, is a kickboat--self-bailing raft. The Water Strider raft is expertly designed to be the toughest whitewater fishing, hunting and fun raft on the planet. The Water Strider is the most dependable, most ruggedly made fishing raft or hunting raft available because it's made of the highest grade of raft making materials used by any manufacturer. This versatile one man or one woman raft really has no competition.  There is no comparison, far superior to drift boats, pontoon boats and large rafts..  There simply isn't a better kickboat raft on any river or lake anywhere!  You can watch a Water Strider in action video here. See for yourself!

Gallatin Gateway, MT

Headwaters Guide Service

Phone: (800) 827-2087

Email: rcunningham@montana.net

Visit: www.headwatersguideservice.com

Contact person: Robin Cunningham

Address: PO Box 311, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730

Home waters: Gallatin River

For 22 years, Headwaters has specialized in personal service, offering the best mix of experience and expertise. We guide walk-wade trips and float trips with driftboat, raft, or canoe.  Beginners, families, and ladies welcome - we will help with flycasting, hatches, reading the water, and on-stream tactics.

Enjoy the best trout fishing service in SW Montana. We are proud to bring you a family-run business concentrating on all stages of flyfishing expertise, from the beginner to the expert. Just starting out? We will help you learn basic casting, insect-to-fly comparisons, and how to read the water. Does your technique just need a little buffing for local conditions? Let us get you straight on western waters. Expert already and just want to get out there? By foot or boat, we will get you into some waters that will surely satisfy your trout needs. Want to spin fish for some lunkers out West? We are ready for that, too. Give us a call or send an email, and we will start to make your dream trip to Montana come true.

We're not a big outfit and don't want to be.  When you contact HGS and arrange a trip, you'll be guided by the owner, Robin Cunningham,  not some unknown guide 'off the rack'.  Give us a try; lots of people have and continue to come back, year after year.

Clinton, MT

Rock Creek Mercantile

Phone: (406) 825-6440

Email: rcmerc@blackfoot.net

Visit: http://www.rcmerc.com

Contact person:  Doug or Carolyn

Address: PO Box 311, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730

Home waters: Rock Creek, Clark Fork, Blackfoot River

Rock Creek Fishermans' Mercantile is the only flyshop on western Montana's crown jewel of fly fishing, Rock Creek. We are a full service fly shop with a complete selection of pro shop tackle, the best selection of flies specifically tied for Rock Creek of any shop in the area, and the most in depth knowledge of Rock Creek and its condition at any given time. We also offer lodging with two self contained, secluded cabins and a modern six unit motel. Doug Persico, the proprietor, has over 35 years of experience fishing the Creek and will help any visitor, whether raw beginner or experienced angler, to maximize their Rock Creek experience. So, if you're planning to fish Rock Creek, The Merc is the most logical choice for tackle, flies and sound advice and instruction

Montana Troutfitters

Bozeman

Phone: (406) 587-4707

Email: mttrout@troutfitters.com

Visit: http://www.troutfitters.com

Contact person: Kris Kumlien, manager

Address:1716 W. Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715

Home waters: Madison, Yellowstone, Upper Missouri...

Montana Troutfitters is Bozeman's oldest full service fly fishing shop -- servicing Bozeman and the surrounding area since 1978. We offer a complete selection of high quality fly fishing tackle from Winston, Ross, Lamson, Dan Bailey's, Scientific Anglers and more. We also have the area's largest selection of quality flies and the best patterns and advice on where to use them. Montana Troutfitters also provides one of the most knowledgeable and experienced guide staffs in Southwest Montana. So stop in and experience the friendly service that has made Montana Troutfitters a Fly Fishing Tradition Since 1978!

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Bozeman

Montana Angler Fly Fishing

Phone: (406) 522-9854 0r (406) 570-0453

Email: brian@montanaangler.com

Visit: www.montanaangler.com

Fishing Lodge information - McGeehan's Montana Angler Flyfishing Lodges

Contact person: Brian or Ann McGeehan

Address: 76 Lucille Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718

Home waters: Madison, Yellowstone,  Gallatin...

We provide a fly fishing guide service based in Bozeman, Montana.  We are located at the epicenter of some of the world's best fly fishing waters including the Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Missouri and Boulder River.  We offer both float fishing and wade fishing trips.  Several of our guides are class V trained and use rafts in addition to drift boats to access stretches of rivers that other guides cannot row.

Big Timber

Big Timber Fly Fishing

Phone: 406-932-6597

4-8-2010

Away from the crowds, where Montana's Crazy Mountains tumble down to Big Timber Creek are the Boulder and Yellowstone Rivers. These great and uncrowded fishing streams are embraced by a remarkable ecosystem which the Crow Indian Tribe once shared with deer, buffalo, antelope...and Cutthroat Trout. This is premier flyfishing country. Under-fished streams and uncluttered riverbanks are the rule. Big sky, sparkling riffles and clear, deep pools add a special dimension to the angler's re-creation. With Big Timber Fly Fishing, you will experience compassionable solitude and an escape from the ordinary!

http://bigtimberflyfishing.com/?page_id=16

Email: Andersons@mtintouch.net

Contact Person: Owner George Anderson / Outfitter Chan Welin#535

Home Waters: Yellowstone River, Boulder River

Bigfork Anglers Fly Shop and Guide Service

Phone: (406) 360-9991

Email: bigforkanglers@yahoo.com

Visit: www.bigforkanglers.com

Contact person: Jason Lanier

Address: 405 Bridge Street,  Big Fork, MT 59911

Home waters: Swan River,  Flathead River, Clark Fork

Bigfork Anglers is a full service fly shop and guide service just a double haul away from the Swan River. We offer professional and licensed Montana fly fishing guide services. Our mission is to provide our guests with the best possible experience so they leave our Montana waters with memories of fish and knowledge that last a lifetime. Whether you're new to the sport or an expert, Bigfork Anglers' network of guides offers exceptional expertise and skillful instruction that can help you truly enjoy the sport of fly fishing.

Bozeman, MT

Gallatin River Lodge

Phone: (406) 388-0148

Dillon, MT

Backcountry Angler

Phone: (406) 683-3462

Email: backcountry@backcountryangler.com

Visit: http://www.backcountryangler.com

Contact person:

Address:

Home waters: Beaverhead River

Backcountry Angler

 Backcountry Angler's River Lodge is located within a stone throw of the Beaverhead River near Dillon, Montana. Southwestern Montana is widely known as one of the great fishing destinations in the Rocky Mountain West. We offer an experienced guide service, deluxe lodging, & quality equipment in our fly shop. We also cater to the non-guided fly fisherman by offering lodging in our Fly Shop Inn. The suites in our Fly Shop Inn are comfortable, private and convenient to amenities. Most fishing is for Browns and Rainbows on the rivers. However, there are also Cutthroats, Brook Trout and Grayling in the area we fish. The excitement of a wild trout hitting your fly - and the test of wills that follow - is an unforgettable experience in a truly beautiful setting.

This cozy Rocky Mountain style lodge was built by Tom and Mary Smith. The location and comfortable style that they choose for the lodge was based on a lifetime of guiding fly fishermen. Every detail has been carefully thought out to give you a wonderful time away from your day to day life. It is a special place that you will want to enjoy with family and friends year after year after year. Our select staff of professional guides can ensure a quality experience while fishing on our famous waters for truly wild trout. We cater to the experienced as well as the intermediate or novice angler. Float fishing is the most productive method to fish our blue ribbon streams. Your guide with years of expertise will position the boat to give you the best possible cast into the finest holding water. You will also wade fish the most productive runs and riffles. Float trips are accentuated by a tasty streamside lunch. For the best trout fishing adventure we suggest our 5 day/6 night package.
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Hamilton, MT

Lost Horse Creek Lodge

Phone: (406) 363-1460

Email: info@losthorsecreeklodge.com

Visit: http://www.losthorsecreeklodge.com

Contact person:

Address:

Home waters: Bitterroot River

 
Experience an Authentic Montana Log Cabin Vacation at the Lost Horse Creek Lodge. Bordering the Bitterroot National Forest, the Lost Horse has unique access to Montana Outdoor Recreation and Fly Fishing opportunities. We offer comfortable lodging from Western handcrafted log cabins to luxurious private spa suites. Our Lodge features a Historic Saloon/Bar including a great selection of Premium Liquors and Local Brews. Our extensive menu items include Choice Rib Eye Steak, Grilled Alaska Salmon and Chicken roasted in Peanut Oil. Home cooking at its best. The Gold Standard in Outdoor Adventure including horseback riding, fly fishing, rock climbing, snowmobiling and more. We offer genuine Montana Hospitality at affordable rates.
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McLeod

Hawley Mountain Ranch
Phone: 4069325791
Email: hawleymountain@aol.com
Visit: http://www.hawleymountain.com/fishing.htm

Enjoy spectacular fly fishing at Hawley Mountain Ranch from our private Boulder River frontage that we have kept catch and release for our guests for over 30 years. Fish in solitude at a breath-taking mountain setting where parts of "A River Runs Through It" were filmed. You or others in your family can experience a variety of other outdoor activities including horseback riding on spectacular mountain trails, a jeep trip to alpine lakes and ghost gold mining towns, hiking to unique places, a scenic float trip on the Yellowstone, and more. For more information see our website.
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Hawley Mountain Ranch
Phone: 4069325791
Email: hawleymountain@aol.com
Visit: http://www.hawleymountain.com/fishing.htm 

Twin Bridges

Big Hole C4 Lodge - NO LINK!
Phone: 4065963474

Crane Meadow Lodge

Phone: (406) 684-5773

Email: info@cranemeadow.com

Visit: http://www.cranemeadow.com

Contact person:

Address: PO Box 489, Twin Bridges, MT 59754

Home waters: Ruby River

 
Located in the heart of an 8,000-acre ranch on the Ruby River, just outside the town of Twin Bridges in Southwestern Montana, Crane Meadow's exceptional private water program and home style hospitality make it among our top picks for serious anglers who like to put in long, productive days on the water. In addition to the ranch's twelve miles of private access to the Ruby River, Leonard Spring Creek, and Mill Creek, Crane Meadow has exclusive leases with more than a dozen local landowners, enabling access to seldom fished reaches of the Beaverhead, upper Ruby, and countless other sneaky spots.

The lodge's unmatched public water program allows anglers to float the Jefferson, Big Hole, and the Beaverhead or wade-fish Proposal and Poindexter sloughs. Many anglers visiting Crane will elect to float one of the nearby rivers for the first half of the day and wade-fish the ranch's private waters in the evening. Crane Meadow Lodge features four private cabins complete with queen beds, separate living areas, and screened porches. The main lodge sports a relaxing western atmosphere with a comfortable living area, fireplace, spacious dining room, and a complimentary bar. The dinner features local specialties with an emphasis on wild game. Breakfasts are continental. For those who long for quality guides, warm hospitality, and the un-crowded dry fly waters of yesteryear, this is the place.
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I have included accommodations and service ads free of charge. For the most part, they are close to good fishing waters. For more information about businesses that cater to visiting anglers, go to VisitMT.com.

If you would like to include your lodging option on glaciertoyellowstone.com, email me. dave at glaciertoyellowstone.com.

I find it difficult to continually write expository articles without occasionally lapsing into an autobiographical anecdote or story of a mishap or whimsical tale of a fond memory.  Rather than aspire to the humorous tall-tale genre, I have striven to stay true to my experiences in the hope that I can entertain someone who understands fishing and the human condition.  Perhaps they are just fond memories for family members to read someday.  Perhaps they will remind you of a similar experience that you will want to jot down and share with your family.

Pick a lake between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park and ready yourself for more fishing than you can possibly imagine.  Between the two parks, this site divides into six sections: Northwest, Western, Rocky Mountain Front, Upper Missouri River, Southwestern and the Yellowstone River Drainage. Below is a partial list of popular fishing lakes in Montana separated by region.  Those lakes that are not linked are work in progress.

Montana's Popular Fishing Lakes by Region

Northwestern Montana

We will begin in the Northwest corner of the state working eastward to the Rocky Mountain Front on the eastern boundry of Glacier National Park, and than southwards towards Missoula, Montana, as mapped in the Montana Atlas & Gazetteer. Sections 81, 82,83; 80,66,67, 68.

Fishing Lakes from Troy to Libby to Eureka

Lake Koocanusa

Lakes Between Whitefish, Montana on Highway 93 to Eureka, Montana

Talley Lake, Beaver Lakes, Martin Lake, Upper Whitefish Lake, Red Meadow Lake, Lagoni Lake, Bull Lake and Stryker Lake (Fish Lake), Dickey Lake, Murphy Lake, Ten Lakes Scenic Area

Columbia Falls, Montana: Hungry Horse Reservoir

Lakes from Libby, Montana to the Flathead Valley

Thompson Chain of Lakes

Flathead Lake

Fishing on the Flathead Indian Reservation

Lakes in the Seeley-Swan Valley from Seeley Lake, Montana to Big Fork, Montana Along Highway 83

Harper's Lake and Blanchard Lake, Salmon Lake, Placid Lake, Seeley Lake, Morrell Lake and Cottonwood Lake, Lake Inez, Lake Alva, Rainy Lake, Lindbergh Lakes, Holland Lake, Metcalf Lake, Cedar Lake, Jewell Basin Lakes

Lakes within Glacier National Park

Fishing and Hiking in Glacier National Park (general information for planning and safety)

Fishing Along the North Fork Roads

Kintla Lake, Bowman Lake, Akokala Lake and Quartz Lakes

West Glacier Entrance: Fishing Along the Going-to-the-Sun-Road

Lake McDonald, Rogers Lake and Trout Lake, Snyder Lakes, Fish Lake, Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake, Gunsight Lake, Otokomi Lake

East Entrance: Saint Mary

Saint Mary Lake, Red Eagle Lake, Two Medicine Lake, Pray Lake, Upper Two Medicine Lake, No Name Lake, Oldman Lake, Ptarmigan Lake, Lake Sherriburne, Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Josephine, Grinnel Lake, Fishercap Lake, Red Rock Lake, Bullhead Lake

East Entrance: Belly River Drainage

Elizabeth Lake, Cosley Lake, Glenns Lake and Mokowanis Lake

Western Montana

We will begin at the western edge of the state at St. Regis and move eastward to Missoula and then northeast to Lincoln, and then cover the area south of Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley, as mapped in the Montana Atlas & Gazetteer. Sections 52,53,54; 37,38.)

Lakes Around St. Regis, Montana

Hazel Lake, Moore Lake, Diamond Lake, Cliff Lake

Lakes and Creeks in the Bitterroot River Valley

Baker Lake, Painted Rocks Reservoir, Como Lake, Little Rock Creek Lake, Twin Lakes, Fred Burr Reservoir, Big Creek Lakes,

Peterson Lake

Upper Clark Fork River and Georgetown Lake

Rocky Mountain Front

The Rocky Mountain Front stunned the Lewis and Clark Expedition with its looming peaks thrusting up from the plains.  Beginning along the eastern boundary of Glacier National Park southwards to Great Falls and Helena, this is a huge area.  It is not as renown as other sections for famous rivers, but it does offer trophy stillwater fishing in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and on the dammed impoundments of the Missouri River in the Helena, Montana area. See maps in the Montana Atlas & Gazetteer Sections 84, 69, 56, 40.

Rocky Mountain Front Lakes, Rivers and Creeks

Upper Missouri River Drainage

Essentially, this section covers the impoundments and drainage creeks for the Missouri River from its headwaters at Three Forks north to Townsend, Montana and than northward to Helena, Montana, capital of Montana. 

Dearborn River, Sun River and Teton River plus lakes and creeks

Upper Missouri River Lakes and Creeks

Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Hauser Lake, Upper Holter Lake, Holter Lake, plus creeks

Southwestern Montana

From West to East, we will first cover the Phillipsburg to Anaconda area and the area south, which covers the Big Hole River and the Wise River near the communities of Wisdom.  From here we will move eastward below Butte to cover the Twin Bridges area.  Twin Bridges, Montana is the beginning of the Jefferson River, which is formed by the Beaverhead River, the Wise River and the Ruby River.  The Jefferson River heads north and than eastward to Three Forks, Montana.  It is at Three Forks, Montana that the Missouri River is formed from the Jefferson River, the Madison River and the Gallatin River to finish the Southwestern Montana section.  See maps in the Montana Atlas & Gazetteer Sections 38, 39, 40; 24, 25, 26.

Upper Clark Fork River, Warm Springs Wildlife Management and Georgetown Lake

Big Hole River Access and Lakes

Lakes in the Madison River Area From West Yellowstone to Ennis

Hebgen Lake, Quake Lake, Wade Lake and Cliff Lake, Ennis Lake

Gallatin River Area Lakes: Lava Lake, Rat Lake

Bozeman Area Lakes

Hyalite Reservoir, Heather Lake and Emerald Lake

Yellowstone River Drainage

The Yellowstone River heads north out of Yellowstone National Park to Livingston, Montana.  From Livingston it heads due East to Billings.  But first let's pick up the two major drainage rivers between Livingston and Laurel, Montana.  Both the Boulder River and the Stillwater River offer great trout fishing, camping and whitewater adventures in the spring.  This entire area offers many wonderful lakes.

Lakes in the Stillwater River Drainage (Columbus, Montana)

Emerald Lake and Mystic Lake, East Rosebud Lake, Elk Lake, Rimrock Lake, Rainbow Lake

Blacktail Ponds, Trout Lake, Joffe Lake, Swan Lake, Grizzly Lake, Beaver Lake, Lake of the Woods, Twin Lakes, Wolf Lake, Shoshone Lake, Lewis Lake, Yellowstone Lake

 Fishing Fact: Larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined, Yellowstone National Park is immense at 3,472 square miles. Yellowstone Lake alone covers 136 square miles. As the world's first national park, it no doubt vies for the title "World's Greatest Trout Park". If you are limited to less than a week to both explore and fish Yellowstone Park and you are mainly interested in driving to your destination or taking a day hike, this section of the site will serve you well. However, if you have planned an extensive vacation in the Park to fully fish its riches, including the backcountry, then I would recommend purchasing Fishing Yellowstone National Park by Richard Parks or The Yellowstone Fly-Fishing Guide by Craig Mathews and Clayton Molinero.

Yellowstone Fishing and Camping Overview

Yellowstone River

North Entrance Fishing

Gardiner Entrance: Mammoth to Norris to Madison Junction

Canyon to Norris (Upper Gibbon River)

Norris Junction to Madison Junction to Yellowstone Lake

See Article Links below Map

Covering 1,584 square miles of majestic mountains and icy glaciers, the mountainous wonders of Glacier National Park are viewed by over two million visitors a year. Unlike Yellowstone National Park, which is a Mecca for fly fishers from all around the country, Glacier National Park does not host legendary Montana trout fishing rivers and streams like the rivers draining out of Yellowstone National Park. Float fishers, however, will be delighted with the stunning scenery and good fishing that the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River provides.

(The park entrance is close to the legendary South Fork of the Flathead.)  The North Fork and the Middle Fork serve as the Park boundaries. Glacier does offer good fishing opportunities in over 50 lakes for those fishers who are willing to trek four to six miles or more into the interior lakes. Consider the added pleasure of fishing a bonus to a scenic hike into the wilderness. When fishing high mountain lakes, anglers should prepare themselves for the fickle variance of weather and finicky trout. As with most day-hike fishing trips, the fishing generally picks up towards evening when you are arriving back at your vehicle.

Fishing and Hiking in Glacier National Park

Camping in Glacier National Park

Fishing along the North Fork Roads

North Fork Flathead River

Middle Fork Flathead River

West Entrance Fishing

East Entrance Fishing

Belly River Drainage: Wilderness Fishing