Hello, glaciertoyellowstone.com is the culmination of a number of years writing and 15 years guiding experience in western Montana. I want the site to be both fun and educational for visitors contemplating visiting this great trout fishing state. To this end I have included fishing articles on rivers and lakes in five separate regions. The success of the site has created more requests for personal information than I can adequately respond to. Most often the information asked may be found somewhere on the site. If you have a request for information on a particular river, try the search engine at the top of the site.
I would like to acknowledge Dick Konizeski's book, The Montanans' Fishing Guide, which I purchased over 35 years ago, when I moved from Wyoming to Montana. Although initially overwhelmed by the comprehensiveness of the book (Mary's Frog Pond), the book has served me well, and it has also inspired me to make the journey across Montana a little easier for new arrivals and visitors who want to fish and camp in this great state.
I would like to thank my wife Pauline for her support and encouragement as I trudged off to new waters year after year. Best of all, she never once questioned my need for another fishing boat to build and test. She has enriched my life, and I am thankful for her love and support.
I would especially like to thank my son Darin who has prodded and cajoled me to continuously improve the site. He is my computer guru and the architect and designer of this site.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to some great animal friends who have accompanied me on my journeys up and down the highways, on the rivers and in the backcountry. Thank you, Shadow, Max, Buddy the dog and Buddy the donkey and Banjo, as well as my last donkeys, Harly and Lately .
Warning: As much as possible, I have worked diligently to convey the most accurate and up-to-date information. With each passing season, however, Mother Nature shapes and molds her environment. Additionally, the stewards and protectors of these great lands add changes to protect and enhance our national treasures. Be sure to check with the proper agencies or authorities to determine access and restrictions to Montana fishing waters. Fishing regulations and restrictions are subject to change every year. Keep in mind that any trip into unfamiliar mountains or watersheds may offer hazards and dangers. The information covered in this book may be subject to errors, inaccuracies or changes since publication. Readers need to exercise safe fishing, floating and camping practices and not rely solely on the information contained in this book.
If you have any comments, please feel free to me.
Dave Archer
About the Editor of This Site: David Archer is a retired high school English teacher. He was a fly fishing guide for fifteen years in western Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do enjoy email
from visitors to my site. If your question hasn't been answered
below, email me and I will respond as soon as I can. (Much faster in
the dead of winter.)
Dave Archer dave@glaciertoyellowstone.com
- Q: Could you recommend a guide or make reservations for us?
- Q: I will be visiting Montana to fish. Could you direct me to some good fishing sites?
- Q: When is the best time to fish, and what should I expect regarding weather?
- Q: Can I expect to get as good a deal on fly fishing equipment and supplies in Montana as I could in my home state?
- Q: Do you give lessons?
Q: Could you recommend a guide or make reservations for us?
A: I have many requests for recommendations for accommodations
and outfitters. I have listed many businesses in the section for accommodations,
but I am reluctant to offer personal recommendations.
Q: I will be visiting Montana to fish. Could you direct me to some good fishing waters?
A: The area that I cover in this site is immense, and in truth I am not constantly out fishing. (Unfortunately, not even frequently!) Your best source of information would be the fly shops in the area you plan to fish. The variance of weather and the seasons constantly change the fishing conditions. Shop guides are your best source of information.
Q: When is the best time to fish, and what should I expect regarding
weather?
A: This is almost impossible to answer. It is a crapshoot at best. We
have excellent fishing in the spring on the spring creeks. We can also
have excellent fishing in March until spring run-off, but it is risky
business gambling on the weather that time of the year. Spring run-off,
naturally, depends on the winter's snow pack, but even this knowledge is not helpful if we get hot weather in May. Generally speaking, the last
week in June through the middle of July is the best summer fishing.
Although August provides good opportunities for hopper fishing, mid-day hatches have disappeared and the rivers can be fickle during those dog days. However, this period of time is the best tine to fish those
canyon creeks. Late August through October is equally impressive as
hatches become more predictable. I am always surprised at how many
people want to fish in Montana in June, when the rivers are blown out.
Q: Can I expect to get as good a deal on fly fishing equipment and
supplies in Montana as I could in my home state?
A: For the most part, yes, and in many Montana shops expect to get a
better deal. People mistakenly believe that they will be gouged at
their fishing destination. The opposite is generally true. Keep in
mind that a fly shop has a very short season. They have to compete with
sporting good chain stores and catalog companies. Their prices are not set for tourists; they are set for working stiffs like myself who
patronize their shop the other 7 months out of the year.
Q: Do you give lessons or still guide?
A: No, I am retired as a fishing guide and instructor. However, I offer a guide online that teaches the basics of fly fishing.
