Fly Fishing

Paulush · Location: Ireland

I am looking for advice on where to go fly fishing in Montana and how to plan a reasonably inexpensive trip. I am not interested in a guided fishing trip but would prefer to base myself in a particular area and branch-out to different rivers/lakes (my preference is for rivers that can be waded). I will be making the trip in September 2010 and would be grateful for any advise. In return if anyone needs advise on fishing Loughs Conn, Corrib, Mask and Carragh in Ireland I will be happy to revert.
Rgds/Paulush

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

You are in for a treat. Montana is "big sky" country .. home to yellowstone national park and arguably some of the best trout fly fishing in the world. I have done a couple trips there and, for what its worth, here is what I did.

1. Bozeman Montana was "home base"
2. Fished Madison river, Bighorn River, Gallatin River, Yellowstone River and a few spring creeks in that area that I can't remember the names too.
3. All of those are within a stones throw of bozeman, except for perhaps the bighorn which was about 3 hours from bozeman.

I really enjoyed traveling around and seeing different parts of the state and the national park ... there is so much to see in terms of natural wonders, so many different types of rivers and creeks that hold seemingly endless amoutns of beautiful trout and lots of wildlife. Hope this helps. Have fun, good luck and enjoy!

PS. Some Flies and Fins friends over on facebook also made these comments and suggestions

Loren Gahala at 2:35pm July 5
Bighorn /.

Loren Gahala at 2:36pm July 5
Can I tag along?

Jeff W. Loftin at 2:55pm July 5
Just add water

Ross Slayton at 3:12pm July 5
Never been there yet! I do believe I'd fish Rock creek, maybe the blackfoot just out of Missoulla since they took down the dam there. So much water!!! I think I might like to find some little no namers instead of braving the crowds on the gold medal waters there. I'd rather have a quality experience on some smaller water than fish the big dogs and well known rivers combat style.

Evan Griggs at 3:29pm July 5
u have to visit the bighorn river at ft. smith
there's a lot of good people there that will take you in, plus the fishing is unbeatable!

David H. McCulloh at 3:30pm July 5
On Fliesandfins.com there is a link to FlyFish Girl or something like that. She seems to be in Montana and mentions a lot of local spots. Check it out!

Evan Griggs at 3:50pm July 5
i agree with Ross 100% however!

Bill Baldus at 7:07pm July 5
Go hang in West Yellowstone, not expensive, great access to all the classic rivers, lots of fly shops with good advice. Livingston is great also!

greg · Posted: Mon 07/06/09 8:52 am Post subject: Home Base

The "Slide Inn" run by Kelly Gallop and family was the perfect spot for me and a friend. Right on the shore of the Madison river. Reasonable rates and fished numerous rivers from there. A full is on the " find and rate guides" scrolling to the right of this page. Full fly shop on premises, has everything you may need from flies to rods. Had a great time not exspensive and central to many famous rivers and creeks.

Paulush · Location: Ireland

Hi Guys,
many many thanks for your comments and suggestions. Looks like this fishing trip of mine has taken on a life of its own --- at last count 5 of my fellow guides here in Ireland are comming with me to catch these cutthroat trout of yours. Looks like Guinness will have to open a brewery in Yellowstone!
Cheers,Paulush

IceSky · Posted: Tue 07/28/09 9:44 am Post subject:

Hi Paulush,
I would like to give you some tips about local peculiarity of Montana Fly Fishing. Yellowstone National Park is a unique place on Earth where over a thousand rivers and a thousand kilometers of creeks are come together on such a surface. These waters are motherland to a number of game fish species just to name a few rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat, and lake trout. Whatever destination you choose, Montana fly fishing experience is sure to live up to your expectations. I can't promise that you'll catch a monster trout or so many fish that you won't be able to take home, but I can assure you that the fish is there, the rest depends on you.
Cool