How To Plan Your Montana Fly Fishing Vacation
- Author Mike Jukov
- Published January 2, 2011
- Word count 938
Fly fishing in Montana should be on the short list for any angler that enjoys chasing trout in beautiful mountain rivers.Montana is home to an astounding number of high quality blue ribbon rivers, lakes and spring creeks.It’s northern latitude and proximity to numerous mountain ranges that produce and ample source of cool snow melt that help to make the state a trout factory.Montana’s trout streams are filled exclusively with wild fish.Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks has a very limited hatchery program and stocking is restricted to high mountain lakes and reservoirs where trout reproduction is limited.Montana fly fishing guides are some of the best in the planet.Hot beds for fly fishing like Bozeman, Missoula, Ennis, West Yellowstone and Dillon attract some of the worlds best professional guides and outfitters.The combination of productive rivers, great scenery, and high quality outfitters make Montana a prime destination for anglers from around the world.With the vast number of high quality trout rivers, outfitters, fly shops and lodges in Montana planning a fishing vacation to Montana can be overwhelming.Here are five tips to help you plan the perfect Big Sky state fishing trip.
Tip 1:Choose your lodging accommodations carefully
Your choice of lodging will be a big factor in your enjoyment of your fishing vacation.Lodging can be broken down into fishing lodges, hotels, vacation rentals and outfitted camping trips.Fishing lodges are the most expensive option, but also provide a lot of amenities.Lodges are often located in beautiful rural settings and frequently have direct access to rivers.Montana fishing lodges usually include all meals (generally very high quality dining!).Since all of the guests are also fly fishing lodges provide for a social atmosphere with like-minded guests.Hotels are a great option to save some money and explore Montana on your own.Many Montana towns like Bozeman and Missoula have a vibrant night life that many guests enjoy by staying at an in-town hotel.Vacation rentals are a great option for families and larger groups and allow your crew to cook your own meals.Vacation houses and cabins are often located in beautiful settings and can offer a lot of room.If you have four our more people in your group they can also be cheaper than hotels.Many outfitters in Montana also offer overnight camping trips either as float trips on rivers or as wilderness horse pack trips into the mountains.Outfitted camping trips are surprisingly "deluxe" and guests enjoy great food while still "roughing" it.
Tip 2:Decide which rivers or regions you would like to target
Do you have a specific target river in mind or do you want to sample a lot of different fishing options.Rivers like the Bighorn are world famous, but do not have many other high quality trout fisheries nearby so if you plan a vacation there you will be fishing the same river each day.Other regions like Dillon, Bozeman and Missoula have numerous rivers in their prospective regions allowing angler to sample different rivers each day.If variety is important, make sure to ask outfitters or lodges what the different fishing options are in the region.
Tip 3:Decide what type of fishing is most important
There are a variety of different techniques used in the sport of fly fishing including nymph fishing, streamer fishing and dry fly fishing and many anglers prefer one over another.Each river also has its own character, some stretches have huge trout but lower numbers and others provide fast action with small fish.Fishing conditions also change during the course of the year and different seasons showcase different styles of fishing.Beginning anglers generally are most interested in having some action and experiencing the sport.The perfect trip for an entry level angler will most likely center around nymph fishing on rivers with a high fish count that produce a lot of action.Seasoned fly fisherman may prefer to target dry fly fishing.As an outfitter, I always try to determine what a client is looking for.Do they want to target big trout, dry fly fishing, lots of action, etc.Make sure you discuss your ideal style of fishing and what is important to you when you talk to a lodge or outfitter.
Tip 4:Consider non-fishing activities
What do you plan on doing during your down time on your Montana fishing trip?Will you fish every day of your trip or do you want to take off a few days to sight see?Do you enjoy larger college towns or want to be as remote as possible?Are there any members of your group (like a spouse) that won’t be fishing?There is such a large quantity of great fishing in Montana that you should be able to target exactly the kind of trip that you are looking for.Often non-fishing activities are an important part of the equation.Some areas, like Ennis are great fishing towns, but do not offer as many non-fishing activities as a place like Big Sky or Bozeman.This is an especially important consideration if you have a non-fishing spouse or if your group takes some time off from fishing.
Tip 5:Book as early as possible
Prime dates and the most experienced and knowledgeable guides begin booking as early as a year in advance.While we still book trips as late as a week out even during the summer, the longer lead time we have the more flexibility there is in designing a trip and the better the odds that we can match clients up with the perfect guide.
Rate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Is Mold Making You Sick? What Jacksonville Residents Need to Know
- The Future of Coaching: Using Data and Analytics in Sports
- Modern Minimalist Home Office Design Ideas
- Art in Home Design: How to Elevate Your Space with Artistic Flair
- The Commedia All’Italiana Phenomenon.
- Struggling with Daily Tasks? First Watch Home Care Offers the Support You Need
- How Can You Bring Vintage Glamour Home with Fehmi Lights' Antique Chandeliers?
- When to Repair Vs Replace: Making Smart Decisions About Your Home's Locks
- Do You Need An Architect For An Extension?
- Understanding the Purpose of Metatarsal Pads
- The Next Luxury Housing Train Stops in Thompson's Station Tennessee
- The Role of Religion in Italian Film.
- Refined Rustic: Elevating the Vintage Modern Farmhouse
- Create a Buddha Zen Spa Bathroom: A Sacred Space for Stillness and Serenity
- Portrait of Depression - The Old Guitarist
- How First Watch Home Care Supports Families with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
- Women in MBA: Breaking Barriers and Building Empires in India
- True Grit: John Wayne’s Defining Role in the Western Genre.
- Treating Chilblains: Tips for Relief
- Baseball History
- Choosing the Best Wholesale Magnetic Lashes Supplier: 5 Things to Know
- Bullying and Your Teen's Reaction
- Best Stair Lifts for Home in the UK: A Complete Guide by Homelife Stairlift
- Why Exhibit at China International Consumer Electronics Exposition 2025
- Barbra Streisand: From Brooklyn to Hollywood Royalty.
- Meditation for Athletes
- My Lash Journey: Confessions of a Total Newbie
- How Does the U.S. Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce Champion Black Women-Owned Business Support and Development Nationwide?
- The Origin of Policeman's Heel: Uncovering the Name's History
- Why Foreclosure Defense Matters