Fly Fishing Montana-What You Don't Hear - California Fishing

BelmontBoy79 · 05-16-2007, 03:41 PM

Ok, I'm bored, at work, and have nothing to do..so here is some info on Montana flyfishing. I know you probably won't go, but again there is always a chance.

First, don't go to Yellowstone, Glacier, Bozeman, or Twin Forks areas. They include some of the most famous flyfishing rivers in the world (Ruby, Lower Ruby, Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Madison) but everyone knows that don't they, including every guide in the state. People from Montana wouldn't drive out of their ways to hit hatches there. So where to go: Missoula. The fishing around Missoula is amazing, Bull Trout, Browns, Bows, Cuttbows, Cutthroat, Slopes, and your occasional Sculpin (it's sad but true!). Missoula also offers the easiest access to these rivers, Lolo Creek, my favorite, runs along the 12 going West out of Missoula, and there is plenty parking.

So your in Missoula, what next: Go to Kingfisher's, right off I-90 across from Albertson's. They will tell you where to go, and if you buy anything from them they will REALLY tell you where to go. But you could also just cross the street and go jump down into the Clark River for some big Brown action (2-5lbs). More than likely they will tell you to go to Rock Creek, say "It's probably too crowded" which it probably is, then they will probably reccomend either the Blackfoot, Bitteroot, The Clark, or Lolo. Lolo is my favorite because of easy access, and number of fish, they are everywhere, but during runoff it can get quite rough, so you might want to try the Bitteroot which is just west of Missoula. Basically just try to get info off them, they will help.

What to fish with: Caddis (#14-16) is probably your best. Their hatch covers most of the season and they have always been considered "Trout Crack". Kingfisher's should have a hatch chart on their wall so check that out as well.

So your ready to go fishing, next step: BE CAREFUL. Grizzlies love the taste of raw Californian, walk loudly when you are going through the brush, you don't need bells or anything, but don't try to be quiet. Second, make sure to be careful when wading, some of the streams in Montana are quite powerful. Third, no rubber waders, only neoprene, water is freaking cold! If you can, try to fish with a partner.

OH ALMOST FORGOT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
Go to Al and Vic's Downtown Missoula and have Al pour you a Long Island Iced Tea, you will enjoy it, believe me.

If you need info or specifics let me know.

MOBassman · 05-16-2007, 04:18 PM

Now I want to go to Montana. And I'm not even a trout fisherman, lol. How bad is that?
Great article BelmontBoy79. Thanks for the info!

BelmontBoy79 · 05-16-2007, 06:42 PM

Thanks for the comment, and I want to come to Missouri and do a little Goose Hunting. Heard it was great.

Local Rookie · 05-16-2007, 07:01 PM

Awesome article! Thanks for sharing.

MOBassman · 05-16-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BelmontBoy79

Thanks for the comment, and I want to come to Missouri and do a little Goose Hunting. Heard it was great.

We have great turkey and deer hunting here. Never even heard of anyone getting a goose, though. Must be in another part of the state. The fishing is incredible here, too. Now, if I could just get out and fish, lol.

BelmontBoy79 · 05-17-2007, 10:37 AM

Turkey would be good as well, could use it for tying. Goose are Southern Missouri during the fall, Snow Geese primarily that are migrating from Canada down to Tejas.

IncredibleHuck · 10-22-2007, 09:12 PM

I love montana and now I got some new areas to try! Thanks!