Montana boasts some of the best fly fishing in the lower 48, if not the world. But it is hard to choose just where to fish. Here is an easy breakdown of some of the state’s best known rivers.
The Missouri is a large, classic tail-water river. The ‘Mo’, as locals call it, is best described as a gigantic spring creek where the rainbows grow fast and strong and the browns become husky and cunning. The Missouri will amaze you with its dry fly fishing, average fish size, and over-all population of big fish. Arguably, the Missouri has no equal when it comes to dry fly fishing and big trout. Due to its tail-water nature, there are very few days of the year the Missouri is ‘un-fishable.’ The Mo is an insect factory, pumping out hatch after hatch throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The trout are accustomed to this and grow accordingly!
The Yellowstone river in Paradise Valley is a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Montana fly fishing. Early on, anglers worked diligently to protect this free-flowing masterpiece. These pioneering fly fishers knew what magic lurked in the Yellowstone’s waters. Rising deep in the heart of a Wyoming wilderness and gaining momentum in Yellowstone Park, the Yellowstone tumbles out of the Park near Gardiner, Montana. Surrounded by jagged peaks and banked with cottonwoods, the Yellowstone is one of the most scenic places on earth and a perfect fly fishing river.
The Yellowstone is always the last Montana river to work through its run-off; it’s this waiting that makes fishing the Yellowstone so great. Typically, for almost two months, it is too high and off-color to fish, but when it drops and clears just enough on the edges, the big bugs (salmon flies) and the big trout turn on.Fishing on the Yellowstone is primarily dry fly fishing, but stripping streamers in the fall can land some trophies. The river holds native Yellowstone cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout.
The Paradise Valley spring creeks and the Milesnick Ranch are steeped in history and tradition and PACKED with fat trout. Armstrong’s, DePuy’s,, Nelson’s, and Milesnick’s all offer anglers the best in challenge, scenery, and classic spring creek fishing. These creeks are private, require a rod fee, and advance booking for the summer season, but they are worth it. The spring creeks offer great opportunities for sight fishing, New Zealand style guiding, small fly-big fish action, and they all tend to fish the best when other rivers are in run-off.
Fishing small streams and having private access is one sure-fire way to beat the crowds. There are many smaller creeks and rivers that are too special to mention here. Wade fishing on a small stream is an intimate experience. We have selected some the finest creeks in Montana for this. These creeks are the place to fish your 2 and 3 weight rods, but beware because we don’t pick these creeks for their scenic nature alone! You would be surprised how little water it takes to grow big trout. Private lakes are great for those anglers wanting a little different Montana experience, or want to mix up their trip some. All of these lakes can be fished from drift boats. And, most of the fishing is with large dry flies. Many lakes charge a rod fee and require advance booking.
The Madison has longbeen regarded the greatest trout stream in the nation, but due to whirling disease the fishery suffered some negative press in the ’90s. However, the Madison is back! . . . and a lot of folks think it is fishing better than ever. We agree. Formed in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, the Madison enters Montana near West Yellowstone. The Madison’s characteristic riffle-run-pocket-water nature makes it a joy to float fish. Watching your ‘hopper pattern bounce along the braided currents and then disappear into the sipping mouth of a burly brown-trout is what this sport is all about. Add that to the artistic beauty of the peaks of the Madison Range and the nostalgia of Ennis, Montana, and you see why people have never forgotten the Madison.
The Blackfoot River is a true classic. Beginning as a trickle atop the Continental Divide in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Blackfoot remains a favorite. The Blackfoot is as ‘freestone’ as you can get. Just after a raucous run-off, the salmon fly hatch brings up big brown trout, large and lazy cutthroats, spunky rainbows, and maybe a bull trout. The Blackfoot is home to one of the largest populations of bull trout in the U.S., a testament to the river’s quality. From its birth as a ‘crick’ in the wilderness, through meandering meadows and white-water canyons, to its confluence with the Clark Fork, the Blackfoot is secret favorite of all our guides.
This river is typically fished from specialized fishing rafts due to some exciting fast-water. Over 60 miles of the Blackfoot are floatable, giving anglers a broad choice of water. There are deep pools, fast runs, pocket water, riffle corners, and great banks. The beauty of the Blackfoot lies in its character, from steep canyon walls to a fast mountain river to the broad valley floor, the Blackfoot is water that will always call you back.
To discover Montana’s great fly fishing, visit www.dragfreedrift.com
