Come October, my dogs and I are chasing wild roosters all over Montana. Not only do I enjoy pursuing these birds, but I also make use of every part of them. We have fine meals, the tail feathers adorn our Christmas tree for decoration, and of course, they make excellent flies. At the end of …
Nestled in the heart of Montana’s stunning landscapes, Helena is a prime destination for fly fishers seeking world-class angling opportunities. With easy access to nearby rivers, lakes, and streams, as well as a range of attractions in town, Helena serves as the perfect base camp for a Montana fly fishing adventure. Fly Fishing the Missouri …
Cleaning your fly line is an important part of maintenance and will help you catch more fish. With today’s premium fly lines ranging from 90-125 dollars I try to get the most out of them. Below are some of the benefits of keeping your fly line in good shape. Increased casting distance: Over time, dirt …
With the variety of flies that anglers and guides carry, one particular fly stands out as the undisputed king: the Rusty Spinner. This seemingly simple pattern has earned its crown on Montanas Missouri River for good reason. The Trusty Rusty The Rusty Spinner is a dry fly pattern that imitates the spent stage of mayflies. …
Best known for its blue ribbon trout streams, Montana offers another exciting opportunity for anglers: fly fishing for northern pike. These apex predators provide a different kind of thrill, and exploring their world through fly fishing is an adventure and can be an exhilarating experience you won’t want to miss. The Northern Pike Northern pike—often …
The fishability and performance of the Hell’s Bay Professional are unlike any other skiff I’ve been on. Having spent thousands of hours in various boats and skiffs, I can confidently say that the Hell’s Bay Pro is the best skiff for South Carolina’s technical fishery. Hells Bay -World’s Finest Skiffs. After months of online research …
Montana is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. It’s a true retreat for anyone who loves the outdoors, offering endless ways to get out and connect with nature. From rugged mountains and wide-open plains to incredible rivers and sprawling forests, Montana’s beauty is tough to beat. But it’s more than …
When it comes to experiencing fly fishing in Montana, many anglers often rely on the expertise of fly fishing guides. Professional fishing guides are often a treasure trove of knowledge. Local waters, fish behavior, entomology and effective techniques to be used at different times. Pay attention to their instructions and ask questions if you’re unsure …
Nestled in the heart of Montana’s rugged landscape lies the majestic Smith River system, a cherished gem among outdoorsmen and conservationists. Its clean waters wind through breathtaking canyons and verdant valleys, offering unparalleled opportunities for fishing, camping, rafting, and solitude. However, the tranquility of this iconic river is now facing a potential threat with the …
The Gates of the Mountains and Holter Reservoir just 10 miles north of Helena is truly a hidden gem. Situated along the Missouri River, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish populations. Whether it’s a leisurely day of fishing or an exhilarating excursion into the backcountry, Holter Reservoir promises an unforgettable experience for …
Having owned many boats—from poling skiffs to offshore boats and jet boats—I’ve learned that no boat is perfect. Every build is a balance of speed, performance, and maneuverability. When designing the ideal jet boat for the Land of the Giants section of the Missouri River, I settled on the 1860 Crestliner with a Mercury 90/60 …
Fly fishing spring creeks in Montana is a cherished experience for those who seek the thrill of casting dry flies at weary trout. Montana is blessed with some of the best spring creeks in the world. Crystal-clear water that flows from underground springs, creating ideal conditions for trout to thrive. What is a Spring Creek? …
A fly fishing trip to Montana is an unforgettable experience, but careful planning is key to making the most of it. Choosing the right time of year, location, and gear ensures a successful and enjoyable adventure. Travel and Flights to Montana If you’re flying into Montana for your trip, you’ll likely arrive at either Helena …
The Skwala hatch is a highlight of the spring fishing season here in Montana. Anglers from around the world travel to Montanas free stone rivers to experience the this renowned hatch. The skwala hatch is eagerly anticipated because it’s one of the first opportunities of the year to fish larger dry flies. Let’s explore the …
The Missouri river is a large and diverse tailwater that offers a wide range of fly fishing opportunities. There are several public fishing access points along the Missouri River from Holter dam to Cascade Montana. However, river access can be confusing for those who are new to the state or unfamiliar with its laws. In …
Montana offers endless opportunities for fly fishing. One of the most rewarding ways to experience the state’s incredible fisheries is through wade fishing. The Essence of Walk and Wade Fly Fishing Unlike fishing from a drift boat, wade fishing allows anglers to explore remote stretches of rivers, find secluded side channels, and experience a more …
Ahh spring, Montana really comes alive during the spring months with the arrival of wildflowers, warmer weather and rising trout. After a long winter anglers are chomping at the bit for pleasant weather and events like the Mother’s Day caddis hatch. Timing the Hatch Around mid May is when we begin to see our first …
It’s currently snowing here in Helena, and we’re happy to see it! Forecasts are calling for 2–4 inches, with even more accumulating in the high country. Montana’s snowpack is looking solid, with most of the state at or above 100% of normal levels. Flows below Holter dam as of this morning are up to 5300 …
Fly fishing is an art that requires patience, skill, and dedication. When it comes to trout fishing, achieving a natural drift is essential. The drift refers to how your fly moves through the water, and mending is a key skill to master if you want to consistently catch trout. Below are four tips to help …
Fishing the salmon fly hatch in Montana is an annual event that draws anglers from all over the globe. The Salmon fly is a large stonefly and is of the largest insect hatches in North America. They emerge from or rivers and streams during the late spring and early summer months. When do Salmon Flies …
We use many disciplines when fly fishing the Missouri River and they all can be productive. These are mostly dictated by season, time of day, weather and angler ability. The three most common methods for fly fishing the Missouri are; nymphing, dry fly fishing and streamer fishing. Nymphing Fishing the Missouri River One of the …
Bozeman Montana is widely regarded as one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the United States, and for good reason. With its clear, cold streams, stunning mountain vistas, and abundant fish populations, Bozeman attracts anglers from all over the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to learn the ropes, there …
When it comes to flies for Redfish, the selection isn’t as critical as the presentation. Where, how, and when the fly lands are everything. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of fly options available, but the most important factor is delivering the fly quickly and accurately into the fish’s path or line of …
Montana is renowned for its abundant rivers and streams, which offer some of the best fly fishing in the county. With so many fishing opportunities available, choosing the right flies can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best flies for fishing Montana. This list is just a …
