Frequently Asked Questions
People ask me about these topics before heading out on their trip to Montana:
If you have other questions about our fishing, rivers, water conditions, hatches, weather, local spots of interest, or nearly anything else (except those small riddles of the universe), please contact me, and I'll get back to you.
What rods and fishing gear do I bring?
Two rods will cover 99% of the situations we'll find: #1) A medium-fast or fast-action 8.5' rod / # 5 or #6 weight-forward line will work in almost all boating and walk-wade situations; #2) A fast-action stiff 9' rod / #6 to #8 weight-forward line for those windy days, for big flies & nymphs, and for fall streamers. Top
If we're going to the spring creeks, your favorite small-water rod is in order. It'll also work if we decide to walk-wade some small feeder streams. The choice is always yours, but, short of my acting as a rod caddy and burning fishing time selecting the "proper" rod, fewer rods (OK, OK, maybe three) keep things simple.
As for terminal tackle, your favorite 7.5' to 12' leaders match our from-the-boat and sneak-and-creep wading needs. On the rivers, we go through a lot of 3 through 5x tippet material; on the spring creeks, 7x is handy. I use lead-free weights for nymphing. A good strike-indicator helps a lot, too, kind of like the drugstore "cheater" magnifying glasses I've found necessary. Speaking of eyewear, polarized sunglasses are a MUST. Trout are tough enough to see, and clearing that glare out of the way helps immensely, making a long day on the water that much easier on your eyes. Add all your familiar gee-gaws (hemos, fly-dope, hatbrim lights, hook-sharpeners, etc.) you use on your home waters, and you're all set.
Flies? Bring your own or get 'em at several local shops. I recommend a sampling of attractor patterns and a few specifics to match a particular hatch. On the spring creeks, expect those wizened denizens to be picky - a miscolored Tanzanian female hyena leghair collar on your PMD emerger may earn only a shrug from the yawning 'Bow sinking slowly from sight. When we talk, I'll suggest some good patterns for the time and waters you choose. Top
Classic neoprenes or breathable lightweight waders work fine in the spring and fall, and for the chilly tailwaters, they're almost required. Even in the heat of the summer, when I'm wet-wading, I still like to bring waders along, just in case . . . Montana weather changes rapidly. I prefer felt-soled wading boots over boot-foot waders. Studs or lugs in the soles are bad on boats, but if they help you wade, we'll slip in a rug to keep you and the boat from unraveling.
In the summer, we mostly wet-wade in shorts and wading boots, but these new felt-soled sandals are great, too.
A folding wading staff helps a lot of people, not just the mature and unsure. Ladies - it's not wimpy, it's wise; don't let your favorite fellow angler fool you. Top
You'll need a Montana fishing license, made up of an annual Conservation Stamp ($7.00) good from March to March and a valid fishing license, offered in two-day increments ($15.00), a 10-day license ($45.00), or a season's license ($60.00). The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department is proud of its computerized Automated Licensing System (ALS) installed in flyshops, sporting goods stores, etc., which can make purchasing a license very simple, though the first time takes a little chunk out of your fishing day, so be ready to relax. If you want an early start, get your license at the flyshop the day before. Top
Montana weather changes rapidly along the Rocky Mountain front, be ready for anything, coming back to back. I used to joke about a down-jacket-and-swimsuit combo, but I've swallowed my laughter over the years. And, as old-timers say, "There's no bad weather, just bad gear" so bring the best you can afford.
In the spring and fall, layering is the answer, plenty of layering – like a duck-hunter says, "You can always take it off, but only if you wear it." Lightweight silk or faux–silk underwear, tops and bottoms, followed by breathable turtlenecks in turn covered by some polar fleece garment or long–sleeved shirt or whatnot snuggled in a windbreaker or quality raincoat keeps you happy. Gloves are nice, when they don't get in the way. A snug watchcap can be pulled over your ballcap to finish the job. Remember, we're not stylin', we're keeping warm.
Summer (short but sweet up here) is easy: bring your favorite T–shirts, lightweight shirts, pants or shorts - just about anything that'll keep you cool and protected from the sun works. Big–brim hats help deflect the rays and keep you cool, as do water-soaked cowboy 'kerchiefs. Top
You bet. Bozeman:
Grantree Inn, MicroTel
Inns & Suites, Holiday
Inn Express, Hampton
Inn, Wingate
Inn. Don't shy away from the local places, either - they're every
bit as professional. Try the
Bozeman Inn or the Western Heritage Inn.
B 'n' B's? Try the Lehrkind
Mansion, Voss Inn, or
Bozeman Cottage.
Just 12 miles southwest of Bozeman in Gallatin Gateway, my hometown, is the Gallatin Gateway Inn, a fabulous old railroad inn built to serve the old Milwaukee Road electric spur line as a jumping off spot for Yellowstone Park. I put a lot of clients there, and they love the massive railroad architecture, relaxed atmosphere, and quality meals. It's convenient for HGS because I'm about two minutes drive away, plus I like downing a beer on the patio after a day on the water.
And, right up the canyon maybe ten minutes, there's the Castle Rock Inn (406-763-4243), a haven for the budget-minded; it's like a '40's motorcourt with cabins and kitchenettes, smack-dab overlooking the Gallatin river.
Livingston, home of the Yellowstone river, sports the Yellowstone Inn, the Del Mar (406-222-3120), the Murray Hotel and B & B's the Blue-winged Olive, Johnstads, and Paradise Gateway. For topnotch cuisine and locale, try Chico Hot Springs upriver near Emigrant.
If you're keying on the Madison river, Ennis offers two classics across the road from each other, the Rainbow Valley and the El Western. Top
What airlines service your area?
| Bozeman | Billings | Helena |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Delta | Delta |
| Northwest | Northwest | Northwest |
| United | United |
Delta (800-221-1212) | Northwest (800-252-7522) | United (800-241-6522)
