Waters

Shadowcasting

Lots of Montana's famous rivers to choose from, so pick a new one or try an old favorite – maybe two or three. I've had clients fish three rivers in one day – we were exhausted, but grinning like fishing fools.

There are even choices within this list: multiple stretches on each river that offer a variety of floats and fishing that are very different. The biggest problem you may have is choosing which waters to try first or staying around long enough to satisfy your curiosity. We can work out a schedule that samples several rivers, concentrates on several parts of one, or just leaves the choices up to your mood in the morning.

Yellowstone – A major freestone river, the Yellowstone has three distinct reaches in our area: the upper section near Gardiner holds many native Cutthroat trout while alternating boulder–filled drops with slow tailouts, a meandering middle section holding Cutt's, Rainbows, and Browns shaded by cottonwood banks running through aptly named Paradise Valley, and the beginnings of it's prairie incarnation starting east of Livingston in a stretch known for gravelbars, deep banks, and slab–side Browns. Top

Gallatin – My personal favorite, this relatively steep drainage runs from its headwaters in YNP down Gallatin canyon past Big Sky, then braids through the "Valley of the Flowers" (Gallatin valley) in dense cottonwood, birch, and dogwood tree stands that bracket huge gravelbars, finally relaxing in wide bends just before it joins the Jefferson and Madison to create the Missouri at Headwaters State Park. Home to feisty Rainbows, some heavy Browns, and even the occasional Brookie. Great "prospecting" water – you know, the kind that hides a trout just where a trout should be. Top

Madison – World–famous as the "fifty–mile riffle", the upper Madison above Beartrap Canyon holds some of the most interesting riffle–pool combinations available. Best approached by floating, the top of the "upper" is Rainbow country, while a little further downstream at Varney Bridge, it braids into multiple channels, each with its own hidden corners and deep runs holding some surprisingly big Brown trout. Below Beartrap, the "lower" Madison winds between exposed cliffs and rounded hills as it heads to the Missouri. This slower, shallower stretch is fantastic early– and late–season water where Browns and Rainbows reside. Top

Jefferson – Quite a sleeper, this little–used river is ox–bowed and channeled throughout its course. Subject to dewatering, it's best fished in the spring when the Rainbows migrate up out of the Missouri heading for their spawning areas. Lots of downed cottonwoods and pines make for interesting casting and some fabulous holding waters, while the limestone formations and ear–stretching quiet make you think of an earlier Montana. Top

Big Hole – The one and only, a classic known for its June Salmonfly hatch. The Big Hole runs in a gentle curve from south to north to east through a deep canyon and wide haying meadows on its way to join the Beaverhead to build the Jefferson. Typical of rivers west of the Continental Divide, the Big Hole's water is tea–colored from the forest tannins, and the fish thrive in good water years. Browns and Rainbows cruise through its rocky runs and hide in its deep pools. Foamlines, eddys, sweepers, and gravelbars offer multiple opportunities for the ready angler. Two–day stay highly recommended. Top

Beaverhead – The tailwater section below Clark Canyon Dam is among the most productive waters west of the divide. The constant cool–water temperature regime is an ecological niche that grows big fish and sports great hatches. Lower down, the twists and braids will keep you on your best casting behavior as we watch for sippers clustered at the top of a drop or under the edge of a grassy bank. In the 70's and 80's, trout in the "beav" used to go for big, ugly bugs; now, it's all small stuff: nymphs, scuds, sowbugs, emergers, and relatively tiny dryflies. Popular all year, this river isn't the most scenic, but you'll have your eyes on the water watching for big noses most of the time. Top

Bighorn – Just below Yellowtail Dam, this is a river that looks like a spring creek. The cooler water–temperature regime promotes thick mayfly and caddis hatches, correspondingly high nymph counts, and healthy fish. The absolutely clear water and high catch–rate make this a prime spot for anglers nationwide. Soft hills and aged cottonwoods line the banks of this premier river. Good nymphing and excellent "head-hunting" make for long days and happy clients. Two–day minimum stay. Top

Missouri – Another classic, HGS enjoys the tailwater section below Holter Dam and on down to Pelican Point. Slow, deep, and gentle, the "Mo" harbors some of the best Rainbow fishing around with pods of noses bullying the frequent hatches. Steep, spectacular cliffs and rolling hills mark its progress north, and the dryfly fishing can't be matched anywhere – well, maybe except for its brother tailwater, the Bighorn. Two–day minimum stay. Top

Armstrong (O'Hair) Spring Creek – This is one of the original Montana spring creeks. Sliding through a heritage cattle ranch, this beauty is extremely popular with the dryfly crowd. Clockwork hatches inspire Rainbows and Browns alike to sip, slurp, and slash. Nymphing fills in the downtime between the classic mayfly emergences – Baetis, Pale Morning Duns, Sulphurs. Reservations required, so think ahead. Top

DePuy's Spring Creek – Pronounced "De PEW's", this three–mile creek is just downstream from Armstrong's – in fact, it's the same water running through different property. The owners have put some thought and maintenance into their stretch, creating one of the best angling situations in Paradise Valley. Riffles, glides, drops, ponds, deep runs, twisting corners – they're all here, home to some of the smartest trout I've met. Bring your light rod, try some new flies, and have a ball. Again, reservations and early planning a must. Top

Nelson's Spring Creek – The original Montana spring creek, this one is a classic. Relatively short, but packed with trout and hatches, Nelson's has seen it's ups and downs, but currently, it's re–emerging as one to try. Right alongside the creek is the Nelson fish hatchery where trout are grown for restaurants – a sight worth seeing on it's own, if you can break away from the risers snuggled up against the weed–mats or tucked under the logs. Take your time: patience has it's rewards around here. Top

Milesnick's Spring Creek – An old–timer made new again. Tom Milesnick has won numerous awards for the work he's done rehabilitating Thompson and Benhart creeks on his ranch and the results are all in your favor. Much deeper than the other creeks, this one winds for several trout–hiding miles 'til it blends with the East Gallatin. Not open all year, you must make reservations long in advance to sample the tricky delights of Milesnick's. Don't be shy, but be ready. Top

Slough Creek – Ready for a good walk to lose the crowd? At the end of a multi–kilometer trail, this slow–moving meadow stream holds some of the largest Cutthroat in the Park. Three meadows to choose from, depending on your hiking ability, make this one a good one–day project. Don't be fooled by the clear water – those Cutt's can see a mile and stealth is the ticket. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, too. I spent a silent lunchtime with clients watching three river otters not 10 yards away cruise, dive, scamper, and catch fish like we weren't there. A special treat. Top

Buffalo Ford – Take a short stroll from your car to this section of the Yellowstone river in the Park. It's a favorite of anglers interested in trying their luck on educated Cutthroat in their native habitat. Deep water washing over sandbars, gravel points, and sweepers makes for careful wading with surprising results – cast to a sipper or prospect along a driftline, but be ready for reel–burning runs as these big boys turn to the current and head downstream. Don't mind the bison - they've been crossing here for centuries. Top

Lamar River – Found in the Northeast corner of YNP, this slow mover runs through some of the oldest rock formations on the planet. Big Cutthroats and Rainbows idle along the banks, watching for the occasional foolish grasshopper and waiting for Grey and Green Drake hatches. Small streamers also tempt them out from the undercut banks, so be broadminded and ready for anything. Top

Gardner River – Rushing down alongside Mammoth Hot Springs and toward Gardiner, this freestoner is a challenge. Clear, not very deep, not very wide, the Gardiner holds lots of feisty Rainbows ready for your standard dryfly pattern. We can hike along its banks as far up as the day will allow, working our way between boulders, pines, and wildlife. I'll pack a lunch, you bring a light rod, and let's go. Top