Montana Fly Fishing

Another great day on the Yellowstone.

Fly Fishing Montana

A fun way to spend a family vacation.

Montana Fly Fishing

I had a day off in early August and thought I would take myself fishing - Trey.

Fly Fishing Montana

A nice catch for late July on the Madison River.

Montana Fly Fishing

Watching the Madison River

Montana Fly Fising on the Madison River

Friends of mine and I have been traveling and wade fishing Montana for many years and until 2005 had never floated any of the rivers. In 2005 we decided to spend a few days at Mission Creek Ranch and were introduced to Trey Coon who guided us on a float down the Yellowstone. We had such a great time that we decided to call Trey for our trip in 2007 and fish the Yellowstone River again. Trey arranged for 2 boats and due to the excessive heat, suggested we fish the Lower Madison. After launching the boats Trey and Dain realized that the water was becoming unfishable. After rowing about a mile downstream, they got out of the boats and hitchhiked back for the trucks and trailers to move us to a location above Ennis and the Dam. Here we had a very successful day catching several large trout.

Many guides would have just fished the Lower Madison since they had already launched. However, Trey and Dain, being the professionals that they are, went the extra mile to ensure we had a successful float. I should add that 2 of our friends were rookies to fly fishing and floating, but they landed more than 20 large trout between them. Having fished with many guides in many places I can tell you that Trey is one of the most professional and pleasurable guides I have ever fished with and plan on fishing with him again.

Jim Helmbrecht Rochester, NY

Montana Fly Fishing Snow Pack Report

This snow pack report is as of March 12, 2008 for the following river basins:
Upper Yellowstone River basin 106% of average
Lower Yellowstone River basin 111% of average
Madison River basin 110% of average
Gallatin River basin 109% of average
Missouri Headwaters 109% of average
Missouri Headwaters Main Stem 90% of average
Smith, Judith and Mussel Shell basin 93% of average
Sun, Teton and Marias River basin 107% of average
Big Horn River basin 112% of average
Flathead River basin 97% of average
Upper Clark Fork 96% of average
Lower Clark Fork 112% of average
Bitterroot River basin 109% of average
Jefferson River basin 105% of average

All in all these continue to be some of the best snow pack numbers we have seen across Montana over the last 6 - 7 years. We are very optimistic that Montana fly fishing this year will be very productive. I feel that even if we have slightly warmer than average temperatures through mid summer, the snow pack should provide us with continued better water flow as well as lower water temperatures.