Montana Flyfishing
The sun is just creeping over the ridgeline and already the surface is covered with tiny Trico duns and rising fish. The sun is high and bright and a westslope cutthroat has just engulfed a big golden stone dry bobbing along a refreshingly cool riffle. The cool evening air reinvigorates the drifting anglers as the dancing caddis bring swarms of fish to the surface in the fading light.
Kristy on the Big Blackfoot
It is great to be on the water. That thought occurs to me each day as the boat slips away from the ramp whether it is in the Florida Keys or a river in Montana. In the mid-80s I began guiding fly fishing full-time in the Keys. It was a wonderful run. I most enjoyed leading anglers along the new found path of permit fly fishing. Watching and being part of Del Brown's achievement of 513 permit on fly will always put a smile on my face. With a heavy heart I left the Keys in 1998. The Keys became intolerable to me with too many guides, boats, people and not enough fish. I have returned each year for a little "fix", guiding good friends in tournaments primarily.
Montana provides inspiration that great fishing is still available in the USA. There are fish here–lots of them. The Missouri has around 3,500 catchable size fish per mile. That doesn't translate into a fish every cast. Fish are tougher and presentations must be right. I find that to be a good thing. It allows the angler to continually improve and evolve with experience.
Philosophy:
My guiding philosophy differs from many guides, being heavily influenced by my years in the Keys. I like to watch anglers learn and improve their skills with each day on the water. That doesn't always translate to catching the most fish on any given day. I think it is a shame that many flyfishers know little beyond a pair of beadheads and an indicator. So much of fly fishing is the skill, beauty and grace of the cast. I love to fish anglers who want the whole fishing experience and not just a trout head count.
I like action. Trout fishing does not have to be watching an indicator all day. I would rather be fishing a Skawala dry in March than a glo-bug. I would rather watch a brown trout wake across the river and smash a streamer than a piece of yarn dip under. Finding active fishing from March through November requires flexibility and will. That is the challenge and the fun from my perspective as a guide.
Dry fly rainbow during fall baetis
I like diversity. Those who know me from the Keys know I will never be content floating the same river day after day. I will follow the best conditions wherever they may be. With the diversity of water in Montana I believe one should seek out the best scenarios of water flows, temperatures and hatches to find the most interesting fishing experiences. I appreciate anglers who seek out new experiences and are willing to take a chance for that experience. A day on the water is special whether the catch rate is high or low.
On almost all waters we practice strict catch and release.
Waters:
Most fishing will be based out of Helena and the mighty Missouri is considered home water. Having said that we may find ourselves fishing out of Missoula, Livingston etc depending on time of year and conditions. The only major rivers I do not currently use are the Beaverhead and Big Hole. I think it is fun for the angler to mix up a week of angling between waters. A nice easy day floating big attractors on a freestone river is welcome after a couple days of technical fishing on the MO. Some anglers like to float a lot and others wade. These desires will be catered to as much as possible.
Equipment:
• Felt soled wading boots and breathable waders are recommended. No cleated boots allowed in boat. Wet wading is great June-Aug. Rental wading gear often available at local shops.
• Two rods are recommended, a light 3-5 wt and a heavier 5-6wt. All rods should be at least 8 1/2 ft. Leaders 9-12ft. Floating lines are almost always used.
• Flies–I will provide a reasonable number of flies at no extra charge. Please feel free to bring your own. Patterns are too dependent on locale and season to list here.
• Clothing–MT weather changes quickly and often. Be prepared with layering and have a good rain jacket. May-Sept. I usually wear a pair of light nylon pants(Patagonia/Simms) under the breathable waders.
• Boat gear–Please limit yourself to one smallish bag for the boat. A bag suitable for extra clothes, rain gear, camera, sunscreen etc.. is plenty.
Expectations:
You will be fishing with a guide who loves fishing and the outdoors. We may fish an early day or a late day depending on conditions and your desires. I do have a family and fishing 5am to 10pm is not a reasonable expectation. A typical day is 8-9 hours. I will provide a nice lunch and non- alcoholic drinks. Please let me know sandwich/salad preferences at time of booking. I do not set up a table and cook streamside. Fish and catches are unpredictable. There are days of many fish and days of few fish. There are days of big fish and days of small fish. What you can expect is for your guide to work very hard to meet your desires and show you a great day on the water.
