Seeking Montana Guide Recommendations for May 2020

[Mike Stephenson]

Hello All, I'll be in Gardiner Montana for memorial day weekend next year and would like to book a guide for a day. Any recommendations are appreciated. Open to both drift and wade trips. Hoping for a DIY wading day following a day of guided fishing in any case. Thanks.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Call and talk to Richard Parks........

https://www.parksflyshop.com/index.html

May seem a little early for Montana but Richard will have excellent info for you.

[aaron]

Matson or any of his crew at Angler's West are top notch.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Here is a reply from David Armocido in Boseman, MT......



"The Spring Creeks in Paradise Valley should be good in the later part of May. Armstrong, Depuy, or Nelson have good mayfly and midges at that time. Runoff may be high on the water in the park."

[haroldh]

Call Brant Oswald, and if he is available, book him. He is one of the best guides I've ever fished with.

http://www.brantoswaldflyfishing.com/

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

General info about guides:

Almost all top guides will know who the other good guides are in their area and will usually recommend someone else if they are booked up.

Top guides will usually be able to recommend some good lodging and even good restaurants in their area.

Top guides will usually have better tackle than yours to use, usually at no charge, but can also recommend the right equipment to bring.



Try to get out a year or even 6 months to book any guides and lodging or fishing lodges.


I think beside picking the right destinations, going at the right time is so critical.



Be sure to here for help in planning a good trip......

.

[Mike Stephenson]

Thanks for all of the input. I did hear back from Walter at Parks fly shop. It seems the days I have open (I did not pick the dates of this trip) are potentially problematic due to the anticipated spring runoff and opening of Yellowstone to fishing that same weekend. I have some options though and will reach out to some of these other guides before booking. Thanks for all of your help.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Over the years I have noticed that many fly fish California's trout in May/June then go to Idaho/Montana in July, August, September.

Then they return to California for the magic of October.