Going to Montana, First time, any suggestions?

[JerryInLodi]

My wife would like to spend her three week vacation in Montana so we'll head there as soon as I get back from Baja. She's a competent fly fisherman and handles a paddle well. We'll take our canoe so we can do some floats. I understand that shuttles are easy to find at the fly and bait shops.

Since this is our first time in that area, western Montana, southern Idaho and northwest Wyoming, we'd like some suggestions on "must" fish locations. We'll be there the last three weeks of July.

We'd also like to know if anyone has any off the water "musts" that they'd recommend as well.

Recommended campsites are also welcome as well as recommended "DON'TS"

[bigtj]

A good place to camp is the Box Canyon campground on the Henry's fork. Literally it's 200 feet to the water and the camping area is really nice although no showers, but that's OK because Pond's has showers and laundry, you can even drop off your laundry and they'll do it for you! There are many sections of the Henry's fork, and Henry's lake, that are canoe-able. You can also go to Yellowstone Lake as well, it's a bit of a drive though from Box Canyon. There are also a bunch of smaller, lesser-known creeks that are tributaries of the Madison and Gallatin that aren't too far away. I would definitely fish Raynold's pass or Slide Inn section of the Madison,spend a little time on the upper Gallatin, and spend some time in the park as well, on rivers like the Firehole and Gibbon. While in Idaho you could also fish the S. fork of the snake there are a couple drifts you could do in a canoe on that river if I remember correctly. Another river you could float in Idaho is the upper Teton near Driggs. Lots of mosquitoes but a neat river with some oustanding hatches. Small stream opportunities in the area too numerous to list.

For northwest Wyoming I really like the upper Green. It's acessible off the highway south of Pinedale. There is a checkerboard of private and public property so you can do some research. I'm not a huge fan of the Snake in Wyoming but I've heard good things about flat creek.

Most times mid-July can be pretty good but this year it may be a bit slow since it's pretty dry. Dropper-dry with a caddis pupa, or swinging a couple soft-hackles is the most deadliest method for me this time of year, as is "head-hunting" with dries during lowwer-light conditions. On the Madison be sure to fish up agains the bank in shallow water, a lot of times I'll fish back from out into the river into some ridiculously shallow water, the fish are often in close.

Have a good time up there.

PS the guys at Blue Ribbon in West Yellowstone know the area really well.

PPS three weeks isn't as long as it sounds. I've found that picking a base camp and staying within about an hour radius and getting to know an area well beats driving all over the place, especially while camping.

[klanzel]

I lived in Missoula for the last five years and have some insight on some things to do and places to fish.

I agree with TJ on hitting the Henry's Fork. It is a fantastic location and there is plenty of camping available. Also, the camping is right across the street from Mike Lawson's (worlds authority on the Henry's Fork). This upcoming time of year should have several hatches coming off. Ask Mike for specifics.

Then I agree again to head up the Madison Valley. The Madison is easy to float and yield some of the best fishing any time of the year as long as the "W" isn't blowing. Camping is available all over the place and some great cabin rentals as well. If you stay over towards Twin Bridges you could choose from the Madison, Big Hole or Beaver Head. This time of year you will definetly have your hands full with several hatches.

I you want to continue the roady into Western Montana, I would suggest going to Missoula or close and fishing Rock Creek (definitely), the Big Blackfoot, the "Root" (Bitterroot) or the Clarkfoork. Rock Creek is always awesome and is wadable plus a scenic river. The Blackfoot has the history (read a river runs through it before going) plus big browns down deep and bull trout. The Clark Fork is underated but has big pockets of fish plus it is very floatable, I have guided there the last two summers.

Do's- Fish alot. Visit the several micro breweries in either Bozeman or Missoula. Bring everything from rain gear and fleece to wet wade gear.

Don'ts- If you don't like the weather in Montana wait 15 minutes it will change.

[mk4]

Ditto what everyone else says about the HF and WY.

Camping wise, there are a variety of places you can stay at. There's a campground at Varney Bridge on the Madison. It's close to Ennis and it's a good location for take-outs.

On the Big Hole, there's a few campsites that I remember, but I preferred the one that I think is near Melrose. It's the one close to the fly shop/bar/restaurant over the bridge and across the road. For some reason Bacon, Salmon, or Brown come to mind as the name of the campsite.

Do's

Bring a gallon of jungle juice, some citronella candles and whatever else that will repel the skeeters.

Bring rain gear. It will rain on you over a three week period.

If you're camped out at one location for a considerable time, bring a canopy/net shelter. It will be nice to get away from all the bugs without having to smoother yourself with repellent.

Take your time, three weeks is plenty of time.

[JayDubP]

I agree with the postings. Check out river reports on www.riverkeeperflyshop.com/RiverReports.htm and www.westfly.com

If you are driving, take Hwy 395 through eastern Oregon and stop at the Owyhee River.

Stop in Boise and fish the Boise river intown or the South Fork which is somewhat on the way to eastern Idaho. Also you can visit Big & Little Wood Rivers between Boise & Henry's Fork.

[JerryInLodi]

Guys, I'm not ignoring you, keep the postings coming. I'm stopping by 3A and picking up some maps and will mark all the referenced spots. The info about rain gear was invaluable. To a Californian, it stops raining in April and doesn't start again until November. I guess it's a little different some other places!

The idea of setting up a base camp and then spoking out, at least for some of the trip is also a great idea. Especially since we are semi-self contained and can spend a night in the van away from camp if the travel is worth it.

What about off the water excursions and restaurants? Any recommendations?

[C. Mattison]

Jerry, if you happen to get close to Cody, Wyoming, a stop at the Buffalo Bill Museum is a must. Budget several hours for that visit. Of course, while you're there you have the Shoshone River, or the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone. Stop in and see an old college pal of mine, Tim Wade of North Fork Anglers in Cody. He will point you in the right direction.
Chuck

[Ed Wahl]

Your wife would like to spend her 3 week vacation in Montana? Man Jerry, you really married well. Congrats. Ed

[JerryInLodi]

I agree Ed, but she is parting from wanting to spend the summer in Baja, snorkeling and hooking dorado. That really surprised me.

I had suggested Rome but she came up with Montana. I didn't argue.

[Michael Baker]

If you hit the Madison in early July you might get lucky enough to hit the salmonfly hatch. Those suckers are an inch and a half to two inches long and the trout just hammer them. Good times! Reliable caddis hatches too.
Ennis lake can be great if the waters not too warm. Big fat rainbows and browns.
Enjoy!

Mike