Idaho, Montana, and California Fishing Vacation Questions

[Ryan]

This is for anyone who has any experience with the California rivers down 395 (Hot Creek, Owens River, East Walker, ext.) Or for anyone who has any experience in Montana or Idaho.

My parents and I have planned for a two week trip this summer to all the places mentioned above, and I need to start my planning and mapping out. I can't think of a better source of info than this board. We plan on going down 395 for about 2-3 days, and fishing the Owens, and all those rivers, and then heading to Idaho, fishing there for some time, and then to Montana and fishing there for sometime. And I know I will do just as much fishing on the way back as the way up. I am going to save up about $200 to buy flies and materials on this trip because I don't want to tie, I want maximum fishing time. And I am going to buy the fly fisher's guide to Idaho, and the one for Montana. We are planning on going in mid to late June...

Is this a good time to go?

Will the rivers still be blown from snow melt?

I am bringing all the rods/reels/fly boxes/fly lines/everything I have except for my pontoon boat, but I will bring my float tube for lakes. I will be set for anything... except for a drift down a river.

Does anyone have any advice? Any advice on what rivers to fish? Flies? Basicalley any info about Idaho and Montana I would really appreciate.

And one more thing, I want to catch one of those famous Montana browns! I will choose one or two 20"+ browns over 200 small rainbows. I want to land a fish to remember on this trip... What are the famous rivers for big Browns!!!? Or Cutthroats??? Thanks again.

Thanks in advance. If you have any info you don't want to share publically, just drop me an email.

[Darian]

Hi Ryan,...... Can't help much with specific fishing info on the eastern Sierra's but there is a site you might want to try that can provide you with reports on areas down 395 and all of Nevada.

www.renoflyshop.com

You might want to consider a stop at either Walker or Pyramid Lakes in Nevada on your way to idaho/Montana.....

Sounds like a good trip (but cold).....

[rrivera]

Ryan....

When I was a Marine at the Mountain Warfare Traning Center, near Bridgeport, there were loads of places to fish.

If your traveling South on 395 going towards LA, once you leave the Nevada border there is a CA check station. Off to your left will be a great Lake to fish at, Lake Topaz. A great way to get some rest in the Casino/Resteraunt/Hotel and get a line wet for some streamers.

Once passed the CA check station and into CA, the Walker River will be flowing off to your left for miles. There's plenty of places to pull off and high stick nymph in large pocket water, or dries with terrestrials.

Keep on 395 south, and you'll eventually come to hwy 108 off to the right.
There will be a bridge where the Walker flows under. Lots of room to park then, walk and wade that portion of the river. Plus if you go a couple of miles down you'll see where I was stationed at for 4 years..

OK...Now your back on 395 south going back towards Bridgeport, Lee Vining, and Mamoth.. You'll eventually hit Bridgeport Reseviour, and more of the popular FF places that are more common in our sport.

We'll those are the places I remember well enough to tell ya about. Enjoy your future vacation, and I expect some large stories man..!!! Ray

[rrivera]

Sorry dude, I forgot to mention that flows in June should be close perfect.
But keep in mind that some sierra snow packs are in the 180 percentile this year. Should be ok though, if some warm spells hit the sierras in the months of April and May.

[SullyTM]

Hi Ryan...Fours years ago I went camping with the wife and kids in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons...If you're in that neck of the woods you are in fly fishing heaven. The Snake RIver was kind to me...didn't catch anything but the country is awe inspiring. There are plenty of internet sights that can guide you, however, I'm sure some of the Forum members can guide you also. Enjoy your vacation.

P.S. Watch our for grizzlies and buffalo...

[darmocido]

Ryan, The mid to late part of June can pose problems concerning many rivers with muddy/ off color water. Rains up high can quickly influence rivers below which can blow out a river for a day or two. The Gallatin River can degrade quickly by rains on the Taylors Fork. Even tail water fisheries can degrade with muddy tributaries, for example the Madison River. I have fished Montana each year for past twenty two years and have seen more first time visitors miss out on many days of fishing especially having only a limited number of days to fish due to arriving in June. If you could delay your trip to the mid part of July to the later part of July you will increase your fishing day opportunities. This doesn't mean you can't find good fishing but, it could require a lot of driving. Big Brown water can be found on the Madison, Beaverhead, and Big Hole Rivers in southwestern Montana. The park can offer alot of fishing opportunities, beauty, and people. Craig Mathews and his staff at Blue Ribbon in West Yellowstone can be a great resource. What part of Montana are you planning on visiting, it does make a difference! The Missoula area offers choices as well, Big Blackfoot, Clark's Fork, Bitterroot, Rock Creek, etc.Decide on what area and call me. 530-458-5848 David

[Ryan]

Thanks for all the advice. I will deffinatley look into all the rivers mentioned, and I think I am going to leave at the end of June and go into the middle of July. And as for Pyramid... I fish Pyramid on weekend trips, and hope to get up there more this year. Pyramid is by far my favorite water out of everything I have fished. I have a feeling after my Idaho/Montana trip, I will have a different opinion on that. Thanks for the advice, I will use it all.