Montana is everything they say it is

[frobombs]

31 mins ago, JKingston said:

Oh ya … Montana is a special place. Amazing public access. Endless water. Healthy fish.  I spent 10 summer trout bumming around SW Montana and I know many Montana natives will say it’s very overcrowded now days. For me … it will always be a special place to recharge and get in touch with my fly fishing roots.  
 

- see obligatory Paradise Valley photo 

Yeah the people driving my shuttle were saying how crowded its getting, around 35k in Bozeman. I said you could take 35k out of my town and you wouldnt even notice. But even long island now is way more crowded than when I grew up, so I can only imagine how it must seem to them.

[Bunker_Chunker]

wow didn't realize Montana was so beautiful! looks like a great time 

[JKingston]

7 mins ago, frobombs said:

Yeah the people driving my shuttle were saying how crowded its getting, around 35k in Bozeman. I said you could take 35k out of my town and you wouldnt even notice. But even long island now is way more crowded than when I grew up, so I can only imagine how it must seem to them.

The population growth is a part of it but the crowding on major rivers is largely due to visitors. The Madison and Yellowstone rivers for example receive an enormous amount of traffic from out of state. Although the fish population and bug activity remains very strong, the crowding can be excessive at times. A good salmon fly hatch on the Madison in July will bring thousands to the river in a single day. 
 

There are many options to escape the crowds for those willing to get out of the guide book. However, there is no doubt the major rivers hold large average size fish and large insect hatches. I have explored many small streams and off-the-beaten-path locations but I am still pulled back to the Madison every time I am in Montana. It’s a necessary pilgrimage for the avid trout angler.  
 

- small stream large trout can be found 

 

[frobombs]

I can relate, prior to covid I could head to roscoe or to the housatonic/farmington during the week and maybe Id see 2 or 3 other people the whole day. Now its pretty much packed whenever I get up that way. Its a big reason I started fishing year tound, to try and avoid some of the crowds. I actually prefer the smaller stream fishing. I really enjoyed meandering around behind the lodge in late afternoon fishing all the little different cuts and off shoots, I can only imagine getting to hike in or walk along up into elevation for the feeder streams, maybe one day if I can get back Ill rent a car and try my luck.

Edited September 12, 2022 by frobombs

[joefishnj21]

@frobombs wow. looks like an amazing trip. Scenery amazing.

[Peter Patricelli]

Beware of cow moose with calf.  Very big.  Very nasty.  Very protective of calf.

[deadxringer]

What a trip. This is good to hear as Montana has been on "the list" for some time now. Might have to make this happen next year 

[frobombs]

On 9/16/2022 at 0:06 PM, Peter Patricelli said:

Beware of cow moose with calf.  Very big.  Very nasty.  Very protective of calf.

Yeah I sounded like the typical New Yorker "Hey moose, HEY! HEY! STAY OVA THERE!" So long as everyone knows where everyone else is and we don't spook each other all is well. Very cool sight though.

[frobombs]

On 9/16/2022 at 3:01 PM, deadxringer said:

What a trip. This is good to hear as Montana has been on "the list" for some time now. Might have to make this happen next year 

Pics don't even do it justice. What was a place I thought Id maybe see once, I already warned the wife Im going to make it a bi-annual trip. I want to rent a car and explore other areas, or even head south into the top of Wyoming. 

[Jim B]

I heard that the guides usually carry because of Grizzlies. Been meaning to get out of Colorado and fish Montana or Wyoming before I head back to the East Coast. You should try Colorado. Lots of fish, beautiful views in the Canyons, and you won't end up as bear poop.

[adam42]

I used to live in Colorado and just had a lengthy chat with a friend who still lives there. Said all the rivers were dried out and it wasn't even safe to drink the tap water anymore.

 

Reverse spot burn or you found similar things?

[Jim B]

I live in Broomfield,  not far from Boulder, and that's certainly not my reality. We had a lot of late storms last winter and it's rained pretty consistently all Summer. I fished the South Boulder last Sunday, and the stream was running at about 130 CFS. Even the middle St. Vrain near peaceful valley, which is a headwater, is running decently. Where does your friend live?

[frobombs]

12 hours ago, Jim B said:

I heard that the guides usually carry because of Grizzlies. Been meaning to get out of Colorado and fish Montana or Wyoming before I head back to the East Coast. You should try Colorado. Lots of fish, beautiful views in the Canyons, and you won't end up as bear poop.

I actually got out to colorado springs when I turned 30 (same wife) and fished with anglers covey, I believe it was cheeseman canyon I fished? I remember turning into Lake George and driving up the dirt road. It was awesome and a driving reason I wanted to get back out west, but I had only been fly fishing a couple years at this point so it was more of a vacation with the wife than a fishing trip, so I only did a half day wading trip. Another place Id love to get back to and just wander. The managers at the lodge in MT said they didnt have any bears down where they were down in the valley, maybe it changes when it gets cooler.

 

 

[Maine Guide]

The Green River below Flaming Gorge is still the most incredible fishery I had the pleasure of fishing. 

[SpinnerOne]

Love Montana.  At least until winter   Now, early Fall, is nice, rivers are lower and getting colder, so fewer tubers and rafters.