Montana

[Moye]

It doesn't matter whether it is overwhelming or not. Go and don't look back! I haven't fished there yet but have been there in the winter. Montana is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I have planned vacation fishing trips there the last two years and been overruled by my wife. I think she knows if McDonalds is hiring when I get there I won't be back. Go and torture us all by sending stories back to the board of your conquests.

[flybyshot]

I was in Missoula and the Livingston area (Paradise Valley) for two weeks a couple of years ago. I fished without a guide, and caught several fish. The first thing I did was go to the local shops, and look at the board to see what the local experts were suggesting for the day. I did find that matching the hatch on the small side was the best way to go. When I had a question, I asked the shop owners. Most of them must have originally come from the south, because they sure were nice and hospitable. They answered my questions, and went beyond my expectations. I added several fly patterns to my collection and also bought a headnet. There were times the hatches were so large, I had to use the heanet to keep the fly,s out my mouth, nose, and ears. Only a fly fisherman could like such a situation. I look forward to going back myself, and I know you will have a great summer.
Best Fishes

[ALG]

I have the opportunity to spend the summer in Missoula, Mt, and I was wondering if anyone could help me with a few questions I have before I decide whether or not to go. I have only fly-fished for a year, but have been addicted. I read anything I can get my hands on and have recently begun tying my own flies (some may call them balls of feathers) Anyways, I was wondering if Montana would be overwealming and difficult, or if I would be alright even without much experience. I am also looking for a good book or two on the Missoula region i.e the bitteroot, Clarks fork, and especially the famous meadow streams.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
---ALG

[osprey]

alg- i spent ten days in and around missoula this past sept. it is great country.
i can promise you that if you do go out for the summer you will have the opportunity to develop your skills more there in three months than here in ten years. the fishing in montana in my opinion is easier than here in the south east. try the off the beaten path streams where the tourist don't go. tourist all go to the same blue ribbon water and pound the heck out of it.

missoula is not your typical western town. very interesting place neat downtown area.

good luck

osprey

[Fishface]

When I was in college went to Paradise Valley in SW Montana to learn how to trout fish. Up to that point the only thing I had caught on a fly rod were b****and bream. I didn't know the first thing about how to catch a trout. I got a job pushing lawn mowers for Jim Hubbard at his Orvis Lodge(nice place to visit but wouldn't suggest working there) in the Valley and fished as much as possible. It was far and away the best fishing experience I have ever had and I learned more about trout that summer than I have since. Not only did I come back the next summer, I worked for a taxedermist this time, much better hours, I went back this past September and had a blast. If you have the opportunity to go I wouldn't think twice. I only fished around Missoula once, but I am always amazed at the endless supply of trout water in that state. My advice would be to find a job that doesn't occupy too much fishing time, and get to know the guys at the shops. Maybe try and get a job at one. Have fun!!

[jeffg]

ROCK CREEK!@!!! *If you are in Missoula you have to go and fish Rock Creek. The river is treacherous as all get out ( the rocks are rounded slippery and the water is freezing) but there are plenty of Cutts, eagles, moose, deer, beautiful pools and would be a wonderful place to learn the art of fly fishing.

But I lived in Belgrade MT for 3 months after college on the Gallatin River. It changed my life in several ways...fly fishing included. Now I go fish with my best friend from high school ( he guides for Lone Mt Outfitters in Big Sky) every year since 93.

Montana's distances, openness, mountains etc.. will change your perspective on things. I suggest GO!!!!(as Horace Greeley said-> Go West Young Man!)
(When I was there though, a job that could pay for a car, student loan, living expenses etc.. was a little hard to find. I worked making tents for Montana Canvas..payed the bills and the boss would call end of day early on fridays if the fishing was good. But since Missoula is a college town you may be able to find a job a bit easier.
Best of luck to you.

[osprey]

rock creek is awsome. stop in the first flyshop on rock creek road. he is on the right. next to a campground. this guy is probably the last of the old time flyshops. heck i could tie flies the rest of my life with the material he his laying around on the floor. god only knows what all is buried there. get a green meanie parachute fly

osprey