Headed to Montana for the first time

[sosofly]

I am going out to Bozeman in mid September for six days and I would like to do at least one float trip and some fishing on our own. Could some of you offer suggestions on a guide, flyshop, best places for wade fishing and what to expect this time of year as far as hatches. Also, will I be O.K. with my xp 6wt and is it a waste of time to carry my 3wt. ?

[R&R]

I spend a considerable amount of time in the region every September. Go ahead and bring the 3 weight, but don't plan on using it on any floats. Your best bet with the 3 will be up in Yellowstone Park on small streams. Lava Creek and Blacktail Deer Creek are both brimming with brookies.

George Anderson's Yellowstone Angler and Dan Bailey's Fly Shop are both in Livingston and good choices for floats on the Yellowstone. September is hopper season. The Madison will also be fishing good but is a bit further away. Floating the Yellowstone is the best way to go even though there are plenty of places to access for wading. The Gallatin is the best of the big rivers for wading with a number of places to get on the water, although the Madison also has plenty of access. On the Madison look at $3 Bridge, Palisades, and Varney Bridge.

There's more water in Yellowstone Park to fish than you could work in a month. Lamar and Soda Butte are excellent choices for large cutthroats and easy to get to.

Good Luck!