Montana

[Scott H.]

I just got a birthday present from my wife.
We are flying out next Thursday to go to Montana for a few days. (I know, I am a lucky man.)
We will be staying in a cabin on the Boulder River near the town of Big Timber.
I know that it is fairly close to Bozeman, but I have never been to Montana.
I was hoping some of you have been to, or are familiar with that area.

Can anyone give me some help on places to fly fish there that would be near or within short driving distance of that area.
Also any help on techniques or flies to use would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any information, you can pm me or respond on the forum.

Thanks to everyone and tight lines,

Scott

[Jim]

We fished that area this summer. Of course you should check the local reports, but the Boulder River (around McLeod) offers good fishing. It can be a a little tough access wise as alot of the good looking sections are on private property - the issue is that there are not enough bridges offering access. Anyway, in the national forest section you can find easy access and good fishing - get on the gravel road and look for pullouts and sections you want to fish. If you don't mind hiking (3 miles oneway) you can take a look at the West Boulder Meadows section. While in the area, it is worth 10 minutes to check out the natural bridge. You can also grab a burger at the Road Kill Cafe in McLeod - true Montana place.

Going west from Big Timber/Bozeman you can access the Gallatin - it has miles and miles of easy roadside access. Going east you can take a look at the Stillwater, it has easy access points too and also offers some hiking opportunities to get back to some back country water.

I would do a search on fly shops in Bozeman, and go to their website for up to date reports and fly suggestions.

[Scott H.]

Jim,

Thanks for the information and tips.
I will follow your advice.

Scott