I have almost a full week off in October for Radiology school. I am wanting to plan a trip to either montana or a location of solitude. If you have been in my shoes once before please tell me how you went about planning your trip and where. More than likely I will probably do it alone. Growing up in a small town its hard to find someone who’s interested in the fly.
Scout '282
tidewater '21
Oscar '10
If you are willing to go all the way to Montana, go about 2 hours north of Kalispell to Fernie, BC. A great small town on the Elk River, great trout fishing (west slope cutthroats). You might want to check out northern NY also. I can swear by flyfishtheadirondacks.com . Rich Garfield is a #1 guide.
oc
October is a great month to be on any river out West. No crowds, fish are still active, and you can still catch some decent top-water action. But the weather you are willing to deal with is going to be a huge factor. NW Montana in October can be a snowy, cold solo trip. If Montana is where you want to be, I would hit the southwest part of the state and target rivers that offer good populations of spawning browns. The Madison above and below Hebgen Lake, the Beaverhead, and Henery’s Fork (box canyon section) are all good options. Covering lots of water with big streamers will get you into plenty of fish. But also be prepared far some good BWO hatches in the slack water. Have fun.
Check out all the fires before you go. I cancelled a trip out this year in hopes next that year will be better.
“The good fisherman is surprised when he doesn’t catch fish: I am just the other way around.”
Gene Hill, Passing a Good Time.
I went to Bozeman, Montana and it was awesome. Best fishing trip I’ve ever been on by far. Caught up to 40 trout+ a day on the Yellowstone and other lakes and rivers.
Edit: Oh and bring your revolver, there’s bears that want yo fish.
I’m so salt life I get land sick.
I’ve driven all over Colorado and some other places out west by myself. I have been camping in some parts of Montana as well, I’m guessing you will see snow in October. Probably a little less likely in CO, though I’ve seen it there as well. Would highly recommend CO, shoot me a PM if you’re interested and I can point you in the right direction.
No matter where you go I’m jealous as hell. I’d recommend streamer fishing and bring plenty of BWO patterns 16-20s. You’re going to have a blast
There is no normal life, there’s just life.
Tarpon 140
Knot the Reel World Fly Fishing LLC
I have fished all over Montana…great destination…big state so you have to narrow it down. Can help out with specific areas if you want. Just returned from a trip to Utah…Green River…great trip & pretty remote…just like Montana
Booked my flight last night. Buddy of mine that graduated Citadel with me and I are flying into Denver, renting a car and traveling the state with a tent and flyrod. Any locations that you’ve previously been to in CO and have success would be greatly appreciated.
Scout '282
tidewater '21
Oscar '10
I lived in Colorado for about 15 years prior to moving to Charleston and I’d be happy to help you out. The rivers in Colorado are going to fish a lot differently than Montana. For the most part you will be spending your time on a tailwater fishery, and there are plenty of them to chose from. Finding a central location so you don’t spend all of your time driving might be wise. Any idea which part of the state you want to target? Or what type of water you want to fish? Most everything will be low and clear: with BWO’s, midges on top and typical tailwater subsurface patterns like RS2, WD40, size 20 ■■■■■■■■■ PT’s producing on just about any tailwater you hit. Also, pack for cold weather. You may be lucky and hit a stretch of Indian Summer type of weather in October, but you may hit an early season snow storm as well. Winter comes early at 7,000+ ft. Send me a PM and I can get you some specific locations and places to camp near them.
I just came back from Montana and Wyoming. I fished the Yellowstone, Gallatin, Soda butte, Lamar, Gardiner, Gibbon, and then my favorite, second meadow on Slough Creek. Most of these waters I fished were in the Yellowstone National Park and we had some fantastic fishing. From Bozeman, you have lots of options. We stayed in Gardiner, MT which in on the state line and immediately adjacent to the YNP. From Gardiner, all of these places I mentioned are less than 1 hour away. We caught lots of fish to say the least and the locals told us the fishing was preparing to get better in September and October. It was our first time there and guides were not necessary if you are an experienced trout angler anyway. We fished anywhere from pocket water in the canyons to the slow moving meadow segments. I would recommend this area to anybody. I cannot wait to go back! Make sure you go by and see the Yellowstone Angler in Livingston if you go. They offer great advice,especially if you buy a handful of flies from them. Livingston is on the way to Gardiner from Bozeman, MT.
Thumbs up Bulldog
There is no normal life, there’s just life.
Tarpon 140
Knot the Reel World Fly Fishing LLC
Www.riverranche.com = 80 miles of pristine Bow River below Calgary. Spent a week there last month. Highly recommend the ‘Ranche’ and the fishing. Hope to get my pics cleaned up and posted soon.
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott
I just got back from Gunnison/Crested Butte working on a few articles. The rivers are low but the fishing is awesome. Caught a ton of fish from a variety of rivers and creeks including this hog from a Gunnison River float.
Email me for more info: jason@jasonstemple.com
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