MONTANA

Montana is one of the great destinations for fly fishing, renowned for its magnificent trout rivers, spectacular mountain scenery and the wide-open landscapes of the American West.

Known as Big Sky Country, Montana offers an extraordinary variety of fishing, from broad freestone rivers and productive spring creeks to intimate mountain streams. Wild brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout provide excellent sport, with some of the most celebrated dry-fly fishing in the world.

The fishing is complemented by beautiful countryside, abundant wildlife and a wonderful sense of space. Whether floating a broad river beneath the Rocky Mountains or wading a quiet stream in Yellowstone National Park, a fishing holiday in Montana is a memorable experience.

Go Fishing Worldwide works with excellent local guides and offers a choice of accommodation, from comfortable hotels and traditional fishing lodges to some of the finest luxury ranches in the American West. Our programmes can be tailored to suit keen anglers, couples and groups wishing to combine fishing with the many other attractions of the region.

The Fishing

Montana's rivers have an almost legendary reputation amongst fly fishermen. The Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Bitterroot, Big Hole and Clark Fork are just some of the celebrated waters available, each with its own character and fishing opportunities.

Dry-fly fishing is one of Montana's great attractions. Throughout the season, hatches of mayflies, caddis and stoneflies bring trout to the surface, while the summer months offer exciting opportunities with grasshoppers and other terrestrial patterns.

The variety of fishing is remarkable. Anglers can float the larger rivers in traditional drift boats, covering long stretches of productive water, or enjoy more intimate walk-and-wade fishing on smaller streams and spring creeks. Nymphs and streamers also have an important place, particularly when targeting larger trout.

Experienced local guides are invaluable, both in selecting the most suitable rivers and in understanding the changing conditions and insect hatches. With so much water available, a week's fishing can provide a wonderful variety of experiences.

Firehole Ranch

Firehole Ranch is a small, exclusive fishing lodge situated on the shores of Hebgen Lake, close to Yellowstone National Park.

The ranch occupies a beautiful setting amongst rolling countryside and mountains, with a historic log-built main lodge and a collection of attractive guest cabins. Its atmosphere combines traditional Western character with excellent food, attentive hospitality and a particular emphasis on fly fishing.

The location provides access to some of the most famous trout waters in the American West, including the Madison, Firehole, Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers, together with the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in neighbouring Idaho.

This remarkable variety allows guides to select different waters according to the season, conditions and interests of each guest. Fishing can range from delicate dry-fly presentations on smaller streams to floating larger rivers in search of substantial brown and rainbow trout.

Accommodation is provided in beautifully maintained log cabins, with private bathrooms, comfortable sitting areas and views of the surrounding countryside.

The main lodge offers a welcoming place to relax, with a large stone fireplace and excellent dining. Fine food and wine are an important part of the experience, making Firehole Ranch particularly appealing to those looking for a high-quality, dedicated fishing holiday.

Suggested Package: 4 nights' full-board accommodation, including drinks, 3 days' guided fishing, fishing tackle and airport transfers.

Whitefish Riverfront Hotel (formerly The Pine Lodge)

Situated on the banks of the Whitefish River in northern Montana, the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the fishing and spectacular scenery of the Flathead Valley.

The attractive town of Whitefish lies close to Glacier National Park, with its dramatic mountains, forests and beautiful lakes. The surrounding region offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing, including the Flathead River system and its tributaries.

The Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead are particularly appealing for anglers seeking beautiful wilderness surroundings and opportunities to fish for native westslope cutthroat trout. Guided float trips provide access to some wonderful stretches of river, with the scenery forming a memorable part of the experience.

The hotel offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and modern facilities, together with a swimming pool and fitness facilities. Its location within easy reach of downtown Whitefish provides a good choice of restaurants and other amenities.

This is an excellent option for anglers who prefer a more independent holiday, combining guided fishing with the freedom to explore Glacier National Park and the surrounding countryside at their own pace.

Suggested Package: 7 nights' accommodation on a room-only basis, 3 days' guided fishing and one week's car hire.

Triple Creek Ranch

Triple Creek Ranch is one of Montana's finest luxury guest ranches, situated in the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana.

Set amongst forests and mountain scenery, the ranch offers exceptional accommodation, excellent cuisine and a wide range of activities, with fly fishing forming an important part of the experience.

The nearby Bitterroot River is a celebrated trout fishery, offering excellent opportunities for brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Guided float trips allow anglers to explore its varied runs, pools and riffles, with dry-fly fishing a particular attraction during the summer.

Other fishing opportunities can be arranged according to the season and local conditions, while the ranch also offers casting instruction and opportunities for more informal fishing.

Accommodation is provided in luxurious individual log cabins, each beautifully furnished and offering considerable privacy and comfort.

Dining is a highlight, with excellent food, carefully selected wines and attentive service. The ranch also offers a broad range of activities, including horse riding, walking and exploring the surrounding mountains.

Triple Creek Ranch is particularly well suited to couples, or those wishing to combine several days of excellent fishing with a luxurious Western ranch experience.

Suggested Package: 1 night's accommodation in Missoula on a bed-and-breakfast basis, 5 nights' full-board accommodation at Triple Creek Ranch, including selected drinks and ranch activities, 2 days' guided fishing and car hire.

Hubbard's Yellowstone Lodge

Hubbard's Yellowstone Lodge is a traditional, family-run guest ranch situated in the beautiful Paradise Valley, close to the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park.

Established by the Hubbard family in 1987, the lodge enjoys a magnificent setting amongst the mountains, with access to some of Montana's finest trout fishing.

The Yellowstone River is one of the great freestone trout rivers of the American West, offering excellent opportunities for brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Guided float trips provide access to extensive stretches of water, with particularly enjoyable dry-fly fishing during the summer.

Guests can also explore smaller streams and spring creeks in the surrounding area, together with selected waters in Yellowstone National Park. The ranch itself offers fishing on private Merrell Lake and Tom Miner Creek, providing additional variety.

The lodge combines comfortable, Western-style accommodation with warm hospitality and excellent food. Bedrooms are individually furnished with private bathrooms, while the main lodge offers attractive communal areas and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Beyond the fishing, guests can enjoy horse riding, walking, wildlife viewing and excursions into Yellowstone National Park.

With its friendly atmosphere, excellent guiding and traditional ranch setting, Hubbard's Yellowstone Lodge offers a wonderful introduction to fishing in Montana.

Suggested Package: 4 nights' full-board accommodation, including drinks, 3 days' guided fishing, fishing tackle and airport transfers.

Planning Your Montana Fishing Holiday

The principal fishing season extends from late spring into autumn, although the most suitable dates depend on the rivers and style of fishing preferred.

June can offer excellent insect hatches, although snowmelt may affect some of the larger rivers. July and August provide classic summer fishing, including opportunities with dry flies and terrestrial patterns, while September is a particularly attractive month, with cooler conditions, fewer visitors and beautiful autumn scenery.

Montana is also an excellent destination for non-fishing companions. Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, horse riding, walking, wildlife watching and the characterful towns of the American West provide plenty to enjoy away from the river.

Go Fishing Worldwide can arrange a complete itinerary, combining accommodation, experienced local guides, transfers or car hire, and additional activities as required.

Please contact us to discuss a tailor-made fishing holiday to Montana. We would be delighted to advise on the most suitable rivers, lodges and time of year.