Montana Fly Fishing
Is Fly Fishing popular in Montana?
Yes, fly fishing is very popular in Montana. The state is known as one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world, with many rivers, streams, and lakes that offer excellent fly fishing opportunities. Montana's reputation as a fly fishing mecca dates back to the early 20th century, when famous anglers like Charles Ritz and Theodore Gordon visited the state and fished its waters.
Today, Montana is home to numerous fly shops, outfitters, and guide services, as well as fly fishing clubs and organizations. Many fly fishermen from all over the world come to Montana to experience the state's legendary fishing, particularly for its trout species, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
Montana's natural beauty and abundance of fish make it an ideal destination for fly fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, Montana offers a range of opportunities to explore the sport and experience its unique challenges and rewards.
What are the top targeted species for anglers in Montana?
Montana is well-known as a top fly fishing destination, with a wide range of fish species that are popular among fly fishermen. Here are some of the top target species in Montana:
Trout: Montana is famous for its trout fishing, with several species of trout available for fly fishermen. The most common species include rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, as well as brook and lake trout in some areas.
Grayling: Arctic grayling can be found in several rivers and streams in Montana, particularly in the upper Missouri River and its tributaries. These fish are known for their distinctive dorsal fins and are a popular target for fly fishermen.
Smallmouth Bass: While smallmouth bass are not native to Montana, they have been introduced in several rivers and lakes and have become a popular target for fly fishermen. They can be found in areas such as the Yellowstone River and Bighorn River.
Pike: Northern pike are also a popular target for fly fishermen in Montana, particularly in lakes and reservoirs. These fish can be found in areas such as Fort Peck Lake and Canyon Ferry Reservoir.
Carp: Carp are becoming increasingly popular among fly fishermen in Montana, with several rivers and lakes offering opportunities to target these powerful fish. They can be found in areas such as the Yellowstone River and Missouri River.
Overall, Montana offers a diverse range of fish species for fly fishermen, making it a top destination for anglers from around the world. Whether you are targeting trout, grayling, bass, or other species, you are sure to find a great fly fishing experience in Montana.
5 popular spots to fly fish in Montana
The Madison River: The Madison River is one of the most famous fly fishing destinations in the world, and for good reason. This 140-mile long river is renowned for its high population of wild rainbow and brown trout, as well as excellent hatches of aquatic insects.
The Yellowstone River: The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states, and offers some of the best dry fly fishing in Montana. This river is known for its large populations of wild cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout, as well as impressive hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies.
The Bighorn River: The Bighorn River is a tailwater fishery located in southern Montana. This river is known for its high population of rainbow and brown trout, as well as its impressive hatches of midges, blue-winged olives, and tricos.
The Missouri River: The Missouri River is one of Montana's most famous rivers, and offers excellent fly fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout. This river is known for its long riffles, deep pools, and slow-moving runs, and is particularly popular among dry fly fishermen.
Rock Creek: Rock Creek is a small, freestone river located in western Montana, and is a popular destination for fly fishermen looking for a more secluded experience. This river is known for its beautiful scenery, fast currents, and excellent populations of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
What are Fly Fishing regulations for Montana?
Fly fishing regulations in Montana are established by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) agency. These regulations are designed to help protect and preserve the state's fish populations and their habitats, while also ensuring that anglers can enjoy the sport of fly fishing in a sustainable and responsible way.
Here are some of the basic fly fishing regulations in Montana:
License and Permits: All anglers over the age of 14 must have a valid fishing license and a Conservation License to fish in Montana. In addition, some waters may require additional permits or tags.
Fishing Seasons: Fishing seasons and opening dates vary depending on the species of fish and the waters in which you plan to fish. For example, the general fishing season for trout in Montana is from the third Saturday in May to November 30.
Creel Limits: Creel limits are the maximum number of fish that an angler can keep in a day. Creel limits vary depending on the species of fish, the water in which you are fishing, and the time of year.
Catch-and-Release Regulations: Many waters in Montana have catch-and-release regulations in place. Anglers are required to release all fish caught in these waters, and may not keep any fish.
Artificial Lures and Flies: In many waters in Montana, only artificial lures and flies may be used. Bait and live bait are not allowed in these waters.
Size Limits: Some waters in Montana have size limits in place, which specify the minimum or maximum size of fish that can be kept.
It is important to note that fishing regulations in Montana can vary depending on the location and time of year, so it's a good idea to consult the Montana FWP website or a local fly shop to ensure that you are following all regulations when fly fishing in the state.
Popular Fly Shops in Montana
The Kingfisher Fly Shop: The Kingfisher Fly Shop is located in Missoula, Montana and has been serving anglers since 1987. They offer a wide range of fly fishing gear, including rods, reels, waders, and flies, and also provide guided fly fishing trips on Montana's top rivers.
Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop: Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop is located in Missoula and has been serving the angling community for over 25 years. They carry a full range of fly fishing gear and provide guided trips on the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, and Clark Fork Rivers.
Montana Fly Goods: Montana Fly Goods is located in Bozeman, Montana, and has been serving the fly fishing community since 1978. They offer a wide range of fly fishing gear, including rods, reels, waders, and flies, and also provide guided fly fishing trips on Montana's top waters.
The Rivers Edge Fly Shop: The Rivers Edge Fly Shop is located in Bozeman and has been serving anglers since 1983. They offer a wide range of fly fishing gear and provide guided trips on the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone Rivers.
Fins and Feathers: Fins and Feathers is located in Bozeman and has been serving the angling community for over 40 years. They carry a full range of fly fishing gear, provide guided trips on the Madison, Gallatin, and Yellowstone Rivers, and also offer fly tying and casting classes.
These are just a few of the many excellent fly fishing shops in Montana. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, these shops can provide you with the gear, expertise, and local knowledge you need to make the most of your fly fishing experience in Montana.
What is the History of Fly Fishing in Montana?
Montana has a rich history of fly fishing that dates back to the mid-1800s. The first recorded fly fishing in Montana was by the explorer Meriwether Lewis during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s and early 1900s that fly fishing became popular among recreational anglers.
The creation of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s made travel to Montana easier and more affordable for non-locals, including wealthy easterners who were attracted to the state's wild landscapes and abundant fish. These visitors often stayed at the state's many luxury resorts, which featured fly fishing as a popular activity.
One of the most famous early fly fishermen in Montana was Charles Ritz, the son of the owner of the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Ritz visited Montana in the 1930s and was impressed by the state's fishing opportunities. He helped popularize fly fishing in Montana through his writings and teachings, including his book "A Fly Fisher's Life."
Fly fishing in Montana became even more popular in the mid-20th century with the rise of environmentalism and the conservation movement. Concerns about overfishing and habitat destruction led to the creation of organizations like Trout Unlimited, which helped to protect and preserve Montana's trout populations.
Today, Montana is considered one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world, with thousands of miles of rivers and streams that are home to several species of trout, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat. The state continues to attract anglers from around the globe, who come to experience its beautiful landscapes and world-class fishing opportunities.
