Montana’s lower Big Hole River below Notch Bottom in early spring.
Montana is one of just five states with blue ribbon designated fly fishing rivers and fisheries. This designation, made by the U.S. government and other authorities denotes recreational fisheries of exceptionally high quality. Southwest Montana is home to several of the most sought after fly fishing rivers in the country.
“The half a dozen very fine trout are from sixteen to twenty three inches in length, precisely resemble our mountain or speckled trout… but the specks on these are of a deep black instead of the red or goald colour of those common to the U. States.” -Meriweather Lewis. June 13, 1805 describing the newly discovered westslope cutthroat trout
Most Montana fly fishing rivers boast a healthy population of wild brown, cutthroat, brook and rainbow trout. It’s a well known fact that the number of wild trout per mile outnumber the human population in Montana by a wide margin. When Lewis and Clark explored this area they were amazed by the quantity and quality of the fish that Montana offers. Thanks to conservation efforts funded by anglers and recreational users, this can still be experienced today. Because of this the brightest days for Montana’s rivers, lakes and streams are still ahead of us.
“We catch great quantities of Trout.” William Clark. June 25,1805
Montana’s rivers are scenic and wild. Deer, elk, moose, bald eagles and sometimes bear are often spotted along the shores.
