The Fishing
The Yellowstone River is the United State's longest free-flowing
river and offers over two hundred miles of trout fishing.
The Homestead is located in the middle of the Yellowstone’s
best fishing; it is close enough to Paradise Valley that
the Spring Creeks are a short drive but far enough away
that the crowds generally do not fish the lodge stretch
of river. In addition to the Yellowstone River and the Spring
Creeks, you can also fish the Boulder River, the Stillwater
River, and an endless array of lakes and small streams.
These rivers provide exceptional dry fly fishing, as well
nymph fishing and streamer fishing. During your week, you
will fish each of these rivers, and we can tailor your itinerary
to reflect your specific fishing interests.
Probably the most important
aspect of any trip to fly-fish Montana is the timing of
your trip. Hatches and water levels vary from year to year.
This is where our local knowledge and our connections with
the best guides will help steer you toward the best combination.
For informational purposes only the seasons in Montana can
be divided into pre snow runoff, snow runoff, summer and
winter. The length of the runoff in Montana varies with
the amount of snowpack in each drainage and of course from
year to year depending on spring temperatures and a host
of other variables.
We will analyze the water
and weather conditions in the area to be fished and make
a decision best suited to your interests. Most flyfishermen
are leery of visiting in the spring due to the unpredictable
nature of the weather. Those do visit will have some of
the greatest fishing of the year. As a result, we offer
a Spring Creek Package on the Paradise Valley creeks that
focus on some of the greatest hatches of the year!
Best Times to Go
Pre snow runoff
(March 1 – May 20)
Abundant midge, caddis and baetis hatches can make this
one of the most productive fishing times of the year. While
the weather can vary dramatically, the fishing is consistent
and uncrowded. We will analyze the water and weather conditions
in the area to be fished and make a decision best suited
to your interests.
Snow runoff
(May 20 – July 15)
Freestone rivers are in full flood during this time of year.
Some mountain streams remain clear, but higher flows generally
mean less productive fishing. The salmon fly hatch in late
June and early July can mean some great dry fly opportunities.
Summer
(July 20 – November 15)
This is probably the most popular time to fly-fish Montana.
Terrestrials are out in force. Expect good afternoon fishing
on hoppers, ants, crickets and beetles. These patterns are
excellent to fish. They require very little effort on the
part of the angler. The trout will hit these patterns viciously.
This season offers some of Montana's finest fishing.
Winter
(November 15 – March 1)
Fishing is still good in the winter and is a nice way to
break up a ski vacation. Winter days are often warm enough
to fish comfortably in the afternoons. Nymph and streamer
fishing is good all winter long. By February, midge hatches
begin and the fishing can be great. No crowds make it one
of the nicest times of the year. The spring creeks fish
great this time of the year and most are offered at off
season rates.
If you are interested Fly Fishing in Montana, please contact
us at the following: anglingclassics@aol.com
