The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I'll be going into Bozeman noon this Thursday for 5 nights. I normally hook up with a long time guide for a few floats on the big rivers and then spring creek wade the rest of the time.

This time I wanted to stay in Bozeman for a night or two and visit the yellowstone and maybe some of the private spring creeks out around there.

I saw that one of you was reporting on the Y'stone a week or two back......any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Locations, food and motels are all needed.

Yes....it looks like rain, but I hoping.

Thanks in advance for all of your thoughts and insights. Mike

That was me. Conditions may have changed drastically. Things were a bit blown out when I left town. When I'm in Bozeman I stay at the Hampton Inn, because I get Hilton Honor points and can get free nights, but I like it. Clean, free breakfast, free wireless, pretty quiet. Not sure if you've spent any time in the area before, so apologies for telling you stuff you may know. The Yellowstone in Paradise Valley, south of Livingston, or heading east from Livingston along 90, is worth hitting for sure. Check with River's Edge in Bozeman, George Anderson's Yellowstone Angler, for conditions. I always try to hit the Gallatin, which is 15 to 45 minutes to an hour or more from Bozeman. Gallatin Canyon can be great, really beautiful. The Lower Madison--also about 45 minutes to first access, and lots of places to hit the river. Bumpy dirt road at Bear Trap, but a nice place to fish from. Spring creeks cost, and I've never done them. And PGW may not want me to say this, but I like the Boulder, another 30 minutes or so east of Livingston via the town of Big Timber. Love the river, love the valley. Great lunch at Grand Hotel in Big Timber.

Hey, even if the rivers are blown the scenery is great. Have fun.

I spoke to a former CA resident today who lives in Dillon...The Big Hole is blown out...the Beaverhead is fishing Ok with flows at about 450 cfs.

Post a report when you get back...have fun.

Paul

Well, with snowfall at well over 100% of normal and the last three days in the 80's everything around here is going fast AND there is a cold front moving in with 50% chance of rain attached. Gallatin and most of the upper Madison are blown bigtime. Walked down to the river last night and still have about 1 1/2' visability where we are but the water has come and is lapping over the banks. I suspect the Yellowstone is in the same condition at this point. If I were you I would call a local fly shop and ask them the latest info. Remember river conditions can change fast.

Oh, and bring warm clothes. There is an 80% of rain/snow by weds/thurs.

Thank you all.....great input, but not so great conditions looming. Now I may swith hit to Nor. Cal and hit the Pit instead. But I'll be watching the weather just in case. Thanks again.