The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Moderator note: Posted on behalf of Sammy. Pictures Pending

My brother (iceman on this board) and I went fishing in Montana last week. We flew to spokane and drove from there to Livingston Montana, where we had a room at the Chico Hot Springs Resort. There was a wedding mixed in w/ this trip, hence the nice lodging.

We flew/drove on Sunday the 21st. It rained. The entire drive. To the point where it was discouraging. The rivers and creeks in Montana were all very blown out. More than we expected.

Still, we were in Montana so there had to be SOME good fishing. Woke up monday morning. Hit the sweetwater fly shop in paradise valley and drove out to the lower madison. Our first stop was muddy w/ 30mph winds. Fished w/ minimal success for a few hours and continued to drive up river until we hit a canyon. The water was much clearer and the wind was manageable. After we found this spot, the fishing was great! Most fish averaging 16 inches. No trophy hogs landed, but definitely some big fish caught and lost. Almost all were picky dry fly eaters. Actually can't remember the last time I was able to cast to such big trout rising to the surface.

We also fished the Depuy Spring Creek. A 3 mile stretch of private water that allows 16 anglers per day... for a price. Totally worth the money though with some GREAT dry fly action.

We didn't get to fish many rivers since they were blown, but at least the Madison and depuy's gave it up. Can't wait to go back.

Oh and the wedding. My cousin married a fly fishing guide so... Welcome to the family Joe!!!

Nice! Thanks Phil and Sammy. I heard that they got a TON of rain back there in June, but things are finally drying up. Glad to hear that the Madison was working OK. The latest report from Madison River Fishing Co. in Ennis is that "it's on!" and the salmonflys are hatching and on their way up the river. I'm into that, but not the hordes of anglers that it also hatches. I'm doing a float on the Green in Utah and then hitting some smaller streams & rivers in western Wyoming before finally fishing the Madison. I can hardly wait! I'll post a report when I get back.

Cheers!

--FlyGuy (Dave)

Here's me w/ a depuy bow


another depuy bow


my brother w/ a depuy brown


fishing on the depuy


fish on! madison in beartrap canyon


our view from the lodge


ice w/ a madison brown


looking up into the canyon on the lower madison near ennis

Nice pictures. That sure is pretty country. Some day...

Dustin

can we go back now please?

Hey Sammy,

Great shots, sure looks like that was a great trip ! Thanks for sharing!

Bill