Southwest Montana

I returned this week to Jackson from Southwest Montana with good friend Stan Czarniak after a great fishing getaway. This part of Montana is home to some very hallowed trout water, including the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Jefferson and Ruby rivers (to name a few). We set up basecamp at a cabin in Melrose, and split our time between the Big Hole and the Beaverhead. It was a fun trip; streamer fishing was great and there was nobody around. Yellow and black buggers brought many nice brown and rainbow to the net under a variety of weather conditions. A summer with ample water in this watershed meant for many healthy, happy fish around. Ryan Barba, owner of the Sunrise Fly Shop in Melrose was very helpful with flies and shuttles...make sure to check out his shop if you are ever in the area. Along with great fishing and some unique people we met, we also enjoyed some of Montana's finest dining. Don't miss the New York cut at the Hitchin' Post in Melrose, or the eats at the Blue Moon Saloon in Divide. The weather this week in Jackson is pleasant; dry with temps in the 50's. I've received a few decent fishing reports from the Snake; it sounds like fish are feeding on top still, eating BWO's, midges and even tricos near the dam. Just two more weeks to fish Yellowstone...don't miss the Firehole, Madison or Lewis Lake, sure bets in the fall. Enjoy some "grip and grin" photos from Montana. More soon!