Montana is an incredibly beautiful state. It is located on the Canadian border between Wyoming and the Dakotas. It is the fourth largest state with over 145,000 square miles. The central and eastern sections of the state are plains, while the west contains the northern Rocky Mountains. Major rivers include the Yellowstone, Madison, Missouri and Flathead. Montana also has the shortest river in the world, the Roe, which is 201 feet long. Just a bit of trivia for you to throw around on your trip!
The Yellowstone is a tributary of the Missouri River. It is an excellent fly fishing river. The longest undimmed river in the continental United States, the Yellowstone drains the Rocky Mountains in the park of the same name. The river offers excellent trout fishing up and down practically every area. Cutthroat and brown trout are plentiful and active. Rainbows are less so, but still common. The Yellowstone is mostly a no-kill river, so don't plan on dinner. The Lamar, Soda Butte and Slough Creek tributaries are easily waded and not excessively challenging. Although it may get you in trouble with your mother, the Caddis Fly hatch on Mother's day is legendary.
When it comes to fly fishing in the states, no river is more legendary than the Madison. For years, nearly every Montana trip started and stopped with a visit to the Madison. In the early 90s, however, the fish in the river were devastated by whirling disease. The disease was accidentally created in fish hatcheries in Europe and spread across the globe. The criminal element is a parasite that infects fish and causes neurological disease. The fish tend to swim in circles, thus giving the disease its name. Fortunately, the fish in the Madison have been on the rebound for the last five years or so. The last three years have seen a major rebound, which means the legendary Madison should be a high on your list.
The Madison is a round rock bottom river and can be slippery. The current isn't excessive and you can wade most of it without problem. Browns, Cutthroats, Rainbows and Graylings are the prominent fish. The area below Holter Dam is highly recommended by many, but you need to be an accomplished caster to have a good time. Hatches start in April and run through the middle of September. The Salmon Fly hatch in late June is the best, but you really can't go wrong.
As the weather starts to warm up, it is time to start thinking about breaking out the rods and thinking about potential trips. Montana should be at the top of your list.
