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Post by mirvc17 on Feb 7, 2016 11:19:57 GMT -6
So I'm in the planning stages of my Montana trip to the Livingston area (where the guide is).
Based on availability and other factors I was thinking about Memorial Day weekend (Sunday and Monday + one day unguided). The guide has told me that the Yellowstone, Gallatin and other rivers in the surrounding area will be in peak runoff time and there's a 99.9% chance they'll be blown out.
He suggests we fish the Missouri between Great Falls and Helena, which I am not opposed to as I know it's absolutely world class. I am thinking that would be more of a float trip, covering lots of water and getting into bigger fish. Some camping was also desired in addition to other lodging.
However I am torn because fishing the Yellowstone and other rivers was also in my plan. I'd take variety of water and experience over sheer numbers of fish. Plus it's another couple hours further we'd have to travel.
I've fished from a drift boat before, but I'd prefer to wade.
Anyone fished in these areas in late May? Should I try to wait until late July or Labor Day timeframe?
If you could go up there where would you spend your precious 3-4 days??
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Post by golferjeff on Feb 7, 2016 19:53:08 GMT -6
I just talked to a guide friend from Bozeman.... he said late may would be early runoff in a normal year, but runoff nonetheless. He said Missouri is basically float only, with a decent shot of using big bugs for big fish.
I asked him what would be his absolute best time - he said late April or as the river is going down from runoff - late June and early July. Backcountry and smaller waters are July thru September. My 2 cents for you.....
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Post by troutswayze on Feb 12, 2016 7:16:48 GMT -6
I am a native of Dallas, but I get up to the Yellowstone region on average twice a year. All I can say is this: the Firehole River in the park is usually AMAZING in late May, early June. It's not drift boat fishing, which I don't even like personally. It's wade fishing, with or without a guide. Unbelievable stuff. Expect light snow. For a hatch chart, check out my website: www.fireholecanyon.com. I am not a guide and have no financial interest in the website. It's just for fun |
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Post by mirvc17 on Feb 12, 2016 13:18:19 GMT -6
Thanks for the recommendation--I'll look into it. We are definitely going in late May--staying in Craig for a few nights, fishing the Missouri for sure, and we'll see what else. We will have a day for ourselves where we'll camp and fish on our own. Possibly the Beaverhead, The Big Hole, or other. Hyalite and the Gallatin maybe if conditions are right. And of course the Yellowstone. Just depends on what's happening with the run off.
We'll camp/fish in WY on the way up and then once back in Denver, a full day on the South Platte--probably Cheeseman Canyon and/or Deckers. Dream Stream's an option but adds more travel time.
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Post by mintana on Feb 12, 2016 20:16:10 GMT -6
Chessman Canyon will be slow then. I'd go with Miracle Mile. Camp west of Cheyenne first night.
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Post by mirvc17 on Feb 13, 2016 0:51:16 GMT -6
Looks cool, but not an option. Completely out of our way and time is limited. Chessman Canyon will be slow then. I'd go with Miracle Mile. Camp west of Cheyenne first night. |
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Post by mirvc17 on Feb 20, 2016 12:17:04 GMT -6
Well it will be one, probably two days guided on the Missouri. Got a nice little place to stay for 3 nights I'm Craig. Then after that, DePuy's spring creek right off the Yellowstone south of Livingston. Flows will be stable and the fishing is excellent. Again, got a little cabin right there off the Yellowstone. Gonna be awesome.
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Post by captwoody on May 19, 2016 18:34:25 GMT -6
I asked him what would be his absolute best time - he said late April or as the river is going down from runoff - late June and early July. Backcountry and smaller waters are July thru September. My 2 cents for you..... I fished the Snake river around Jackson Hole around Memorial day last year and it was high and muddy from snow melt. Found a small bit of clear water in feeder creeks. |
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Post by mirvc17 on May 25, 2016 20:50:03 GMT -6
CO/MT trip starts in T minus 6 hrs and 10 mins.
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Post by Fenwick on May 25, 2016 20:55:32 GMT -6
Go to bed JP, you need your beauty sleep! And good luck!
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Post by golferjeff on May 26, 2016 7:18:33 GMT -6
I just found out yesterday I am doing Colorado and Montana as well...... but not in the same trip. Good Luck JP, we will be looking forward to the reports and pictures from exotic locales. Reports are very good right now for Cheesman and Eleven Mile Canyon as well as the Dream Stream.
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Post by mirvc17 on May 27, 2016 10:47:42 GMT -6
A mini report. Due to the weather and no cell reception to let the wife I arrived ok, I had to use the phone at the fly shop in Deckers. Decided to stick around Deckers. Water looked real good and only a couple of people. Cheesman lot was packed. BWOs were awesome. Got a new net and even caught a bird with a dry fly haha! Hook didn't get him. Gives a new meaning to tying on a bird nest pattern haha. |
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Post by okieman71 on May 27, 2016 12:09:33 GMT -6
Cool Report JP. Nice photos. Keep us posted.
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Post by golferjeff on May 27, 2016 12:55:48 GMT -6
Gorgeous water, ain't it? Cheesman is better fishing, but Deckers is recovering nicely from the fires. You can't go wrong in the middle of a BWO hatch.
By the way, you can officially report you 'caught' a female Violet Green Swallow. They love BWO's and quills as much as fish do.
Look forward to more!
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Post by dannys on May 27, 2016 13:19:20 GMT -6
Nice pics and glad all is going well. The swallows are a casting hazard when they are flying low to the water--I experienced wave after wave of them on the San Juan once--had to time casts between waves grabbing midges the trout did not get. I was amazed I did not accidentally catch one that day. BTW: Someone told me once that when they stay real low, it's because of higher air pressure which keeps all the bugs close to the surface. Not sure how true, but sort of makes sense. I never wanted to get that technical about nature, just want to enjoy it!
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Post by Fenwick on Jun 2, 2016 22:11:07 GMT -6
OK, it's the evening of Thurs. June 2nd and no fresh news from JP. Hope he's having the time of his life and is too beat to post at the end of the day. That or he's gone off the grid.
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Post by mirvc17 on Jun 2, 2016 22:18:27 GMT -6
Too beat yes. Slayed many fish in MT. Trip report in a day or two. Attachments:
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Post by Fenwick on Jun 2, 2016 22:52:47 GMT -6
Wow! Nice photo! Awaiting more to come.
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Post by mirvc17 on Jun 3, 2016 21:10:03 GMT -6
After 3,153.3 miles I am back in OK. I'll be working on the trip report and photos tomorrow. Got quite a number of video shots netting and releasing fish with the GoPro too.
Very successful trip especially the days in MT, however Cheesman was tough and Deckers was extremely slow. More to come.
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