I’m writing this post at the Bozeman airport. What a trip! It was a ton of driving: over 3,100 miles between two cars (one rental had an issue, and I had to make a swap.)

The beauty of Montana cannot be described: stunning vistas, sunrises and sunsets that make the valley glow, wild fish, and bugs galore.

And, I know it’s been a successful trip when the soles of my wading boots become unglued. I tried to salvage what I could with some twine and knots but lost an entire sole to the Gallatin one morning. Many thanks to Orvis for the free replacements!

What I remember most though are the people. I had two guests this trip: one of my best friends and one of my children, and I guided each of them the best I could. My daughter has always had the gift to fish, and she roped in some good ones.

And, for some reason, one of the local homeowners is now a friend, and he generously invited me and many others over for dinner and evening fishing.

If you’re thinking of going to Montana one day, I suggest you do so but want to note the following:

• • Bring a winter coat and rain gear. Ignore the weather forecast. I fished in the snow, a hailstorm, and a memorable thunderstorm with 50+ mph gusts, all of which came suddenly.
  • Ennis is a great homebase. There is a well-stocked grocery store, a gas station, multiple fly shops, and some bougie coffee ships. My favorite place for dinner is Tavern 287; owner Bruce Eiting and his family feature a curated menu on which elk is often available, and the positive vibes are strong. Ennis will let you fish the Gallatin and the Madison. You can also reach the Beaverhead, which I’ve yet to do but will one day.
  • For flies, bring an assortment or a vise and some materials. Or get ready to spend readily at the fly shops. Each summer, the “hot fly” varies. And this time, there was no such fly. You had to blind cast a great deal and rotate flies. And, given the short summer, the transitions from streamers to nymphs to large dries to small dries to attractor dries can happen in a few days each.

The eats are worth it. The wild browns and rainbros fight well and know how to use the current to their advantage. Fish that are 15″ to 19″ are common. Use 3x to 5x and employ the George Daniel fish-fighting technique to maximize your chances. Most definitely bring a net. Just note that a section of the Madison now requires barbless hooks, and it’s catch-and-release at the upper stretch.

For videos and fly selection suggestions, I’ve been documenting each day on Instagram here. I’ve added some photos below, too.

Thank you, Montana!