Summer & Fall Recommendations/Input
- This topic has 6 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated Apr 3, 2009 at 9:00 pm by
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My wife and I have been discussing plans for the summer for awhile now. Ever since I got my first taste of fly fishing during a trip to Estes Park, CO and the Rocky Mountain National Park last August, I have been looking to get back to the mountains for more fly fishing. I have seriously taken up the sport since that introduction and have had the opportunity to get out on the water at least 50-60 days since then. Anyway, we have the opportunity to spend a month away this summer. We are looking at a minimum of 3 weeks up to a maximum of 30 days. Target time is the end of June/first of July or the entire month of July. Will have to be back at the beginning of August so my oldest can start Kindergarten. We want to rent a house/cabin/condo for the month. Our plan is to host family and friends at different times during our stay. My parents one week, her parents one week, etc…
Our first inclination was to find a place in Colorado. However, the more I have studied, researched, read and watched, I am considering Montana as well. Obviously fishing is one of the top considerations on where we go, but activities for the kids (ages 5 and 3) and visitors we will have are important as well. I plan on at least a couple of guided trips during the time to learn different waters, but want to strike out on my own as much as possible. My question for the board is what are your recommendations for me as far as where to go, potential places to stay, realtors to contact, guides, etc… I would appreciate any and all input.
Even though I am going to get to spend a month during the summer, my wife has agreed that I can have a separate fishing only trip in the fall to Montana. I want to go in late September or early October. I have watched some shows that were filmed at places like McCoys Spring Creeks and Ruby River Lodge. I would love to try some places like that. Does anyone have any experience with those places? Would it be best to try and go the lodge route or find my own accomodations and just get a guide for a day and try different spots? Any recommendations along these lines is appreciated as well. Thanks!
Shane,
Based on my experiences here are a couple of ideas. The Jackson, WY area would give you a ton of options for waters big and small. Snake, South Fork of the Snake, Henry’s Fork, Teton etc. etc. I was out there last summer and the fishing in July was nothing short of spectacular. Check out the Idaho side of the Tetons (Victor or Driggs) for places to stay and you’ll probably find it’s a lot cheaper than Jackson.
There’s a lot going on in Montana and I don’t think you could really go wrong, but if you get a chance to fish the Madison, do it, it’s a pretty incredible fishery. The list goes on and on but just thought I’d throw some ideas out. Let us know what you decide on!
JL
Shane,
Pay attention to runoff. The month of June might not be the best depending on the weather and snowpack and where you end up……streams might still be stained.
Good luck.
Even though I am going to get to spend a month during the summer, my wife has agreed that I can have a separate fishing only trip in the fall to Montana. I want to go in late September or early October. I have watched some shows that were filmed at places like McCoys Spring Creeks and Ruby River Lodge. I would love to try some places like that. Does anyone have any experience with those places? Would it be best to try and go the lodge route or find my own accomodations and just get a guide for a day and try different spots? Any recommendations along these lines is appreciated as well. Thanks!
For your Sept-Oct trip give the Twin Bridges, Montana area a hard look. Especially http://www.thestoneflyinn.com/. Rooster runs a great operation and you can certainly tailor accomodations, food and guiding to your budget. He’s got access to a fair bit of private water if that’s your thing. There’s a lot of wade and float water around Twin Bridges in the Fall (Ruby, Beaverhead, Big Hole and Jefferson) and this fishing is always good. Additionally, Twin Bridges isn’t all that far from the Madison or the Park should you want to fish a few days there as well. The Stonefly and Twin Bridges are a bit more laid back than Dillon, (and better located). It is certainly not as pricey as some of the local lodges and a great place for a simple do-it-yourself trip.
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