Fly Fishing the Mountains in Montana.gif)
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Fishing
in the mountains of Montana can provide an angler with some
of the best fishing the state has to offer in a remote, isolated
and beautiful setting. For a person who enjoys fishing in
solitude, the mountains of Montana are the place to go.
Fishing pressure
is generally light to almost non-existent on most mountain
lakes and streams in Montana. While there is a great diversity
in the types of fish in the mountains, the primary fish species
include the cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and golden trout.
Due to the low fishing pressure, the fish in the mountain
lakes and rivers in Montana tend to be much easier to catch
than their cousins that are found in the major rivers. Most
fish are easily caught on dry flies, particularly in the morning
or the evening, or on small spoons for anglers using spinning
outfits. Live bait can also work well - although the use of
live bait is often restricted in various mountain areas, so
be sure to check the latest regulations before putting that
worm or minnow on a hook.
The
size of the fish can vary dramatically from lake to lake in
the mountains. Many of the lakes in Montana are very cold
and sterile, resulting in lots of small fish. Other lakes,
often times just a short hike away, can hold some very large
fish, with cutthroat trout exceeding fifteen inches not uncommon
at all. Yet other lakes can be entirely fishless, due to either
the type of water (some lakes that are fed entirely by glacial
melt are not kind to fish) or because the lake freezes solid
during the winter.
Mountain fishing
in Montana has very low fishing pressure due to the difficulty
of access. This difficult access does not come from lack of
access, but rather that most mountain lakes and streams require
some time and exertion on the part of the angler to reach.
Unlike most other western states where anglers can frequently
drive right into a mountain lake, most good fishing lakes
in Montana require a hike or horseback ride in - treks that
can sometimes take days.
As a result, simply
getting to the mountain lakes and rivers in Montana can be
an adventure in and of itself. Treks into the mountains also
generally require some specialized gear, least of which is
a backpack, backpacking tent, cooking equipment and a high-quality
sleeping bag. Special fishing equipment, such as four piece
fly rods or travel spin outfits also can come in very handy.
Due to their weight and bulkiness, most anglers who hike into
these mountain areas leave the waders and float tubes at home.
And
of course, any trip into the mountains of Montana will take
an angler through some of the most beautiful and varied country
found anywhere in the United States. While some mountain areas
do receive a fair amount of backcountry use by hikers, most
mountain areas in Montana have only light use, allowing an
angler to find solitude in a pristine setting.
It goes without
saying that any trip into the mountains has its share of risks.
Events such as the local wildlife (read Grizzly Bears or an
ill-mannered Moose) along with the weather can turn a mountain
trip into a deadly experience for those who venture out into
the wilderness un-prepared. Thus, when heading out to the
mountains, be prepared. Have high quality gear and know how
to use it. Warm clothing - particularly clothing that is NOT
made of cotton, is an imperative, since it frequently drops
below freezing at nights during the summer and has the potential
to snow at anytime of the year. Make sure you have good maps
of where you are going, and that you let someone know where
you will be.
Overall, fishing
in the mountains of Montana, whether it is a fast moving stream
or a beautiful lake, is an experience that can bring memories
that will last a lifetime. Any angler who ventures out to
the high country will be rewarded with stunning scenery, solitude,
as well as with frequently excellent fishing. Just be prepared
before you go.
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