Fall Fly Fishing

   ~Sean Jansen

The steam from the coffee clouds up from the thermos and begins to fog the windshield of the car. The defroster is on full blast, but the morning layer of frozen dew slowly recedes much like the frigid core of the body beginning to warm. The rising sun makes it seem like you’re an early bird, but rest assured the only bird getting this worm is the slow rise of the sun well into the short autumn days.

The base layers make it stiff to put the waders on, but well worth it and necessary to enjoy the warming day on the river. Breathe can be seen easily with the briskness of the air as steam sizzles its way off the river. The surrounding mountains are encapsulated with alpine snow, and the cottonwoods and aspens lining the river are a blaze in bright yellows and reds. The line screams out of the reel and is fed through the guides with the gloved hands threading the needles with the deft and precision needed to bounce that nymph or swing that streamer within the crosshairs of that large brown trout. The first couple of steps into the water make you aware of the necessity of thicker socks and long johns; but the casting and search soon removes those thoughts.   

Long are the days of shorts, sandal tans, and full brimmed hats. The waders get dusted off, the long johns creak open after being folded in the drawer for the last few months, and the down and rain jackets make their debut. The dry fly boxes get buried in the tackle box and the indicators, nymph rigs, and most importantly, streamer patterns get tied and hooked-on as the trout of fall now have a heavier appetite in their preparation for winter. 

Welcome to fly fishing fall in Montana.

What is likely the highlight to fishing in fall is its relative solitude, especially in comparison to the pressure of the summer droves and hatches that attract people from around the globe to our rivers and lakes. On many occasions, the only company you have on the river are either the people you brought with you, or the falling leaves and the elusive trout and possibly a few curious antelope if you’re attacking the upper Madison, or Canadian geese splashing down on the lower Madison. You may also find a few white tailed deer along the Missouri, Jefferson, or Beaverhead; and if you're lucky, a bighorn sheep on the Gallatin, with of course the droves of construction workers heading up to Big Sky.

The real point is that the interests of many people are shifting to other Montana passions, including snow sports that indulge our thirst for outdoor activity for about 8 months a year. College classes are also a factor, with midterms quickly approaching and the textbooks opened instead of  fly boxes. Seasonal workers indulge in overtime, attempting to finish projects before the first real snow falls. And,  notably, the wealthier, seasonal snow-birds abandon Montana for warmer climes  Montana's fall rivers remain free and fairly abandoned, except for the devoted angler and trout who share moments on the water this time of year,  

Montana On A Budget

   ~Outside Pursuits

With its stunning landscape, popular national parks, and key role in American history, Montana attracts a lot of visitors every year. Whether you want to admire the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, hike along the trails in Glacier National Park, or fish in its lakes and rivers, there’s always lots to see and do in Big Sky Country.

But how can you live your big dreams on a budget? Well, that’s all down to how you get around, where you stay, what you eat, and what you do.

Getting around

Historically, Montana boasts some of the lowest gas prices in the US. And if you want to explore Montana’s vast prairies and rugged mountains, traveling by car provides much more flexibility and accessibility than airports and train tracks.

But if you want to really explore Montana, your own two feet will be best. Once you’ve driven to the trailhead, hiking will get you to the most beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and mountain views.

Another thing that’s great about hiking is that it costs little. You may have to pay to park your vehicle in a national park parking lot, but the trails themselves are usually free. And in winter, those same wilderness trails become perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Where to stay

If you want cheap accommodation, the best place to stay is inside your own tent. You’ll find popular campgrounds all over the state. Some are private, but many are public. Some provide running water and flush toilets, while others are completely undeveloped. The fees at private campgrounds are reasonable ($15 or less), and the undeveloped, public campsites are usually free.

However, you may prefer a roof over your head, especially if you’re visiting Glacier National Park in winter. You can find a mix of affordable motels and remote cabins inside the national forests and state parks.

Did you know you can rent disused ranger stations, bunkhouses, and fire lookout posts in the national forests? Some include modern conveniences, but others are just a roof over your head. They can be rented for as little as $30.

On a hiking, hunting, or fishing expedition lasting several weeks, it’s a good idea to combine rough camping with budget motel rooms. You can spend two or three nights in the wilderness, then clean up during one night in a motel with showers and other modern amenities.

Wherever you stay, it’s a good idea to book in advance. That’s essential around tourist hotspots, especially during summer. During summer, even budget motels near the parks may be pricy. At those times, consider more remote hostels, hotels, and motels to keep costs low.

What to eat

Generally, if you can prepare your own meals at campsites, your money will stretch further. Across Montana, you’ll find many Saturday farmers’ markets. You can pick up some great bargains there, and there’s no sales tax.

If you’re fishing or hunting, acquiring protein shouldn’t be a problem. And, if you’re brave and knowledgeable enough, you can forage for berries in the forests.

What to do

There are lots of fantastic activities to do in Montana, and this is not a complete list. But many people come to the Land of the Shining Mountains to hike, ski, and ride horses.

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity in Montana, and often it’s free. The Glacier National Park, for example, boasts over 700 miles of trail, with both short and long trails to choose from. You can even join ranger-led hikes if you prefer to explore the wilderness with a helpful expert.

Skiing and snowshoeing

When winter comes and the snow falls, the hiking trails can become blocked. But not if you wear snowshoes. At the Glacier National Park, you can join a ranger-led, two-hour snowshoe adventure. And many of the trails in both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park are also suitable for cross-country skiing. 

If you own your own skis or snowshoes, these activities are either free or cost very little. Park entrance fees may apply (typically $25) depending upon where you go.

There are also plenty of ski resorts for downhill skiing. While some larger resorts are expensive, many smaller mountains offer skiing destinations where you can enjoy the slopes on a budget.

Horseback riding

Cattle ranches have been important to Montana’s economy since before the creation of Montana Territory in 1864. And alongside ranching came horse riding.

There are many ranches in Montana that offer combined accommodation, food, and horse riding. Although this is more expensive than camping and hiking, combining these activities in one package makes for a relatively low-cost adventure holiday.

To take just one ranch as an example, the Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish offers fishing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, square dancing, archers, and many other activities as well as horseback riding. Given that TripAdvisor rates this venue as 5-star, you know you’ll get value for money.

If you prefer to camp or stay in a budget hotel, you can still ride horses at the Bar W Guest Ranch. They offer one-hour, two-hour, and half-day rides along wooded mountain trails. That way you can enjoy horse riding through Montana’s beautiful Alpine scenery on a tighter budget.

Enjoy the Last Best Place!

You don’t have to spend a fortune to experience the Wonder of Creation that is Montana. With a little thought and careful planning, you can enjoy affordable food, accommodation, and thrilling activities in Big Sky Country.