Montana Fly Fishing Rivers: Yellowstone River, Flathead River, And Clark Fort River

When looking at places to go for fly fishing, few other states can compare to the Montana fly fishing rivers. Offering some of the best and most renowned fly fishing spots in all the world, the Montana fly fishing rivers have a wide variety of angling opportunities. Each river offers its own positive aspects, and when looking to go fishing on one of the Montana fly fishing rivers, prospective anglers should research these rivers before trying their luck.

The Yellowstone River is considered by many to be the birthplace of fly fishing, and the beautiful 300 mile stretch frequented by anglers and fishermen is more than a good hint that it is one of the best Montana fly fishing rivers. The reason the Yellowstone River tends to be one of the better Montana fly fishing rivers is that it is entirely free of major dams. With only a few minor diversion dams, the Yellowstone River is able to retain its natural flow cycle. After around 2 months of runoff drainage, the water goes down and the trout along with the bugs they feed on become as plentiful as any of the Montana fly fishing rivers. The only downside to such a naturally perfect fly fishing river is that the river is prone to crowding. Though its exceptional length tends to be sufficient space to give everyone plenty of room, sometimes the king of the Montana fly fishing rivers gets more than enough people to drive serious anglers to look elsewhere.

Though not as well known as the Yellowstone River, the Flathead River is another of Montana's fly fishing rivers that anglers should consider. Scenic and tranquil like many other Montana fly fishing rivers, the Flathead can be just as rewarding in its good times as the Yellowstone. The major drawback for the Flathead River is that the Kerr Dam and Hungry Horse Dam, two major dams located on the river, can cause the flow cycle to be very erratic. This is not a good thing for fly fishers, and the fish are never really as abundant as many other Montana fly fishing rivers. Those looking to catch a trophy aren't likely to reel it in from the Flathead River and should consider one of the many other Montana fly fishing rivers. That being said, the Flathead River still has some very hungry fish. With the eccentricities of its ecosystem, the Flathead's supply of food can be limited, meaning one doesn't need to be a great fly fisher to catch the Flathead River's trout.

One river that really flies under the radar of Montana fly fishing rivers is the Clark Fork River. At first glance, the Clark Fork River doesn't seem nearly as good a choice as a few other Montana fly fishing rivers. The Clark Fork originates near one of the largest Superfund sites in the United States, filling the river and many surrounding bodies of water with a great deal of toxins. This makes many parts of the Clark Fork River a fish-less wasteland and not at all one of the Montana fly fishing rivers anyone would want to try their luck on. But due to numerous efforts to stop pollution from entering the river, the Clark Fork has many sections that provide some fishing spots that are as good as any that the Montana fly fishing rivers have to offer .

These three rivers each offer different settings that someone looking to go fly fishing should look into. Those looking to catch the big trophy fish and experience the origins of the sport should consider the Yellowstone River. A novice looking for one of the Montana fly fishing rivers that can accommodate their lack of experience may have more success on the Flathead River. Fly fishermen who hope to find a more out of the way and unknown spot should consider the Clark Fork River. With scenic locations and a tranquil atmosphere that is hard to match, anyone can find a little slice of heaven on one of the Montana fly fishing rivers.


Sources:
"Rivers... and other waters." MontanaFlyWater.com.  Pat Straub. Montana Fishing Outfitters. 4 July 2007. http://www.montanaflywater.com/rivers.htm
"Fly Fishing the Flathead River." Big Sky Fishing.com. 2000-2007. 4 July 2007. http://www.bigskyfishing.com/River-Fishing/NW-MT-R ivers/Flathead-MainStem/Flathead-Main-FishingDetai />"The Clark Fork: Fishing Information." Big Sky Fishing.com. 2000-2007. 4 July 2007. http://www.bigskyfishing.com/River-Fishing/SW-MT-R ivers/clark-fork-river/clark_fork_fishing.php
"The Yellowstone River." Big Sky Fishing.com. 2000-2007. 4 July 2007. http://www.bigskyfishing.com/River-Fishing/South-M T-Rivers/yellowstone-river/yellowstone_overview.ph />