Streamer Strategies with Montana Fly Fishing Trips

$
500
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
Charlie G
Response rate: 
26%
Response time:
2 hours
You know how big fish got to be big fish? By eating little fish. Are you a hog hunter looking for the right stretch to fish and what piece of meat to throw? Or have you just seen these huge flies in the shop and wanna learn a thing or two? Either way Montana Fly Fishing Trips is here for you. You can't just throw a wooly bugger and hope for the best. There are numerous books based solely on different streamer techniques. Why? Because these techniques have been proven to catch quality trout. However, there is no guarantee in fishing. Especially a big fish guarantee. We are here to help increase your chances of catching big fish, not only on your trip but forever, by teaching you techniques learned throughout extensive guide careers. *The location of this trip will be decided by the guide based the quality of streamer fishing on his last few trips.
 
Highlights
  • Transportation to and from the river (dependent on which river is fished)
  • Access to top of the line fishing equipment
  • Wonderful streamside lunch
  • Expert "Chuck and Duck" instruction from a professional, experienced and enthusiastic MFFT fishing guide
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Flies
Tackle
Rod & Reel
Transportation
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
Boat
1 - 2
 anglers
Daily1 day
$
500
Availability
Fishing Waters
 (2)
Scenic, beautiful and rich in history, this northeasterly flowing river is thought to have acquired its name from the Minnetaree Indians whom were struck by the unique, yellow-colored ... moresandstone lining the river’s lower bluffs. Translated by early French trappers as Roche Jaune, {Yellow Rock} the river kept this moniker until Lewis and Clark recorded their translation into Yellow Stone, a name that took hold and remains today. The river may be better known in history as an escape route after General Custer and his 7thCalvary, were soundly defeated by the Lakota Indians at the Battle of Bighorn. The few remaining survivors were ferried down the Yellowstone to Fort Abraham Lincoln along the Missouri River.

Today, the awe-inspiring river is closely associated with the Wyoming based Yellowstone National Park and the other great recreational fishing rivers that cluster within the southwestern corner of Montana. The Yellowstone itself is officially classed as a Blue Ribbon stream in Montana, from the Park to its confluence with the Boulder River east of Livingston and from the Rosebud Creek to the North Dakota border, and is the longest undammed river in the lower 48. The absence of dams along the river results in favorable habitat for trout from high inside the Park, downstream to Gardiner, the Paradise Valley, Livingston and to Big Timber, a length of nearly 200 miles.

Many consider the area around Paradise Valley to be the most favorable in Montana, especially near Livingston. Here you can expect to lure brown trout, rainbow trout and native yellowstone cutthroat trout as well as rocky mountain whitefish. Further along, from Billings to the North Dakota border, burbot, channel catfish, paddlefish, sauger, smallmouth bass, walleye and the occasional pallid sturgeon can be found. The section of the river from Mallard’s Rest to Carter’s Bridge is known both for its magnificent scenery and abundant fishing. Here you will find yourself in the midst of snow-capped mountains, the Absaroka to the east and the Gallatin to the west, and a landscape dotted with elk, fox and other wildlife. You’ll also discover meandering streams and creeks that flow into the Yellowstone. Many, such as the DePuy Spring Creek, are highly ranked, and like the main river, are full of rainbow and brown trout.
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Ruby is the perfect name for this river, for it is a largely hidden, sparkling gem. Its crystal clear waters begin in the pristine Beaverhead National Forest in southwest Madison County, ... morebetween the Snowcrest Mountains and the Gravelly range. While it starts as a rather thin trickle, it picks up more than a dozen mountain, freestone creeks, and gains velocity as it flows for 40 miles past Alder and into the Ruby Reservoir. Past Alder, the river runs north between the beautiful Tobacco Root Mountains to the northeast and the Ruby Range to the southwest. Nestled in the quaint Ruby Valley, the river is conveniently located a mere thirty minutes from Ennis and a lovely one-hour drive from Bozeman. Like many other rivers in this region, the Ruby is small at only 76 miles in length, but it is full of surprisingly large fish.

Leaving Alder, the Ruby exits the reservoir as a tailwater and supports abundant midge, caddis, and Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches. For a short time the river passes through a scenic, arid canyon before abruptly transitioning into a meandering open agricultural valley. At this point the Ruby runs over vast swaths of private land, sometimes making access difficult. The 40 mile descent from Alder to Twin Bridges also crosses over high-end ranch properties, where again, access can be challenging although public access points do exist and can be easily located.

The river is open year round to fishing and conditions are good through all seasons. Springtime on the Ruby brings hatches of baetis and early season caddis. When the water warms in summer, the river will explode with Yellow Sallies and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), along with hoppers and other terrestrials. Late summer and early fall is considered by many to be the best time to fish, as clouds settle in the high mountain valley providing fast paced action for the streamer enthusiast. Running a nymph rig subsurface, or using a dry/dropper combo is the best technique on the Ruby throughout the year.

Fish will jump for hoppers during the late summer months, while streamer-fishing can very satisfying throughout the summer and early fall. A predominantly brown trout fishery, the Ruby is full of trophies that often reach 18 – 20 inches. The greatest numbers of rainbow trout are found in the first few miles of the river just below the dam. If you seek a unique opportunity, the upper portions of the Ruby rumored to hold rare cutthroat trout and arctic grayling.
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The Jefferson River is an important part of a system of rivers that combine to form the majestic Missouri. Starting at the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers near Twin ... moreBridges, Montana, it winds 77 miles in a northeasterly fashion to Three Forks. Here, it meets with the Madison and Gallatin rivers that together converge into the Missouri River at the Missouri Headwaters State Park. Like so many other rivers in Montana, the Jefferson, named by Clark in honor of the U.S. President, runs deep with history. In fact, the Jefferson River is a segment of the larger Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, administered by our National Park Service.

When thinking about the Jefferson, a Class 1 river for recreational enjoyment, most observers view the river in three distinct sections. Characterized by slow, meandering flows, the upper third works its way through a broad, arid valley. Along this braided, 44 mile long floodplain, you will encounter working farms, dense cottonwood stands, flowered meadows and a variety of wildlife until you reach the town of Cardwell. Throughout the next 15 miles, its waters flow through a narrow, steep canyon where the water can be deep, slow and contained. As a result, the stretch from Cardwell to the Sappington Bridge has comparatively fewer trees, swamps, meadows and wildlife.

At Sappington Bridge the river once again becomes a circuitous, rambling river, rich in swamp life, colorful fields, large cottonwood groves and productive agricultural land. The presence of significant agriculture has resulted in competition for water use. During dry years, the river was tapped generously for irrigation, dropping water levels to the point where fish populations were adversely affected. Recent improvement in riparian management has tended to alleviate these issues. Primarily known as a brown trout river, rainbows, mountain whitefish, burbot and northern pike can also be found here. Less well known and less discovered, the Jefferson offers the opportunity to catch large fish in a scenic, un-crowded environment.
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The Madison River is arguably one of the best trout fishing rivers in all of southwest Montana, if not the entire world! It’s certainly the most talked over, written up and frequented ... morein the state of Montana – which is considered by some the capital of fly fishing. Anglers will find plenty of great access sites to wade or float along the Madison’s banks and reservoirs (including Hebgen Lake and Ennis Lake). Rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and more abound in this majestic fishing stream.

The Madison begins its course almost twenty miles into Yellowstone National Park. Within the Park, fishing rules apply: no live bait and catch and release only. Once outside the Park the river meanders past working ranches, stately conifer forests and cottonwood lined banks, interrupted by riffles and quiet runs that contain large rainbow and trophy brown trout. Flowing alongside Yellowstone’s West entrance road, the river enters Hebgen Lake, created by Hebgen dam, until it reaches Quake Lake, a bit downstream from the dam. At this point the river is commonly called either the Upper Madison or the Lower Madison, although in fact, they are one and the same.

Upper Madison – Quake Lake to Ennis Lake
Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. For the next 53 miles, often referred to as the 50 Mile Riffle, the cold river runs north and the fish jump high. Annual runs of spawning trout make their way from Hebgen Lake, rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall. Known the world over for its “hard fighting” trout, it’s not unusual to pull a 25” brown from these upper waters. In deference to the purists and fly-fishing enthusiasts, it’s wading only from Quake Lake to Lyons Bridge. Boats may be used to access the river, but if you’re going to fish, your feet must be on the riverbed. Fortunately, the Hebgen Dam releases water throughout the year, leveling its flows and relieving it of spring runoff issues and summer shrinkage.

Lower Madison – Ennis Lakes to Three Forks
A short section of the river between Ennis Dam and the power station maintains relatively low water levels and provides wonderful opportunities for wading. Past the power station the river regains its muscle and for 7 miles winds through Bear Trap Canyon. Hiking trails offer the only entry, great for those that like to walk and seek the solitude of a designated wilderness area. Floating is permitted but requires a lengthy shuttle and the ability to work through Class III-IV whitewater. Once out of the canyon the river flows in shallow riffles until it reaches Three Forks and joins the Missouri. From Warm Springs to Greycliff, the river is easily accessible for drifters and wading.
Destination
 (2)
This is a small town with a big heart, a veritable fisherman’s paradise. Located near the fish-filled Madison River, and surrounded by the waters of Ennis Lake, the Ruby River, Hebgen ... moreLake, Quake Lake, Henry’s Lake, the Big Hole River and scores of smaller streams, the town boasts what many consider the best trout fishing in the world. As well known for its wranglers as its anglers, Ennis has succeeded in maintaining the look and feel of its original, gold town roots. Warm and hospitable, the area offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from simple campsites, rustic motels and gracious hotels, to full-service, luxury resorts. Fly shops are numerous, stocked by local experts ready to advise and assist, while guides can be booked for trips throughout the area.

Boredom is the only thing unavailable in Ennis. Throughout the summer season the city hosts a series of events, including its renowned 4th of July Celebration Parade and a genuine, old-fashioned rodeo. In August, fly-fishing luminaries from around the US, flock to Montana to compete in the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Athletes also find their way to Ennis to compete in the city’s Madison Trifecta, two shorter races followed by a full Marathon at 9000 feet, the highest elevation run in America. For the true sportsman, October falls in with the annual Hunter’s Feed. What’s caught, typically elk, moose deer, pheasant and bobcat, gets cooked on the streets and served up to hungry spectators.

Flanked by three grand mountain ranges, The Tobacco Root, Gravelly and Madison, Ennis is scenic and entertaining – truly an authentic, fly fisher’s haven.
Outfitter
 (10)
What do you think of when you hear "Montana?" Small towns? Cowboys? Cows? BIG TROUT?! The answer is D, "All of the above"! Montana is still the place it was 80 years ago, where a man's ... morehandshake means something and big trout thrive. Located in the "Trout Mecca" of Southwestern Montana, our location and our guide's experience allow us to guide on a number of world class rivers; the Madison, Jefferson, Ruby and Yellowstone rivers are arguably the best trout streams in the lower 48.

Whether you have never held a fishing pole in your life or if you've been fishing since you could walk, the versatile, select guides we employee at MFFT all live on, and spend all they're free time on, these select rivers. They know how satisfy ALL of our clients, from novice to pro.

But Montana is so much more than just a trout haven. With picturesque mountains, abundant wildlife and under a million people, you actually have to try to not enjoy our beautiful state. As longtime client and friend Don Patton once wrote me after a trip, "fish count is only one criteria, there are many more markers for success. We hit them all." Here at MFFT we strive to give our clients much more than just a fishing trip, we want to share our passion for fishing and our love of Montana with all of our guests and new friends.

Charles P. Graham

Owner-Montana Fly Fishing Trips

Montana Fishing Outfitter#10349
Type:
Fishing
Payment
Cancellation Policy
Custom policy
  • Cancellations made 30 days before will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made 15 days before will be refunded 50% of the amount paid.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Streamer Strategies with Montana Fly Fishing Trips.
10 reviews   0 comments
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Outfitter Review
1st trip on the river
Thanks for A very nice day on the river. Charlie introduced us to the fly-fishing with great patience and demonstrated his great expirience in the best way. ....and his local knowledge of the Madison river. He guided us to catch two fish, a lot of fun ....just impressive and nice. We give our best recommendations. BrittaJan Copenhagen.
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Art is a Fish Ninja!
My son and I just spent three days on the madison w/Art and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. We caught over 100 fish over those three days and Art works his A$$ off for us. He was more than a guide - he taught us about the river, the fish and the area. We fully enjoyed our time on the water with Art and we will defintely be booking future trips w/Art. Amazing time. It was bueno and goofy ... more all at the same time ;)
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Outfitter Review
What are you waiting for? Book a trip with Charlie!
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Charlie for over a decade and trust me, you are in for a spectacular day of fishing with him! Having managed an award winning Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge, I’ve heard guests continually rave about Charlie day after day, and spent my winters chatting with guests as they aligned their entire travel schedule around his availability to ensure they spent every ... more day of their cherished fly fishing trip out on the water with him  Charlie has that perfect balance of enthusiasm coupled with knowledge and a determination to be the hardest working guide on the river. At just the right moment, he’s coaching you on technique and the next, he’s giving high fives for a job well done. Whether you are a novice or beginner, he knows how to get you onto fish, while having fun along the way. You’ll wish for time to standstill when you are out with him! So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip with Charlie and enjoy a fun and memorable fly fishing adventure!
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Wanna catch trout? Here's your guy...
I've been fishing in Montana for over a decade. Charlie Graham was my first guide and I've never looked back. In fact, it's at the point where I won't fish the Madison River (and surrounding rivers) without him. No one gets on the fish like Charles P. He knows where they are, what they're eating and how to get em'. Do yourself a favor and book this guy (just don't do it when I'm in town cause he's ... more mine:)
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Hardest working guide on the river.
My father took me to fish the Madison about ten years ago, and I fell in love. We have had many guides over the years but request only one year after year. Charlie Graham. I've never seen a guide row harder or get more excited at the sight of a big fat brown trout! He has improved my fishing skills immensely, and has the patience, knowledge, and drive to provide anyone with a world class day on the ... more river. Simply put, he's the man!
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The Fish Whisperer
Charlie is awesome. He took us out on the Madison when the weather was beautiful, but the water was moving fast. I was amazed at how well he battled physics (lots of weight in the boat if you know what I mean) to keep us moving at the right pace while directing us to the big ones. I believe the fish actually listen to him. He is an awesome guide and fun to be around. Looking forward to seeing him ... more again this May.
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Madison with friends for fun.
Charlie took me and a few friends down the Madison in early May last year. We're not experts by any means, and Charlie gave us all the advice we needed to make for a few wonderful days. We all caught Rainbows ( and a few Browns), and enjoyed more than a few laughs along the way. Charlie is a good guy and a great guide. I'll see him again in May for another trip down the Madison.
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Charlie is the fishing master
I don't think there is a single negative thing that could be said about Charlie. He is knowledgable, helpful, and and all around awesome guy. I have fished with many fantastic guides over the years, but absolutely no one can top Charlie. His positive attitude and willingness to try new set-ups keeps the fish practically jumping into the boat. I'm looking forward to fishing with him in the future.
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Great trip
Mom and I enjoyed our day on the river with Charlie very much. His guidance, patience, expertise and humor were more appreciated than I am able to say. It was a very special time for me to share with my 79 year old mom-and Charlie made it perfect! He has a wonderful way with people-to go from my boys to us so easily is a real skill! We all had the best time! Agnes Butler
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Charlie Grahm is my first choice guide every trip
My son, Jack, and I have been making trips to the Madison River Valley for nearly 10 years. Each year we book a stay at the Madison Valley Ranch and the Ranch knows that the second thing out of my mouth is "I want Charlie to guide us." Not only is he a great guide, working his butt off to get us to where the fish our, he has a sixth sense as to what fly to put on the line on certain parts of the river, ... more during certain parts of the day and, frankly, I think certain fish. He's a great partner in the boat and has become our friend. One year we decided to visit the ranch late in October at the end of the season. Charlie had taken a job at a local bar and restaurant. We didn't leave Ennis until we'd gotten there to say hello. It wouldn't have been a visit without that.
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