What to bring with you

One of the most important considerations in preparation for your big trip is the gear that you will bring with you. Just like fishing everywhere you need to match your gear to the type of water and the fish that you will be going after. For example, a little three weight would be perfect for a small mountain stream, and even on the spring creeks. However, that three weight would not be suitable for fishing a big river from a drift boat. If you will be fishing from a drift boat then the standard rod is a nine foot five weight. From there it is good to have a six weight just in case the wind picks up or you want to fish some bigger flies. If you really want to go for the hogs and chuck big, heavy streamers with a sink tip then a seven weight would be good to have. Personally I like to have at least two rods rigged and ready when I am in a drift boat.

Another subject that often comes up is whether or not to wear waders. I will not say for you to not bring them out here, but if it is a very warm and sunny day and you will be spending all day in a drift boat, I would suggest that you do not wear them. So, do bring some wading shoes and pants that you can wear instead of waders. And please, no studded boots in the drift boat.

Bring rain gear. Your guide should have enough rain coats for everyone, but you know how this goes. Someone wears and forgets to give a borrowed jacket back. The next time it rains the jacket is not there. Honestly, we all wished that it would rain more in Montana, but during the summer it is not a common occurrence.

Also bring a fleece or two. While for the most part it will be sunny and warm June through August we do have an occasional cold snap. The nights can cool off quickly too.