We welcome all of our non-resident friends and angling clients to “come on down.” The state of Montana and the Madison river both welcome you with NO QUARANTINE as of June 1 per Gov. Bullock’s announcement.

Governor Bullock has announced that two weeks from now on June 1, Montana will enter into phase 2 of the reopening plan. Here’s what will change on June 1. Groups larger than 50 are allowed if people can social distance themselves. Bullock says restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos can run at 75% of capacity. Gyms, indoor fitness classes, pools and hot tubs can operate at 75% of capacity. Bowling alleys can operate at decreased capacity with social distancing guidelines. Mandatory quarantine for those visiting out of Montana will be lifted June 1. Bullock says he will consult with Yellowstone National Park about opening around June 1. “The virus is still with us and will be for the foreseeable future,” said Bullock “There are things we can do to allow Montanans to have some sense of a normal life while still preventing major outbreaks or overwhelming our state’s healthcare system.” “Even at our peak in cases in March, we never had a shortage of ICU beds and ventilators.” said Bullock. Bullock says they’ve built two temporary medical care facilities in Billings and Kalispell as a precautionary measure to have in our tool belt. Bullock says testing kits are being shipped to the Crow Nation and the Blackfeet Tribe. He says Montana Dept. of Corrections has a plan in place to begin surveillance testing at all of their facilities. “Those who have not, should start making a habit of it now. Wearing a cloth mask, washing hands, disinfecting really all are part of our new normal. If not for you, do it for others.” said Bullock.

Needless to say, it will be great to see all my old fishing friends and clients back again in 2020, and some new faces as well!