Smith River …Wild, Scenic and Popular.

14,497 folks applied for 1470 permits to camp and float Montana’s Smith River this year…more than double the number of applications received 10 years ago. 902 residents and 568 non-residents drew tags. Each permit allows for up to 15 persons per permit....

Mike Lawson Fishing Report.

Read Mike’s assessment of last year’s fishing, stream conditions and weather, including the Railroad Ranch, Box Canyon, Upper Madison, YNP and other waters. Check out his archived blog entries at his Henry’s Fork Anglers site:...

Rubber Band Man

When I first started fishing SW Montana in 1972, Ennis was the hot spot and Hickey’s Motel (currently Lone Elk Mall) was base camp. The Long Branch Saloon was the local watering hole. Back then, fly fishing for large trout was like this underground cult thing,...

Smoker Leech

A new pattern I am developing for springtime, still water rainbows. Will be testing this March as soon as ice is out. Sort of a baitfish/minnow/dace imitation. Hook: Mustad S82-3906B, #10 (mashed barb) Tail: Dun ostrich herl from Wapsi. Topping: Original Tinsel...

Ice Fishing Report

Western Montana ice fishing report for the week of Feb. 13 story from Butte Montana Standard. Matthew Kiewiet 15 hrs ago From left, brothers Gabe, John and Trent Price display their haul of trout they caught while ice fishing on Canyon Ferry Reservoir last...