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....

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...

Huff

A short film but a long career poling his ass off around every island in the Keys…Homosassa…Everglades NP…and just about any other spot that had a chance. A great guy and a friend. Check it out, click below. New Film Showcases Guide Steve Huff’s...

My Z-Caddis Home-tie

This is a take-off on the old X-caddis with a couple of changes. If I am tying a larger “fat” caddis mainly for use on the upper river or large water in general, I like to use the heaviest hook I can get away with, in this case the old Mustad 3906 3X...

The Caverns in Winter

The Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is Montana’s very first state park, established in 1937. The history of the caverns is a fascinating story of Montana ingenuity and daring pioneer spirit. It is a place uniquely Montana and a one-of-a kind treasure. We...