Los Angeles. Paris. London. Milan. Craig? Ennis? Livingston? Bozeman? Fashion, entertainment, and culinary trends are not what put these Montana's towns on the map. Prolific waters, hard-working guides, and world-class destination lodges are just a few of the reasons Montana is a premier destination for fly fishing. But which of these areas for fly fishing in Montana can stake claim to the Fly Fishing Capital of Montana?
Criteria for Choosing Montana's Fly Fishing Capital
The definition of a capital isthe most important city or town of a country or region, usually its seat of government and administrative center.When discussing what makes a town afly fishing capitallet's alter the definition to readthe most important city or town of a country or region, usually home to the most variety of waters and consistent fishing. When determining where in Montana is the most important or most desirable area for anglers, it is important to alter the definition to include variety and consistency because those are two of the most important factors anglers take into account when planning their fishing. Other factors anglers might consider are proximity of bars and restaurants, hotels, and fly shops.
Why Livingston is Montana's Fly Fishing Capital
On the banks of the Yellowstone River just outside of Paradise Valley sits Livingston, Montana. Within an hour's drive of Livingston anglers can venture into Yellowstone National Park, fish one of the world famous Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, float on the Yellowstone River on over 100 miles of prime trout water, or get off the beaten path and fish any of the numerous tributary rivers and creeks of the Yellowstone River. The area's waters are also home to native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Livingston has long been a haven for eclectic writers and artists with the likes of McGuane, Harrison, Buffett, Reece, and many others. Add the historic Murray Hotel and an array of cultured--and uncultured--bars and restaurants, a fly fishing trip to Livingston, Montana is a uniquely Montana experience.
Why Bozeman is Montana's Fly Fishing Capital
Within one hour of Bozeman, Montana anglers can choose from over three dozen floats on three world-class fly fishing rivers. Wading anglers have miles and miles trout-filled smaller creeks and rivers that flow through public lands. Add in some of the West's most knowledgeable fly fishing guides and fly shops, Bozeman's reputation clearly supersedes itself as a fly fishing epicenter. Bozeman's broad selection of hotels, motels, and destination lodges means that many anglers who have fly fished in Montana have experienced Bozeman in one form or fashion. The list of rivers within easy access of Bozeman are the Yellowstone, the Madison, the Gallatin, the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, and many more smaller creeks and rivers.Within a hour's drive of Bozeman flow some of the world's most renown trout rivers and creeks. Add another hour to the drive from Bozeman and the list of spectacular rivers nearly doubles. With so many top qualityfly fishing watersin one area,fly fishing near Bozeman, Montana is a sure bet to discover some consistent fishing.
Why Craig is Montana's Fly Fishing Capital
If you already know where Craig is, good on you. If you don't, that's ok, too. Craig is a small crossroads located on Montana's Missouri River. With four fly shops within 6 miles of Craig (three are within two blocks of each other), there is no shortage of information about finding ways to catch just one of the 7,000+ trout per mile that swim in the Missouri River. Located about halfway between Helena and Great Falls, Craig is the main hub of activity for fly fishing the Missouri River. The main case against Craig being Montana's Fly Fishing Capital is the lack of consistently good fishing options other than the Missouri River. However, Missouri River diehards are quick to dismiss that lack of diversity because the Missouri River itself is such a diverse fishery. With a mix of canyon water, long slow runs, riffles, rocky banks, and spring creek-like weed beds and channels, anglers that spend multiple days on the Missouri River can sample lots of ways to catch trout on the fly in Montana. With some world-class fly fishing lodges as well, Craig and the Missouri River do have a convincing argument.
Why Ennis is Montana's Fly Fishing Capital
Ennis isn't bashful when it comes to staking its claim to Montana's Fly Fishing Capital--the welcome sign entering Ennis reads: Population 840 People; 11,000,000 Trout. The Madison River flows through Ennis so it is easy for anglers in Ennis to get quick access to the river's trout. As one of Montana's most well-known and consistent rivers, the Madison River is often atop the rankings on many Best Rivers of Montana lists. Ennis is home to several great fly shops and the valley also has several destination fishing lodges that are on par with the finest in the world. Drive an hour or so from Ennis and anglers can also fish several smaller creeks and rivers. Despite what the welcome sign says, Ennis has a population of over 1,000 people. Ennis a great place to "cowboy up" and discover some of Montana's best fishing. Ennis is also located in the spectacular Madison Valley and is an ideal location to base a fishing trip for those looking for a more rustic feel than Bozeman.
Why West Yellowstone is Montana's Fly Fishing Capital
Located at the doorstep to Yellowstone National Park and close to the Madison River, West Yellowstone sees a lot of tourist traffic and lots of anglers. The tourists are coming to see the geysers and critters in Yellowstone National Park. The anglers are coming to fish the Madison River and many of is tributaries and the rivers and streams of Yellowstone National Park. West Yellowstone is home to several fly shops and other amenities for anglers. With a ballooning population in the summer months, anglers in West Yellowstone might find more families on a great Western vacation than fellow anglers but that doesn't mean the rivers and creeks are devoid of anglers. But summer aside, West Yellowstone has a case for the Montana's fly fishing capital due to the variety of fishing and more quiet spring and fall months.
Montana is home to some great angling towns that are close to a large variety of waters. Choosing where to fish can sometimes feel like there's no wrong choice. That's true. There isn't an official town that is the fly fishing capital of Montana or even a town that openly stakes claim to the title. Whether you live in or are planning a trip to any of the towns on this list you can be sure a of a few things: opportunities for exciting fly fishing, knowledgeable and abundant fly shops and guides, and access to world-class lodges and hotels across all budgets.
When planning a fly fishing trip to Montana, or anywhere in the western United States, a lot of the fun lies in deciding where and when to go fishing. Montana is arguably home to the most abundant variety of easily accessibly fly fishing in North America. From well-known large rivers like the Missouri and Madison to small, intimate walk-and-wade waters like the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks or waters in Yellowstone Park, there is something for all desires and abilities of anglers in Big Sky Country.
