Livingston, MT

Montana towns with deep fishing roots, bountiful flyshop offerings, and “iconic” rivers running through them may seem like a dime a dozen. Pitch all offerings into a bar, add booze, instigate a “who’s-best” debate, and it’s hard to pluck a winner from the ensuing, stool-busting brawl. But, if we were forced to choose a top contender, Livingston, its Yellowstone River/spring creeks, and haymaker-throwing browns, would land somewhere near the top of the heap. And Livingston wouldn’t be where it is today without core area flyshops, such George Anderson’s Yellowstone Angler, serving Paradise Valley flyfishers since 1979.

Peck, Idaho

In the midst of a long roadtrip we arrive a little early, riding the confused cusp between time zones, in need of new sink tips, Maxima, and a few gaudy marabou/stinger concoctions. The Red Shed is still closed, and so we hang out in the cool February morning air, wolfing donuts, contemplating elusive winter chrome over wicked-strong coffee. The resident shop dog, Daisy, emerges to greet us, and we know that Poppy won’t be far behind.

Melrose, MT

Next time you’re driving around fishing the rivers of southwest Montana and you’re in the mood for a little adventure, try driving the High Road. This rough-and-tumble 20-mile county road connects Twin Bridges to Melrose and the Big Hole River to its confluence with the Jefferson. But before you start out, learn from the mistakes of others and check to see that your drift boat trailer is firmly attached to your truck and that everything on your roof rack is securely tied down. It’s also not a bad idea at this point to double-check your buddy’s AAA tow-package. Then floor it.

Bozeman, MT

Sunshine and Salmonflies on the radar

Of the laundry list of flyfishing variables we cannot predict, weather—good or bad—ranks near the top. So far spring 2010 has been a strange, extended winter for many living in the West: Rain, snow… more snow. Nowhere is that more prevalent than in southwest Montana, where late-season snowpack continues to pile on, extending runoff season indefinitely.

Watching the incessant deluge from the windows of The River’s Edge flyshop, in Bozeman, MT, good fishing is always a go—whether it’s delayed or not. And the promise of rivers returning to fishable levels, and Salmonflies smashing down the doors is, like every year, inevitable.