FLY-FISHING IN MONTANA

Here in Montana I have found fine lodges that offer world-class fly-fishing, excellent accommodations, great food and the best service.

Since I moved here three years ago, friends and local guides have showed me some of the best local waters. Montana is quite a big place and compared to Chilean rivers, rivers here are quite long. So yes, I have found good fishing in Montana and I have to admit that quite a few rivers have exceptionally good fishing by any standards.

Having guided and fished in Chile and Argentina for more than 20 years, I am completely spoiled when it comes to fishing. I’ve had the privilege to fish remote rivers tucked deep in the Andes as well as uncharted coastal rivers in the Fjords of Chile. So you will understand that when it comes to fishing, my standards are pretty high.

When you can consistently catch 17 to 21 inch wild trout on a beautiful setting with many miles of water at your disposal, it qualifies as a great fishing experience.  Of course if you are fishing public water, you will probably see other anglers but as I am sure you know, there is enough water for everyone here in Montana. Also, anglers and guides are generally very polite allowing you to enjoy your water.

The best Montana lodges have also access to private water where you can enjoy fishing in complete solitude, which is important especially when fishing smaller streams or spring creeks.

Guides are definitely an important factor to consider because, as you may know, they can make or brake your fishing day.  If you are dealing with a reputed outfitter, chances are you are going to end up in very good hands. Good lodges and guides are generally busy and sometimes booked solid during the best times of the season, so booking you trip in advance is an important consideration. 

I probably have more fishing hours under my belt than the average angler, but I still need a guide or experienced angler while fishing here, in order to provide me with essential information regarding a particular body of water. Like many, I could figure things out by myself but this could take weeks.

As you know, conditions can change from one day to the next. Good guides generally spend a great deal of time on the water and share information with other fellow guides so they can provide you with invaluable information that will determine the success of your trip.

To give you an example about the relevant information a guide can provide; quite a few times I have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but also I have been on the right river but without the right fly. These situations are equally frustrating and a good guide would be able to help with both.

I am not saying that it isn't any fun to figure out all this by your self, we all know this is part of the learning experience, but like many anglers, if you just have a few days available and want to make the most of them; the best option is to hire a good guide.

As you know, logistics also play an important part on the success of your fishing experience so consider booking a well-located lodge with easy access to a good selection of both public and private water at relatively close proximity. You do not want to spend your valuable time driving around in Montana; it is a very big place.

The quality of the accommodations and food are also factors you may want to consider. Our lodges in Chile offer excellent service, the food and accommodations are outstanding, as well as our selection of Chilean wines. So believe me, when it comes to hospitality my judgment is more than skin deep, I can spot a great place when I see it as well a bad one.

Last September I had the pleasure to join my long time clients and dear friends: Peggy Keller, Carrie and Ed Proctor at Healing Waters Lodge in Twin Bridges Montana. All aspects mentioned above were met and surpassed.

If you would like to plan a fishing trip to Healing Waters lodge in Montana, please contact me, I would be delighted to help you plan your next trip.

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Cristian Dufflocq Has been guiding anglers in Chile for the last 20 years and is also a partner of Andes Journeys, Llc., a travel agency specialized in fly-fishing travel, based in Missoula Montana. www.andesjourneys.com