Montana

something interesting to note about this picture.

this appears to be boats waiting to get out after the end of the day.

notice the time of day. still full light out it's mid afternoon maybe 3 or 4 pm

what does that mean??? The rest of the afternoon the river is deserted given the number of boats there and the looks of the trees I am gonna guess this is Salmon fly hatch time.
All of these boats are missing the best fishing of the day. My best salmonfly fishing is always late afternoon into evening

conclusion? ignore the crowds, adjust your day to miss the worst of it and you can still have a great day.
Could it have been 2PM Hoot owl restrictions?
 
HOLY SMOKES! Was the backup because someone at the takeout didn't know how to backup a trailer or something like that? Or is this just how busy it gets?

Quittin' time on one of our busiest rivers.

something interesting to note about this picture.

this appears to be boats waiting to get out after the end of the day.

notice the time of day. still full light out it's mid afternoon maybe 3 or 4 pm

what does that mean??? The rest of the afternoon the river is deserted given the number of boats there and the looks of the trees I am gonna guess this is Salmon fly hatch time.
All of these boats are missing the best fishing of the day. My best salmonfly fishing is always late afternoon into evening

conclusion? ignore the crowds, adjust your day to miss the worst of it and you can still have a great day.


I like to put on at sunrise, float until noon. Take a break, then fish in the evening. Nice way to enjoy empty water and the light is better for fish pics.

DSC_3417(2).jpg



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I've encountered black bears when out fishing several times, but have never seen a grizzly in the wild (except from a car in Yellowstone). I did have what seemed like must have been a pretty close encounter a couple years ago in Montana fishing a small stream that meandered through thick willows. I looked down and saw this very fresh track in the mud next to the stream. My buddy had gone downstream, while I went up. I beat it back to the truck and hollered and honked my horn to get him to return to the car, too. He wondered what the commotion was about until I showed him the photo of the track. I have size 12 feet for scale...
Copper creek bear track 1.jpegCopper creek bear track 3.jpeg
 
Quittin' time on one of our busiest rivers.




I like to put on at sunrise, float until noon. Take a break, then fish in the evening. Nice way to enjoy empty water and the light is better for fish pics.

DSC_3417(2).jpg



B9803456_03B3_48BF_B86E_367E422B5639_FullSizeRender.jpg


that works too :)
 
something interesting to note about this picture.

this appears to be boats waiting to get out after the end of the day.

notice the time of day. still full light out it's mid afternoon maybe 3 or 4 pm

what does that mean??? The rest of the afternoon the river is deserted given the number of boats there and the looks of the trees I am gonna guess this is Salmon fly hatch time.
All of these boats are missing the best fishing of the day. My best salmonfly fishing is always late afternoon into evening

conclusion? ignore the crowds, adjust your day to miss the worst of it and you can still have a great day.
Most likely guide boats working on the 'Cocktail Hour Schedule'.:)
 
This is the reason that I stay away from the Blue Ribbon skinny water. They all fish the popular water and leave the small Skinny water for just little old me..:D:D


While there is lots of that kind of opportunity. I just point out that with some modifications to your day you can fish the big name blue ribbon waters and have great fishing in solitude even during the peak of the season.
 
Derek, in the spirit of the new forum please don't bring that shit in here. That comment only causes division.
Why is the truth about what I have observed in MT divisive? It's also well-documented and a growing threat to the economy, quality of public institutions, and public health to name a few societal & cultural issues.

The truth is, we are all at risk from extreme religious and political attitudes and actions, and NW MT is a hotbed for it. People asking about "safety" issues when/if planning a trip here need the truth. We must talk about it in productive, civil ways.

Just like we talk about the risk of human/wildlife interactions, over-crowded river conditions, climate change & non-native species, matching your socks to your outfit.....using your real name on the forum?

Derek
 
Why is the truth about what I have observed in MT divisive? It's also well-documented and a growing threat to the economy, quality of public institutions, and public health to name a few societal & cultural issues.

The truth is, we are all at risk from extreme religious and political attitudes and actions, and NW MT is a hotbed for it. People asking about "safety" issues when/if planning a trip here need the truth. We must talk about it in productive, civil ways.

Just like we talk about the risk of human/wildlife interactions, over-crowded river conditions, climate change & non-native species, matching your socks to your outfit.....using your real name on the forum?

Derek
Because other people observe the same thing as you and come to a complete opposite conclusion but don't feel compelled to bring it up in a brand new fishing forum where the members are trying to build a tight knit community despite our differences.
 
Because other people observe the same thing as you and come to a complete opposite conclusion but don't feel compelled to bring it up in a brand new fishing forum where the members are trying to build a tight knit community despite our differences.
And the more we discuss what this forum and its members will tolerate (and what to expect) in the light of day, and in a civil way, the better.

Because it's happening in the light of day, Rob.

Derek
 
I have yet to encounter a grizzly here in NW MT. We all take smart precautions around here though as this is certainly grizz country, especially around the Swan River, just East of me. I live in the wooded hills just West of Kalispell and we have several black bear individuals and families that frequent our property. We take all the normal precautions, like keep our trash locked in the garage and don’t leave food out. We have a big boar that comes onto our deck and sniffs around my Traeger but we haven’t had any damage or issues yet. Had some muddy bear paw prints on our kitchen window one morning…that was a little unsettling.

This good sized sow came up onto the deck and was inches from our front door.
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This little guy came down off the hillside behind our cabin while my lady was sunbathing in our hammock. He seemed interested in the chicken coop, but scrambled off when the Mrs stood up and yelled at him.
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While there is lots of that kind of opportunity. I just point out that with some modifications to your day you can fish the big name blue ribbon waters and have great fishing in solitude even during the peak of the season.
Not knocking Montana's blue ribbon Skinny water. But I prefer to fish small skinny water. I've dabbled in the Big Hole and the Madison. But those rivers are over whelming. All that water and I felt lost. The small water I have found here suit me just find. So I stick with what makes me happy:devilish::devilish:
 
It's the White Nationalists and religious extremists you have to worry about, to be honest.

Don't worry Derek, they are more afraid of you than you likely are of them. And besides they won't come near the fire or inside your gated community.
 
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Don't worry Derek, they are more afraid of you than you likely are of them. And besides they won't come near the fire or inside your gated community.
So if you put a fence and a gate in they won't bother you. Huh.
 
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