The Complete Fly Fisher Outfitter & Lodge.
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Much like golf, fly fishing is a sport where business contacts can be made, deals discussed, and most importantly lifelong friendships developed. It demands much practice and a skill level not required by other more relaxed types of fishing. Perhaps that is why it frequently attracts “A” personality types.
Fly fishing, moreover, has a rich and storied history that dates back thousands of years. The origins of fly fishing can be traced to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Macedonia, and Rome, where people used various methods to imitate insects and catch fish.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of fly fishing comes from ancient Rome, where a Roman author named Claudius Aelianus described Macedonian anglers using artificial flies to catch fish. Thus, the practice of mimicking a fly drifting on the top of the water began to gain popularity in second century Rome.
Today, fly fishing has become a popular recreational activity enjoyed by people around the world. It has evolved into various forms, including freshwater and saltwater fly fishing, and attracts anglers who appreciate the challenge, artistry, and connection with nature that fly fishing offers. Movies like the 1992 film “A River Runs Through it” directed by Robert Redford and starring Brad Pitt have drawn even more attention to the sport.
Montana is synonymous with world-class fly fishing. Recently, I had the opportunity to again experience this wonderful part of the United States. Just a short 40-minute drive from Butte airport is an outfitter called the “Complete Fly Fisher” which offers an incredible fishing experience on the Big Hole River and near the Wise River. This lodge/outfitter delivers guided float fishing (on three-person rafts) and first-class dining at the beginning and the end of each day. Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout are likely to be caught during a typical day, and all fishing is catch and release. My personal best was a 20-inch Brown (see picture) but maybe you can do better.
The Big Hole River has been called, “The Last Best River.” It’s one of the greatest dry fly-fishing rivers found anywhere in the world. The angling opportunities are diverse and divine. Every conceivable angling circumstance and water type associated with fly fishing for trout are found on the Big Hole. With five species of game fish, the river is unique among trout streams in the lower 48.
Our group spent five days fishing the rivers and my last day offer something that I had never seen before when our guide threw a white fish to a bald eagle after whistling to get its attention. The eagle swooped down and caught the fish in midair. You can only experience this type of majestic nature in Montana.
I highly recommend this outfitter which is extremely well run by the new General Managers Matt & Sarah Cornette. Both are additionally skilled as fish guides and Matt is also an accomplished musician who jumped in one evening and played banjo for the Blue Grass group called “The Timber Rattlers.” The entertainment was an outstanding addition to an evening sunset and our typical gathering around the firepit to end a day of fishing and gourmet meal.
Sunset Performance of The Timber Rattlers
