Montana Fishing Vacation: 5 Steps to Get Started

Imagine this: for years you've dreamt of the perfect Montana fishing vacation. The blue ribbon trout stream, the salmon fly hatch, the mountains in the background and nothing but the sound of clear running water and your occasional cast to break up the calming silence.

But your dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if you haven't put a little planning in ahead of time. That's what this article is here for - to not only remind you of the more common mistakes anglers to the Big Sky make. But, warn you of lesser known - but equally destructive forces that can ruin your trip.

Keep all 5 of them in mind as you plan your Montana fishing vacation and you'll be one happy angler...

1.  Do You Need a Fishing Guide?

You really have to let common sense - and the law - be your guide. Montana law does not require you to have a guide (for more information you can click here and check out the states requirements).

But don't let that be the deciding factor. Instead, focus on you and your abilities.

Have you been to Montana before? Have you fished here before? How good of a fisherman or woman ;-) are you? (And please, don't let inexperience keep you from coming. For example, you can enroll in one of Montanas fly fishing schools or your can purchase a dvd or book on fishing before you come. After all, you have to start somewhere). Although Montana has good stream access laws do you know any landowners that would give you permission to cross their land to expand your fishing opportunities? If you don't, are you willing to ask around before hand? What kind of vehicle do you have? For the most part a 4 wheel drive is mandatory for stream fishing in Montana. You do NOT want to get stuck 20 miles up a forest service road in a 2 wheel Jetta when a storm blows in.

If you are unsure or are answering 'no' to any of these preliminary questions - that's a good sign you need to hire a guide.

Frankly, when I was starting out fishing I had a guide. Granted, he was my father-in-law and I didn't have to pay him. But the advice and guidance he gave me was one of the best things that could have happened to me in regards to starting - and enjoying my fishing experience. You'll not only learn where to go...but you'll learn how to fish different environments. Which is critical to your success.

In short, if you are new to fishing Montana I'd recommend a guide. They'll save you a lot of headache and disappointment down the road. However, if you have a lot of experience you can probably pass and use the money you saved for more gear.

2.  Do You Know How to Choose a Good Montana Fishing Guide?

As you've already discovered a guide isn't necessary. But, for some it is the best option. But buyer beware - Montana fishing guides are a dime a dozen. From full-time professionals who know their name and integrity built their business to your next door neighbors, 400 pound, beer-guzzling, poaching brother-in-law.

And, ignorance isn't bliss. If you hook up with a bad apple the fact that you didn't know he was a bad apple to start with won't be much of a defense in court. Montana is beginning (finally) to crack down on poachers and trespassers.

So, before you decide on a Montana fishing guide ask around for references and maybe even a website. If they can't provide you with some common forms of customer satisfaction run, don't walk, the other way.

3.  What Kind of Fishing Will You Be Doing?

Ever since the movie "A River Runs Through It" came out fly fishing in Montana has taken off. Of course, the romantic mood set by the movie isn't always reality. In fact, the Blackfoot River that set the stage for the movie is one of the more polluted in Montana. Granted, the push to clean it up has been going for a while now - and they are making progress. But keep in mind the kind of fishing - and the environment you'll be doing it in - before you set your plans in motion.

For example, most folks I know aren't in Montana to fly fish. Me included.

I'm really a full-time spin-fisherman.

Also, a lot of folks come to Montana to lake fish for walleye, pike, lake trout and the like. So a boat - or access to one - is a must.

Also, the type of fishing you'll be doing will dictate what time of year you can come. For example, wanting to do some stream fishing? Then you'll want to avoid spring runoff when the streams are all churned up and fishing is poor. Or, maybe you want to avoid the crowds. A great technique is to come and do a little Montana winter fly fishing.

If you get bored with that you can hop in a shanty and try some ice fishing.

The point is - be very clear about what kind of fishing you'll be doing before you finalize your Montana fishing vacation.

4.  What Kind of Budget do You Have?

This can be all over the board. Are you flying - or driving? Staying at a lodge or maybe with friends or in a hotel? If you're staying in a hotel are you looking to do it on the cheap or are you willing to pay more for some amenities? (After a long day out in the elements you'll probably thank yourself for spending a bit more for roomservice and a sauna.) Are you hiring a guide? Passing on a guide but renting a boat? What about your licenses - you have those...don't you? How long will you be staying? Will you be doing anything else while you are here? Are you all set up with gear?

And speaking of gear; remember - Montana holds the record for the largest temperature swing in one day when, in the morning it was -56 degrees F and then shot up to +49 degrees F. Granted, this is radical even by Montana standards. But, temperature swings of 50+ degrees in one day is common. So, come prepared with a wide variety of clothes and gear.

5.  How Many People Are Coming?

Laws for youths are different than adults. Secondly, some guides (should you choose to go that route) may offer a discount for parties rather than just single clients. And of course, the number of people will dictate what kind of lodging you'll need.

This is just the tip of the iceberg...

There are other things to take into consideration - like your personal preferences - but the 5 points above are mandatory ones to consider - and answer - to make your Montana fishing vacation the best it can be.