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Montana Fly Fishing Guide - How to Catch Monster Trout

Montana has become synonymous with great fly fishing for trout. With hundreds of thousands of miles of quality trout streams, spectacular scenery and an unspoiled landscape it is easy to see why the state holds a special place in the hearts of fly fisherman from around the globe. Montana is also one of the few places in the lower 48 where an angler can consistently catch wild trout over 20". As a longtime guide and Montana fishing outfitter, I have learned that nothing tops of a Montana fishing trip better hand catching a giant trout. 20 grip and grin photos of 14" fish can't add up to a single great photo of a truly big fish! All though anyone fishing the waters of some of Montana's legendary lake and rivers can stumble on to a trophy fish at anytime, there are several ways to maximize your chances of hooking and landing big fish.

1) Focus on waters that regularly hold large trout

Just because you are fishing in Montana doesn't mean that you have a shot at large fish. There is wonderful action packed fishing to be had smaller rivers and mountain lakes throughout the state, but most of the smaller streams or high elevation lakes do not produce trophy trout (with some exceptions). On the other hand, most of the larger rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri, Big Hole, and Bighorn frequently produce trout over 20" on a regular basis with a few monsters running over 35" and 15lbs.

There are also a few high mountain lakes that hold populations of freshwater shrimp that fuel trout growth. Large trout in high mountain lakes is the exception rather than the rule, however, and they often are cyclical based on winter-kill. Finally, some lower elevation lakes and ranch ponds have a prolific supply of shrimp, mayflies and damselflies allowing for some gargantuan trout. In order to catch large trout you must target a fishery that holds large fish. The magic of fly fishing in Montana is that there are multiple fisheries that produce wild trout of trophy proportions. Many streams and rivers in other parts of the world simply do not offer the water temperatures, habitat and food supplies necessary to grow large trout.

2) Use flies and techniques that target trophy fish

Trophy trout have a different energy budget than smaller trout. The size of large fish requires that they spend significantly more calories to move the same distance as a smaller trout. A small mayfly contains more calories than the amount of energy that a small trout uses to capture it. Large fish, however, need to spend much more energy to intercept a small insect and actually spend more calories in fueling that motion than they take in from the insect. Large fish, therefore, need to eat large items. Small trout typically have a diet that is composed primarily of small aquatic insects.

In Montana, large trout key in on crayfish, sculpins, small trout and extra large insects such as large stonefly species. If you spend most of your time casting small attractor dry flies, you will have a great time catching lots of small and medium size trout on the surface, but you won't hook many really large trout. On the other hand, anglers that willingly huck monster streamers and crayfish imitations will rack up there fair share of huge trout. Occasionally large trout will key in on small insects. These exceptions occur on lakes and still waters where trout do not need to fight current to eat the smaller insects and during very intense hatches where trout do not need to move far to take in a large number of the critter of the day.

There are three primary techniques that frequently result in big fish hook-ups. The first is to dead drift large nymphs imitation crayfish, sculpins, baitfish or large stonefly nymphs. Many anglers choose to drop a smaller nymph off of the back of the large fly in order to still catch smaller trout while still hoping for a monster. The second is to strip large streamers. Streamer fishing produces aggressive strikes but it is a low number game. Although streamer fishing usually produces a small number of fish, it is the best way to catch really large trout. Finally, massive dry flies can sometimes bring up the largest fish in the river during the salmon fly hatch. Salmon flies are enormous aquatic insects that can be over 3" long. This annual occurrence rarely produces fast action, but it does give lucky anglers an opportunity to hook trout over 25" on a dry fly.

3) Fish during the times of the day when large fish eat

Although it is possible to catch a large fish at any point in the day, there are definitely prime times and prime days that produce big fish. Large fish do not eat consistently throughout the day like smaller trout often do. A large trout may eat a 9 inch trout in the morning and spend the next 24-48 hours digesting it. If your streamer swims by he fish later that day he won't be interested. In general, large trout prefer to feed during low light levels making early morning and evening prime time for landing big fish. On rivers that warm significantly during the day, large trout often feed in the middle of the night and some brave fly fisherman target these trout using large streamers after midnight.

4) Fish on the right days

Some days are "big fish days". Although I have had a few days that seemed to produced multiple fish over 20" when the sun was shining, the vast majority of monster trout days that I have encountered have occurred when clouds were thick. Large browns are notorious for being wary on sunny days. If you have flexibility on the days that you fish, make sure you are on the water when the fronts come in and low lying clouds spit rain all day. These are also the days to consider shifting to techniques that specifically target huge fish. On more than one occasion, we have switched from dries to streamers when a large thunderstorm rolled in an experienced a 45 minute feeding frenzy of big fish. Sometimes these midsummer storms can produce five or six strikes from fish over 20" in less than an hour. By the end of the frenzy the fish are regurgitating sculpins. These same trout probably do not feed for at least two days after such binges so it is wise to swing for the fences when the whether is right.

5) Fish during big fish months

I have seen big Montana trout caught during every month and week of the year. There are two times of the year, however, that I believe you can maximize your chances of hooking big fish. The first is to target posts runoff compression. When rivers first drop and clear from runoff, big fish are hungry and have not seen many flies for several weeks. To top things off, he fish are often pressed against the banks to avoid the brisk mid river currents. The second time of the year that constantly produces huge fish is in October and early November when brown trout are moving through the rivers in preparation to spawn. Browns get much more aggressive in the fall, making this a great time to hunt for big fish.

Montana Angler Fly Fishing is a full service Montana fly fishing guide service based in Bozeman, Montana. Our guides specialize in fishing both the famous rivers in our area such as the Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri, and Gallatin as well as many lesser known fisheries. Montana Angler partners with several of the regions world class fly fishing lodges. Many of our guides row both drift boats and rafts and are uniquely trained to row white water rivers. By using specialized equipment and expert rowers, our guests are able to access remote canyons of famous rivers that are seldom fished. Trout in these remote areas do not see the fishing pressure that trout in more accessible areas do and as a result often strike flies with reckless abandon. Montana Angler Fly Fishing offers numerous world class lodging packes with Montana fishing lodges, hotels and vacation rentals in Southwest Montana.

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Revealed - The Benefits of Norwegian Fish Oil

Supplementing the diet with Norwegian fish oil can be beneficial to the health in a number of ways; New Zealand brands of fish oils however have more benefits to health than Norwegian oil. Pharmaceutical high grade oil is the purest and those with the highest DHA levels provide the most benefits. The best fish oils come from wild fish with naturally higher levels of omega'3's in their systems.

The joints are lubricated and the brain nourished with fish oils which makes its consumption vital to health. Healthy skin is encouraged through the neutralization of free radicals; moods are more balanced with fish oils. Norwegian fish oils made from fish caught off the coast of Norway, or farmed fish, although it is better when wild fish are used.

Both EPA and DHA are found in Norwegian oils along with other essential and omega-3 fatty acids. The initial levels of this omega-3 are lower than fish oils derived from other fish such as Tuna or Hoki. New Zealand fish oils are derived from the Hoki fish which makes it a better choice and more beneficial than other brands of fish oils. Strokes are prevented and the brain functions better with higher levels of DHA. Norwegian fish oils with higher levels of EPA in them will cost less than those with high concentrations of DHA.

Supplementing the diet with fish oils has been shown to have a positive effect on the joints, heart and brain function which can improve overall health to an extent. Pharmaceutical high grade fish oil is the purest and those with the highest DHA levels provide the most benefits. The best fish oils come from wild fish with naturally higher levels of omega'3's in their systems.

Norwegian supplements also helps to maintain the LP and triglyceride levels in the body in addition to aiding in a healthy blood pressure. The joints are lubricated and the brain nourished with fish supplements. Healthy skin is encouraged through the neutralization of free radicals; moods are more balanced with fish oil.

Norwegian fish oil is made from fish caught off the coast of Norway, or farmed fish, although it is better when wild fish are used. The taste of this oil is better due the lemon flavor that prevents an aftertaste. It is recommended that you take one to two of the supplements daily in addition to a regular nutritional program. The supplements should be kept is a securely sealed bottle in a dry, cool place.

Both EPA and DHA are found in Norwegian fish oil along with other essential and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains vitamin E among its many ingredients. The initial levels of this omega-3 are lower than fish oils derived from other fish such as Tuna or Hoki. When fish are fed wild plankton the levels are higher which will help to achieve the full effect of the supplement.

When attempting to find a supplement of Norwegian fish oil it is important to look for one with high levels of DHA to get the medicinal benefits. Strokes are prevented and the brain functions better with higher levels of DHA. Norwegian oils with higher levels of EPA in them will cost less than those with high concentrations of DHA. New Zealand fish oil is considered to be more adequate when it comes to the levels of DHA and EPA; it is also considered to be purer than the Norwegian fish oil.

Pharmaceutical grade Norwegian fish oil is gotten when impurities such as lead and mercury are removed though molecular distillation. This means that the pure fish oil is all that left making it easier for the body to absorb. The majority of this fish oil is made from salmon.

Those prone to heart disease, stroke or other illness will find that including a daily supplement of Norwegian oil in the diet will improve their overall health. X-tend-life fish oil is the most beneficial of the fish oils available. When comparing X-tend life to Norwegian fish oil the benefits are obvious when it comes to preventing and reducing health problems.

For more details of the many huge benefits you can get from taking fish oil supplements visit http://www.omega3benefitsguide.com. Brendan Greene is editor of Omega 3 Benefits Guide - Visit us now to learn about the omega 3 fish oil supplement we personally take and why.

Fish Cooking Basics - How to Transform Those Fish You Just Caught into a Wonderful Seafood Dinner

Fish Cooking Basics

I must admit that I have met more than a few fishermen that know every trick in the book to catch fish, but after they have caught it, have no idea what to do with it. So if you are still wondering what you should be doing with those fish you caught, I have some help for you. The basic techniques for turning those fish into food are very simple and I have outlined the basic information and cooking methods for you.

10 minutes to the inch

Whether you are grilling, frying, baking, poaching, steaming of broiling your fish, the basic rule is that it will take 8-10 minutes of cooking time for every inch of thickness. The biggest mistake most people make in cooking fish is to over cook it. Now if the fish is frozen, count on 20 minutes per inch.

It starts at the water

Fish can degrade quickly after you catch it. One thing you can do to prevent this is kill the fish as quickly as possible. Smack it in the head with a club, then cut the gills with a knife. This will bleed the fish out quickly and slow down spoilage.

You caught it, you clean it

OK, so you probably know this already, but you need to clean the innards out, using a sharpknife and your thumb or narrow spoon. The longer you leave that stuff in there, the more chance it will have to start messing with the fish's flavor.

When is it done?

The classical definition is that fish is done when it hits 160° and the juices run clear. Stick a fork into the thickest portion and twist gently. It should be flaky, but please, what ever you do, don't let it cook into dry nastiness.

NUKING (MICROWAVING) FISH - Fillets, 1" thick steaks

Yes, this is a valid fish cooking method!Microwaves cook by exciting (heating up) the water in whatever you put in there. Now call me crazy, but fish are just full of moisture. Gee... wonder why? Here are the proper steps for nuking fish. Allow 6 minutes per pound of fish, and remember that no two microwave ovens will be the same so adjust accordingly.


Arrange the fish with the thickest parts towards the edge of the plate, and tuck and thin parts under so they don't get overdone. One layer deep only please.
Cover with plastic wrap, but pull one corner back just a little, or punch a little hole in it to vent steam.
Don't blast it! Cook at 70% of full power. Again, we are looking for just flaky.

Let the fish rest for three minutes after you nuke it.



PAN FRYING (SAUTÉING) - Fillets less than 1-1/2" thick, scallops, large shrimp

The old standby by for cooking fish, there are countless variations on how to pay fry fish.The basics are to heat butter or oil over medium heat in a pan big enough to comfortably hold your fish. Then cook on one side till brown then turn over and brown the other side. This shouldn't take long so don't over cook them!

What you do with them before you drop them in the pan is what matters the most. To be a purist, you can pat them dry and just lightly season them with salt and pepper. Of course if you want to get fancy, you can always coat them with egg and bread them with flour or bread crumbs.Then we get into seasoning of the breading and things get really interesting. Have fun, experiment.

BROILING - Fillets & Steaks 1/4" to 1-1/2" thick, Scallops & Shrimp

Think of broiling as blast cooking your seafood. Put the top rack ~4 inches below the broiling element and pre-heat that puppy. One thing to remember is that broiling can suck the moisture right out of fish, so you have to make sure it doesn't dry out and get nasty. Fish like Salmon, Tuna and Swordfish have enough oil already to keep them moist, but think about marinating other types of fish.

Drop your fish on the broiling pan, season it lightly and get it under the broiler. Keep a watchful eye on it though. Broilers will take food from done to crispy in the blink of an eye.

STEAMING SEAFOOD - Fillets, Steaks, Whole Fish and Shellfish

Steaming is about as easy and healthy as it gets. No added oil is needed, just a little salt and pepper. If you like, you can steam your veggies right along with your fish! Just remember the 10 minutes to an inch rule and go for it.

BAKING SEAFOOD - Fish Fillets, Steaks, Shellfish & Whole Fish

Baking is the tame version of broiling. Set your oven for 450° and away you go! As for the fish, arrange them one layer deep in a lightly oiled pan, tucking any thin parts under so they don't burn. Variations include breading, coating with oil/butter, and topping with fruit and/or veggies.

POACHING (NOT BOILING) SEAFOOD - Whole fish, Steaks, Fillets, Shrimp, Scallops

Basic poaching technique is to cook the seafood in a broad, shallow pan filled with enough hot, but not boiling liquid to completely cover it. Any liquid will do, from plain water to concoctions of water, wine, herbs and stock. The liquid should be brought to a boil then turned down till you see movement, but no bubbles breaking on the surface. Carefully place your food in the water and cook the required time. Another very healthy way to cook your seafood!

STIR-FRYING - Chunks and strips of firm fish, Shrimp, Scallops, Squid

Stir frying is broiling from the bottom effectively. This is because to correctly stir fry, even cooking, make sure that your pieces of food are fairly uniform. Here is the basic stir frying technique.


Heat the wok over high heat with oil till the oil starts to smoke. Add your vegetables if any and stir constantly. Cook until they are just a little tender and then set aside.
Add oil if needed and reheat the pan. Cook the seafood, stirring constantly so it doesn't stick. Cook until it is browned slightly and opaque in the center.
Add the veggies back in along with some sauce and any other seasonings you like. And you are done!

GOOD OLD GRILLING - What can't you grill?

Whole encyclopedias could, and probably have been written about grilling. It must tap into some primal spot in our soul to be outside, cooking or burning a piece of meat over some hot coals. Here are the main points to remember.
Keep your grill clean! Dirt grills cook unevenly and dirty grates are more likely to have food stick to them.
Oil your grill grates! It will help keep the food from bonding to them.
Grilling can dry food out like broiling does, so use fatty fish, and consider using a marinade or oiling and seasoning your fish before grilling.
For fish that is small, or might fall apart, use aluminum foil on the grill.
Once you put the food down on the grates, don't mess with it! As my cooking hero Alton Brown says 'Just walk away!' Granted, not for long but don't fiddle with it till it is time to turn it over.

So there you have the basics of cooking fish. Best of luck in your cooking adventures! Just remember to let your creativity flow and don't be afraid of trying new things!

Cliff is a long time fisherman and cook hails from the remote lands in Northern Idaho, but has now moved to the big city. He is also the founder of the web based fishing show 'Fishing with Cliff' that can be found at http://www.FishingWithCliff.com where you can watch on demand episodes of his show, and get more great cooking ideas!

Choosing The Fishing Trip Destination That's Right For Your Group

Try doing a web search on the words "fishing lodge" and you will come up with hundreds of thousands of matches. Visit any major sports show and you'll find dozens of outfitters, each offering promises of the trip of a lifetime. How on earth do you narrow it down and find the fishing destination that's just right for you?

Identify Your Priorities for you fishing trip...

The first step in selecting a destination is to sit down with everyone else going on the trip and discuss what it is that you want out of the experience. It's not enough to decide you want great fishing, because that can mean very different things from one person to the next.

One person in your party might be delighted to catch 20 fish per day, while another might expect 20 fish an hour. This is the time to be perfectly clear and up-front, because the more honestly you communicate your wishes, the better the chances you will have a great trip.

Some important things to decide right from the beginning include:

What species of fish do you want to catch?

This sounds like a no-brainer, but it definitely needs to be discussed. If one member of your party really wants to catch lake trout and the resort you pick has lousy fishing for them, that person will be very disappointed. If the place you pick has fishing for multiple species, you should decide how much time and effort you want to apply to each. What matters most, and what matters least? Do you want to catch walleye, northern pike, bass, char?

Do you want lots of action? Or trophy fish?

Does great fishing mean catching a fish on every cast? Or would you go all day for one bite, provided that fish was a giant? Of course we would all like fast action with trophy fish, but it's important to keep your expectations realistic. So between the two, which is most important? And what honestly constitutes a big fish for you? Would a 20-pound salmon make you smile? Or would it have to be a 50?

How are the fish caught?

Can you sight-fish? Or is it primarily deep trolling? Imagine how disappointing it would be to spend all winter watching people on TV fishing shows hammer big pike on topwaters, then find on your trip of a lifetime the only way to catch them is by deep trolling in 60 feet of water?

What is your realistic budget?

Let's face it; money is a deciding factor for all of us. You need to be honest about what you're prepared to spend, and also how you want to spend it. If you have $1,000 to blow on a trip, do you want a week at Lodge A, or three days at Lodge B which might offer more upscale accommodations or a better shot at a trophy fish?

Once you have decided exactly what kinds of fish you want to catch and how you want to catch them, you need to discuss the accommodations.

In order to get the kind of fishing your group wants, are you willing to rough it in a tent camp where you have to prepare your own food, or is a certain amount of creature comfort also a priority?

How important is a hot shower at the end of the day, or having someone else deal with the cooking and cleaning up? Can you live without a flush toilet? Would you rather bring your own boat?

Again, it's important to be honest and realistic right up front.

Once you've established clear priorities for the fishing and the accommodations and set a rough budget, it's time to start looking at what different lodges have to offer.

The species of fish you want to catch, the amount of time you want to be away and the amount of cash you have to spend should help focus your search to a general geographic area, while the priorities your group collectively identified should allow you to narrow your search within that geographic area fairly quickly. It's everyone's fishing trip ... so plan it well.

Now, it's a matter of contacting fishing lodge operators within that region, and seeing what they have to offer.

Call The Government

State or provincial tourism departments are the best way to find fishing lodges within specific areas. If you've decided your group wants to go to Alaska to fish for salmon and steelhead, then start with a call to the Alaska department of tourism. They can send you all sorts of information on outfitters, general fishing information, plus stuff on license requirements, fishing regulations and such.

Selecting the right fishing trip destination is probably the single most important aspect of planning your fishing trip. Well, choosing the right fishing buddies is pretty important, also.

Dave Cushion is the author of the comprehensive manual "The Ultimate Fishing Trip Guidebook!" For more tips on planning your dream fishing trip, or to just learn how the experts catch more fish, go to http://www.fishing-trip-advisor.com and check out our other articles.