Blue Lines

Fly fishing in Southwast Montana is some of the best worldwide, bringing in anglers from all across the country to rivers such as the Madison, Gallatin, Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. But those arent the only streams that we're blessed with. Montana has thousands upon thousands of miles of small streams holding brook, cutthroat, and rainbow trout of all shapes and sizes. This time of year is an awesome time to fish these small blue lines as you veer away from crowds, experience some of the states best dry-fly fishing, and see perhaps some of the prettiest trout decorated in the most vibrant colors.

The fly selection isnt hard either! These small fish have to be opportunistic due to the streams size alone but pair that with the basic laying structure of the streams and it's a recipe for success. "Blue lines" are also a great place to teach children how to fish as you often catch dozens of fish (even if they're only 6" long!)

Hot Flies for Blue Lines:
Tan Elk Hair Caddis
Royal Wulff
Lime Trude
Red Copper John

Rods needed for these streams are very basic. I prefer a seven to eight foot rod in line weights 2-5. This gives me the opportunity to fish small nooks and crannies that a nine food rod could not, and gives me the ability to cast in such confined spaces (you're often shrouded in brush and willows.)

Always carry bear spray when fishing these streams as they can be a hold-out for black and grizzley bears and every year we have casulties from bear attacks that could have been avoided by the use of bear spray!