Among fly fishing circles few have not heard of famous Montana rivers like the Yellowstone, Madison, Beaverhead, Bighorn, Big Hole,
Clark Fork or Gallatin. These rivers continue to set the standard
for quality Montana trout fishing in an unforgettable setting. In
addition to the more famous rivers, Montana offers fantastic lake
and spring creek opportunities. In the last 20 years Montana has
experienced a good deal of development and added fishing pressure.
Despite its changes, fly fishing in Montana is still a destination
not to be missed.Sweetwater Travel is located in Livingston Montana and is owned by three brothers raised in Montana on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Sweetwater Travel invites you to join us as we share Montana’s finest fisheries with fishermen from around the world. The same dedication to professionalism that is evident in our worldwide collection of destination is also present on our home operation. Our part of Montana has largely escaped the eye of the crowds. Our fish are not overly pressured, and our waters are not crowded. Our lodge only caters to six guests, so you will receive a lot of specialized attention from guides who have spent their lives fishing the waters of Montana.
Sweetwater Travel Company offers three different itineraries for anglers wishing to visit us to partake in our famous Montana trout fishing. Each itinerary emphasizes flexibility, quality fishing and expert fly fishing guides.
The Area
Sweetwater Travel’s fly fishing in Montana operation is located on the Vermillion Ranch, in the heart of Montana’s blue ribbon trout water.The ranch is located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and Sweetgrass Creek in Montana with over a mile of river frontage on the Yellowstone.
The
Vermillion Ranch is protected by a conservation easement and is home
to a remarkable population of deer, upland birds, raptors, and
waterfowl.The Yellowstone River is our country’s longest free-flowing river and offers over two hundred miles of trout fishing. The Ranch is located in the middle of Yellowstone; a prime area for fly fishing in Montana. It is close enough to Paradise Valley that the Spring Creeks are a short drive but far enough from Paradise Valley that the crowds generally do not fish our stretch of river. In addition to the Yellowstone River and the Spring Creeks, you can also fish the Boulder River, the Stillwater River, and an endless array of lakes and small streams. These Montana rivers provide exceptional dry fly fishing, as well nymph fishing and streamer fishing. During your week, you will fish each of these rivers, and we can tailor your itinerary to reflect your specific fishing interests.
The landscape is a mix of fertile river valleys lined with groves of cottonwoods, willow, wide open meadows, and upland sagebrush country. The Crazy, Absarokee and Beartooth mountain ranges are visible from the Vermillion Ranch. Activities in the Livingston Montana area include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and visits to Bozeman and Livingston for shopping, sightseeing and a tour of the many art galleries.
This is truly where the mountains meet the prairie and is a very special part of Montana. It is a very special part of the state and offers uncrowded fishing.
The Fishing
Probably
the most important aspect of any trip to fly fish Montana is the
timing of your trip. Hatches and water levels vary from year to
year. This is where our local knowledge and our connections are so
important. For informational purposes only, the seasons in Montana
can be divided into spring, runoff, summer and winter.Spring (March 1-May 20) Abundant midge, caddis and baetis hatches can make this one of the most productive fishing times of the year. While the weather can vary dramatically, the fly fishing in Montana is consistent and uncrowded.
We will analyze the water and weather conditions in the area to be fished and make a decision best suited to your interests. Most fly fishermen are leery of coming out West in the spring due to the unpredictable nature of the weather. Those that visit will have some of the greatest fishing of the year. We offer a spring creek package on the Paradise Valley creeks that focus on some of the greatest hatches of the year!
Runoff (May 20-July 1) Freestone rivers are in full flood during this time of year. Some mountain streams remain clear, but higher flows generally mean less productive fishing. The salmon fly hatch in late June and early July can mean some great dry fly opportunities if you get lucky enough to hit it. Too many anglers travel specifically to fish the famed salmonfly hatch. Year after year they are disappointed. Even for the residents of Montana, being there at the right time requires a flexible schedule and plenty of luck. Needless to say that when targeting any hatch, you should expect to miss it and be happy when you don't. In any case, a good guide will steer you in the right direction.
Summer (July 20-November 15) This is probably the most popular time to fly fish Montana. Terrestrials are out in force. Expect good afternoon fishing on hoppers, ants, crickets and beetles. These patterns are a blast to fish. They require very little effort on the part of the angler. Cast them close to the bank from a drift boat and let them float along with boat speed. The trout will hit these patterns viciously. This season offers some of Montana's finest fishing. Sweetwater Travel's Fly-Fish Montana Package is designed specifically to enjoy the finest fishing offered this time of year.
By mid September the terrestrials are less effective and the crowds have thinned. Warm summer nights have changed to frosty ones. The browns are in full spawning regalia and begin staging up and getting aggressive. Streamer fishing can be explosive well into November.
Winter (November 15-March1) Fishing in Montana is still good in the winter and is a nice way to break up a ski vacation. Winter days are often warm enough to fish comfortably in the afternoons. Nymph and streamer fishing is good all winter long. By February, midge hatches begin and the fishing can be great. No crowds make it one of the nicest times of the year. The spring creeks fish great this time of the year and most are offered at off season rates.
The Lodging
The Harrison HomesteadWe have designed our Montana fly fishing vacation package around a magnificently restored farmhouse, the Harrison Homestead. As the name indicates, the Homestead enjoys a rich history which has prompted is placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The Harrison house was built in 1883 just across the Yellowstone River from the Crow Reservation. Homesteaders' journals talk of the original settlers exchanging shots with Crow Indians riding on the other side of the river.
A short time later, a teacher at the local school teacher, Sara Thatcher, was shot in the Homestead by a disgruntled suitor from a nearby ranch. The heartbroken cowboy was then chased down by a posse and hung three miles up the Sweetgrass Creek in a gulch that is now named Hangman's gulch.
Despite its colorful past, the Homestead is a peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable Montana lodge located in the middle of a very pastoral setting. In 2001 Dale and Margaret Vermillion renovated house with the help of Kirk Michaels, a well known architect from Livingston Montana.
The home is perfectly suited for a Montana lodge. The rooms are large, charming and authentically re-furbished. Each room comfortably accommodates two anglers. The dining room and living room are both comfortable and well furnished with pieces from the era.
The Montana lodge capacity is six anglers, and we encourage parties to consider occupying the entire lodge for the week. Our private chef is able to deliver professional meals to suit fishermen's tastes. Our cuisine will leave nothing to be desired. Fresh baked bread, pastries and rolls compliment meals that highlight creatively prepared local beef, seafood, and garden fresh vegetables. The high repeat rate among our clients has made this a wonderful place to guide. We look forward to seeing the familiar faces year after year. Please call early on the Harrison Homestead, as it is one of our smallest and most popular programs. The openings and dates are limited and fill quickly. We will look forward to fishing with you.
The Lewis & Clark Cabin
This charming western style, Montana cabin rental, was built in the 1870's, has been fully and tastefully restored. The large, sunny deck is a wonderful place to relax. In the summer, the Montana cabin rental sits in a meadow surrounded by cottonwood trees and willows and as the seasons change, two mountain ranges come into view, the Absarokas and the Crazies. On 750 acres with a stocked trout pond, with catch and release fishing on the Yellowstone River, the location can't be beat for fisherman, mountain bikers or nature enthusiasts. With a certain western charm, this fully restored Montana log cabin rental is comfortably furnished with your relaxation in mind. The log furniture in the bedrooms continues the western theme.
The two bedrooms, full bath, complete kitchen, living room with television which includes VCR and satellite reception will be sure to accommodate 4 individuals in complete comfort.