Living in fishing country means quick access to go fishing. Exploiting close waters saves time and really allows you to target and home in on specific waters.
All waters change seasonally so even if you are on the same water, fishing strategies and tackle, will be different.
I live within minutes of the Gallatin River. The Madison and Yellowstone Rivers are not far. Several lakes and ponds are also a short drive or walk away. I enjoy fishing them all. My problem is that the Blue Ribbon waters are also where everyone else on the planet wants to fish. Things get crowded during prime fly fishing time.
Every watershed offers outstanding fishing at some time. This may be seasonal, stocked waters, spawning cycles, or as the weather changes. Ice fishing is rarely crowded and can be amazing in Montana. There are way fewer ice men than boaters.
When we are on a pod or school of fish, it really doesn’t matter where we are. Our focus is along a seam, in a pool, rifle, or logjam. We are looking for that next rising fish or strike, not the grand spaces of Big Sky Country. Other anglers are only a concern if they get too close. Otherwise, have a good day.
Most anglers are just taking up space. If they are in a boat, they will soon drift by. When wading, they stay mainly stationary as they change flies, undo tangles, tie knots, or keep from falling in. When they move away the fishing returns quickly.
Most anglers are not catching fish. Many spend their free time travelling to where they hope to fish. About 15% of the anglers catch 90% of the fish. The art of fishing requires patience, gear, skills, and experience. You will never master the sport, but you will improve.
Hiring a guide is a Fast-Food way to catch more fish but will not always make you a better angler. The guide can get you hooked up on that day, in that weather, at that season, and streamline your fishing. What will you do without a guide? What did you learn and remember? The best part of fishing is the personal challenges and success that we have.
Closer jaunts on the water means more time on the water and less time driving. Once there, master what is available. Solve problems, consider timing, explore new tricks and strategies. Once you are there, your focus is just on that one place on the water, not the entire ocean.
If you are taking rookies or kids fishing, your time is limited. Get to the water and go fishing rather than spending so much time getting there. Local ponds offer excellent fishing. The Ennis Pond is stocked with huge trout for kids. Other ponds like the Bozeman Pond are also stocked for fishing fun. Catching a fish is catching a fish. Once they become addicted to fishing, they can seek out wild, native, or other trophy waters.
You become a better angler when you are angling!
Montana Grant
