http://www.riverbendoutfitters.net

Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

56
MONTANA
Montana’s greatest trout
secrets are the Clarks Fork and
Bitterroot Rivers. These relatively
unknown blue-ribbon waters hold prodigious numbers of big
rainbows, cutthroat, cuttbows, and browns. The light pressure
from fly fishermen is a factor in the tenacity of these fish when
taking a fly. The average size here rivals any river in Montana—or
anywhere else in the lower 48—with fish to 10 pounds being
common, with some larger.
I’ve floated and waded these rivers with Riverbend Outfitters
and caught scores of fish in a day on dries. Many of the trout
measured in pounds, not inches. My personal favorite is floating
the Clarks Fork where the scenery and abundant wildlife
are astonishing. Remote sections and pools that rarely ever see
a fly hold some monster trout. These forested shores, uplands,
and valleys hold wildlife comparable to Yellowstone National
Park. All of the major ungulates are here, including bison, elk,
mule deer, white tail deer and antelope. Most of the major
North American predators are also here, including grizzlies and
black bear, cougar, and gray wolves. I also saw many raptors,
including several bald eagles, hawks and falcons.
Brian Daigle grew up on the Clarks Fork and knows these
• Clarks Fork & Bitterroot Rivers
• Riverbend Outfitters
waters intimately, as do his local
guides. On extended trips,
Riverbend also float fishes the
wonderful Flathead River for trophy trout, big northern pike, and
smallmouth bass. It is truly a delight to catch a Northern on a dry
fly when expecting a trout. Of course, you have to donate a few flies
to the cause, and hope you get a break on where you hook them
Riverbend’s riverfront is one of the very few low-frontage
launch points for their drift boat float trips on the Clarks Fork.
Drift trips often start or end here. Another favorite is the lodge at
the nearby Quinn’s Hot Springs and Spa, where one can soak and
relax in the natural hot springs or pool and soothe your muscles
after an arduous day of battling fish. A great restaurant and sports
bar make up part of the spa.
Riverbend offers a host of other activities for multi-sport enthusiasts,
from wildlife viewing, to horseback riding, to mountain
biking. They love to work with veterans and the handicapped.
Trips can be customized, and rates vary from $275/person for
wade trips to $375/person double occupancy for float trips. This
is a must-do trip, and one of the West’s best values. Contact Brian
Daigle and Jim Newman at (406) 822-2022, or visit their website
at www.riverbendoutfitters.net by Tom Boyd
TOM BOYD PHOTOS