25 Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Montana Fly-Fishing Streams

Explore the streams less traveled in the state known for its legendary fly-fishing rivers! The Bighorn, the Madison, the Missouri, the Bitterroot – these are some of the biggest, most storied fly-fishing waters of Montana. They host thousands of anglers and guides every season, and they provide some of the most exceptional fly fishing in North America. But beyond these famous Montana rivers, there are hundreds of equally productive, equally breathtaking rivers and streams that are a little smaller, a little lesser known, and a lot less frequented - and every bit as beautiful! In 25 Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Fly-Fishing Streams of Montana, author Molly Semenik explores the best of these under-appreciated fisheries, beginning first with what fly anglers can uniquely expect from Montana, before moving to each individual destination. With over 100 color photographs and local guide interviews throughout, the stream-specific chapters include detailed GIS maps highlighting access roads and entry points, ease-of-access ratings, specific information on local hatches, recommended tackle, fly shops, outfitters, campgrounds, lodging, dining, watering holes, and even local hospitals and treatment centers. As a Big Sky Country native, as well as Master Casting Instructor (MCI), member of the International Federation of Fly Fishers Board of Directors, and owner of Tie the Knot Fly Fishing, Semenik knows Montana streams intimately, and brings her knowledge to bear in this absolute go-to guide for natives and non-natives alike.

While growing up in Michigan, I had plenty of water to practice my fly fishing skills. The Pere Marquette, Au Sable, and Jordan rivers were favorites. At the age of fourteen, my father gave me his Orvis Bamboo fly rod and that was the beginning of my venture into the world of fly fishing. In 1979, I moved west to Utah and spent the next twenty years fly fishing not only Utah’s famous Green and Provo rivers but also as far south as Lee’s Ferry in Arizona. And even farther south, I began fly fishing in the salt. In 2000, my family and I moved to Montana to begin my career as a professional fly fishing instructor and guide.Now my husband and I live in Birch Bay Washington where I am not only fish for trout but have added salmon and steelhead as well. I am really enjoying the beautiful pacific northwest.