Howdy!

My wife rented a cabin outside of Bozeman from October 10 through 13. And I'm very excited and surprised.

It's just to the south of Middle Cottonwood creek about 7.5 miles north of Bozeman. We will have a rental car. I have a 5 weight. My waders are full of holes (found that out in freezing cold water Steelhead Spey casting). I'll be bringing no flies.

What can I rent? Are there any fly shops you recommend?

Are fishable waters easily accessible? I doubt I'll want to keep anything other than 2-3 for dinner, but is it usually catch and release? What's the barbless regulations?

My friends and wife do not know how to flyfish, but this might be the opportunity to teach them. But they probably will still want to use a standard set up. Are there rules against that?

Anything else that you could suggest to do in the area would be much appreciated. I promise to post pics when I can.

Thanks in advance.

Queso1 said:

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Howdy!

My wife rented a cabin outside of Bozeman from October 10 through 13. And I'm very excited and surprised.

It's just to the south of Middle Cottonwood creek about 7.5 miles north of Bozeman. We will have a rental car. I have a 5 weight. My waders are full of holes (found that out in freezing cold water Steelhead Spey casting). I'll be bringing no flies.

What can I rent? Are there any fly shops you recommend?

Are fishable waters easily accessible? I doubt I'll want to keep anything other than 2-3 for dinner, but is it usually catch and release? What's the barbless regulations?

My friends and wife do not know how to flyfish, but this might be the opportunity to teach them. But they probably will still want to use a standard set up. Are there rules against that?

Anything else that you could suggest to do in the area would be much appreciated. I promise to post pics when I can.

Thanks in advance.

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Fly shop in downtown Bozeman is great. They can answer most of those questions. They do rentals im pretty sure when we were there in the summer last year. The guides out of the shop are fantastic too, might be worth it getting one for a day for teaching them (and handling the fly retrieving/replacement) while they learn.

Ir may be something you'd want to do but I'd have a guide teach them, otherwise you're going to be spending your entire time on the water tying flies and leaders for them.

From Bozeman, if Bob Wards is still open just hit that place and grab flies, and as above I would get someone to teach them so you get to fish. I worked for a guide and my specific job was to cater to the smaller kids and wives. The old pros got the fishermen. But they always have guys that can help you.

We have a place out in MT and spend 7-8 weeks/year out there.

Montana Angler on Main Street - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6EbQmFJK29DfgWYw6
or
Yellow Dog Fly Shop on the edge of town are both great - https://maps.app.goo.gl/bJULJe8qwXUFvpEG8

Those are both great options to pick up some gear/flies in Bozeman.


I'd highly recommend you day trip over to Ennis and fly fish the Madison one day. Madison River Fishing Company (ask for Rob or Nicko as guides) and the North Slide Inn are both great fly shops/outfitters.

Have fun!