Fishing
Many people believe that Montana has some of
the best fly fishing in the world.
We agree, and further believe, that Northwestern Montana
contains the state's finest undiscovered waters.
the best fly fishing in the world.
We agree, and further believe, that Northwestern Montana
contains the state's finest undiscovered waters.
Incredible Fishing Experiences
From the Kootenai River, a large river with World Record trophy Rainbows, to the numerous small creeks teaming with native Redband Rainbows and Westslope Cutthroat, this is truly a magical area for those who believe that their best days are spent on a wild Montana river.
This is also an area of countless lakes containing many different species of fish. Lake fishing can find you trolling for Lake Trout one day, casting poppers for Largemouth Bass another and hiking in for some California Golden Cutthoat all in the same week. There are numerous lakes in the Yaak that require a short hike in for an incredible fishing experience.
This is also an area of countless lakes containing many different species of fish. Lake fishing can find you trolling for Lake Trout one day, casting poppers for Largemouth Bass another and hiking in for some California Golden Cutthoat all in the same week. There are numerous lakes in the Yaak that require a short hike in for an incredible fishing experience.
The Beautiful Yaak River
In the Yaak, the largest River is of course, the Yaak River. The Yaak River is a very respectable fishery that is very diverse in its characteristics and fishing experiences. We believe that the Yaak River may be one of the most beautiful rivers anywhere.
The primary and secondary tributaries to the Yaak are fast moving, cold and clean creeks. These creeks are the native home to the Interior Redband Trout and the Westslope Cutthroat Trout. These fish are best caught with barbless dry flies such as the Elk Hair Caddis or Yellow Humpy in a size 14-16. Remember that these fish are wild Trout and should be handled very gently and returned to the creek if possible.
The upper Yaak River is slow moving and deep. With grassy or brushy steep banks and the majority of private land bordering the river so fishing is best from a kayak or canoe. This is the area where the diligent angler can catch Brook Trout up to four pounds. The smaller fish can be easily taken with dry flies, but if a lunker is what your after, a subsurface presentation is best.
The middle Yaak River is a classic western trout stream. Extensive pools and riffles allow excellent wade fishing. In this area, dry fly fishing with attractor type flies will usually yield the best results. Later in the season, flies like Dave's Hopper or the Elk Hair Caddis will drive the trout wild!
On the lower end, the Yaak enters a steep, fairly inaccessible canyon. Large deep pools, separated by stretches of whitewater are the primary features. In these deep pools are some of the river's largest fish, primarily Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout.
The primary and secondary tributaries to the Yaak are fast moving, cold and clean creeks. These creeks are the native home to the Interior Redband Trout and the Westslope Cutthroat Trout. These fish are best caught with barbless dry flies such as the Elk Hair Caddis or Yellow Humpy in a size 14-16. Remember that these fish are wild Trout and should be handled very gently and returned to the creek if possible.
The upper Yaak River is slow moving and deep. With grassy or brushy steep banks and the majority of private land bordering the river so fishing is best from a kayak or canoe. This is the area where the diligent angler can catch Brook Trout up to four pounds. The smaller fish can be easily taken with dry flies, but if a lunker is what your after, a subsurface presentation is best.
The middle Yaak River is a classic western trout stream. Extensive pools and riffles allow excellent wade fishing. In this area, dry fly fishing with attractor type flies will usually yield the best results. Later in the season, flies like Dave's Hopper or the Elk Hair Caddis will drive the trout wild!
On the lower end, the Yaak enters a steep, fairly inaccessible canyon. Large deep pools, separated by stretches of whitewater are the primary features. In these deep pools are some of the river's largest fish, primarily Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout.