Many of our guests are lifelong enthusiasts of fly fishing, especially in Montana.  In order to adequately fulfill this addiction we would like to provide a periodic account of the most recent fishing adventure from the guides and staff at Yellowstone Valley Ranch.  We know that it won't fully satisfy many of you, but we hope it alleviates a bit of the itch before you can visit us during your next Montana Fly Fishing vacation.

April 2008 - Spring Fishing

Fly fishing in Montana during April usually equals anticipation.  Weather, hatches and water conditions are all factors leading to this eager feeling.  Recently, many of our guides from Montana Fly Fishing Guides have been hitting the water, the results have been great on overcast days with light winds.  The midge and baetis fishing has been great, but what's really been impressive is the age class of trout that we are seeing.  Most of the fish have been between 14 and 16 inches and unusually thick, which leads to a great summer outlook for trout of quality size and numbers.

While the early spring fishing has been good we are excited about the upcoming Mother's Day caddis hatch.  We've seen a few scattered groups of caddis in our many fishing trips this year, but the main hatch is still anyone's guess.  Our favorite line so far this season is, "Spring is officially cancelled".  The winter weather just won't let go, in fact we have more snowpack than at anytime in the last 10 years.  What impact this will have on the Mother's Day caddis hatch is anyone's guess.  In a typical year the weather warms and the snow melts, which leads to the Yellowstone River getting a bit of color.  Then we have a period of cooler weather and the river gets some clarity back.  This leads to the start of the Mother's Day caddis bonanza.  It's a tricky hatch to predict, but we believe that we'll start seeing them in better numbers toward the end of April.  So get your gear ready and if you'd like to join us for this amazing event please contact us and ask about our special spring rates.

March 2008 - Florida Keys

Eric Adams our Director of Fly Fishing at Yellowstone Valley Ranch apparently couldn't get enough saltwater fishing for the winter.  Fresh back from the Bahama's Eric and best fishing partner Don Adams (yep father/son)  took off for what is arguably the best saltwater destination in the world - Islamorada, Florida.  Captain Ted Christie, a renowned Keys guide and good friend, managed to put our anglers on fishing for three straight days, even with the variable weather conditions.

Our first day we caught numerous Red fish and Snook in the shallows near the Florida mainland.  The second day we had multiple shots at Bone fish and Permit and Don caught a great 8lb Bone fish.  However, the highlights of the trip came on the last day when Don jumped his first ever Tarpon on fly.  While the fight short it was definitely sweet and included multiple jumps, one of which wrapped the line and broke the class leader.  The second highlight of the trip was Eric's 26lb Permit.  After multiple shots the Permit finally took and nearly 25 minutes later was released.  Another fantastic father/son trip with Captain Ted Christie.  If you would like to experience the thrill of saltwater flats fishing without the international travel be sure to contact Captain Ted Christie at 305.393.6966 or our own Captain Perry Coleman at 305.393.4212.

February 2008 - Acklin's Island, Bahamas

It's been a long, cold, and snowy winter - just the type we like to see.  More moisture means better fishing for the upcoming summer fishing, plus most of our guide staff love making great powder turns on the local ski hills.  But even the hardiest skiers needs a warm weather break.  So Eric Adams our Director of Fly Fishing, Dave Goff of Sweetwater Fly Shop, and Scott Schumacker of Sweetwater Travel trekked to the Acklin's Island of the Bahamas.  Our good friend Bob Bergquist started Salina Point Bonefishing Lodge - a cozy lodge on the remote island of Acklin's.  Located just 75 miles east of Cuba and 80 miles from Turks & Caicos this destination is a virtually untapped fishery for bonefish, tarpon, marlin, dorado, tuna and permit.

During our nearly 2 week adventure we never say another angler and never fished the same location twice.  A real rarity in saltwater fly fishing.  Nearly all of our flats fishing was wading the dozens of small "creeks" during incoming and outgoing tides and with such a vast area to fish we had no sortage of shots at numerous schools of bonefish.  The schools of fish ranged from singles and doubles and were 2lbs to 5lbs in actual size, not inflated bahamian guide size.

We also mixed things up a bit and did some fantastic bluewater fishing for Marlin, Dorado, Wahoo and Tuna.  Dave Goff managed to land a world class White Marlin that was at went nearly 100lbs.  This was a fantastic break from staining our eyes looking for bone's while walking the flats.

All in all it was a fantastic trip and we'll be eagerly looking forward to going back next year.