Buglife Fly Fishing

Full-day float trips on the Bighorn River launch below Yellowtail Dam near Fort Smith, Montana, and run roughly eight hours for one or two anglers at $750. The tailwater is described as holding 2,500 to 6,000 or more trout per mile, with fish commonly measuring 16 to 20 inches. March through November is called the most productive window, though trips are booked in every month, and the hatch calendar leans on midges, blue-winged olives, caddis and pale morning duns. A day includes a licensed Montana guide, rods, reels, flies and terminal tackle, transportation between the meeting point and the river put-ins, and a cooler with water, sodas and light snacks. The same operation runs half-day and full-day floats on the Missouri River near its Craig headquarters, and builds customized outings for beginners, families and experienced anglers as well as corporate groups and casting lessons.