Wolfgang wrote:

Less than 3 1/2 hours from downtown Nashville to Maryville. Can't speak for
anyone else, but it would take a heap of spoiling for me to snub my nose at
the Smokies within reasonable striking distance for a weekend jaunt.

That was my exact thought on reading the original post. I grew up
in Nashville, and knowing what I know now, I would have been making that
drive every chance I had. (Hey, I was young. I didn't even fish during
those years. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. :-)

BTW, nice trip report above. That's the sort of thing that makes
wading this cesspool worth the trouble. :-)

Plus I was kid-less then...

Kids. Don't have any. But if I did, I don't think I'd have much trouble
deciding whether to immerse them in Xbox or a clear mountain stream.

Anyway, good luck in Montana. If you don't fall in love with it you'll need
to do some serious reassessment regarding your chosen avocation.

No doubt. As to his original question -- in Big Sky he'll be right
on the Gallatin. That would be where I'd start exploring (I'd head down
towards the park and fish around the Taylor Creek area). He'll also be
close enough to the Madison and any number of other streams in
Yellowstone. Of course, given what I've been reading about
snowpack/flows out there, by the time he plans to go, there will likely
be some serious issues with high water temps/possible stream closures
(to say nothing about too many fishermen crammed into the best spots on
the streams that are open/fishable).

If I had to recommend a time to go, I'd say wait until after Labor
Day when at least some of the folks will have left the area (at least
that will make for fewer traffic jams in the park).

The weather will be a bit cooler as well. Though it's always iffy;
when I went there, I was fishing the Firehole in the second week of
September when a snowstorm blew through. It was truly magical, with the
geysers throwing off steam all around me and a wet snowfall coming down.

Anyhow, if he wants a guide or more info, it would be a good idea to
contact Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone. Craig Matthews is the
owner of the shop, and he literally "wrote the book" on the area.


Chuck Vance (wishing he was in "big sky country" about now, as
it's about 80 degrees/% humidity already down here)