More of this Feature • North Fork of the Flathead • The Bighorn

Related Resources • The Doc's Prescription

Elsewhere on the Web • Knoll's Yellowstone Hackle • Paradise Valley

By Doc Knoll

Montana. When I first heard the word it almost sent shivers down my spine (I really don't know why.) And, the first time I actually stepped on the Montana territory and began to explore this immense land it did send shivers through me. Each vista point, or even just a simple bend in the road brought new vistas to my senses. Then, on the day when I crossed back into Wyoming on my way home I knew I would return. I did and after twenty five years of visits and then ten years of actually living the Montana experience I've been asked to share some of my reflections and knowledge with you. I will, with each article, try to bring you two rivers that might temp you into getting into the your old beater and come out here for a summer ride (or, are you planning something better???)

I really don't know where to start. If I began to praise the Yellowstone (which is my home river) I'd probably get bashed for touting my local resouces... so I'm not going to tell you everything you are missing by not fishing this river... (Well, at least not yet.)

Actually, I'm going to start this series off with the North branch of the Flathead River (Polebridge, Montana) and then some other reputable waterway. There are ten major rivers in the state (depending on how you count them.) Since I'll be writing about two rivers for each article the rules will be simple: I'll tell you what I know through first hand experience and not because I read someone else's book. No punches will be pulled. Every river will get a fair representation of my angling logic (whether someone likes it or not.)

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