[dcsam]

Hello from Westport, WA!
Hoping you might be able to offer some suggestions.
My husband and I would like to spend about a week to 10 days in Montana early September. We've never been! Problem is, my husband has difficulty walking. He can, but not on uneven terrain. He uses trekking poles and that helps. Although we've fished out of drift boats, I believe he would not be able to cast while standing. Do you know of any guides who have a setup where a fisherman could lean into fixed structure and still cast while standing? Im also interested in spending time at small creek fishing - where he can cast a line from a sloped bank. Wherever we stay, we'd like to hire a guide for a couple days.... or three. I'm also looking for suggestions on accommodations. Something with a Montana character - I'm thinking log cabins?? We use to fish bonefish and are former charter boat owners/operators. So we have a bit of experience. But his limited mobility is the biggest obstacle.
Do you have any suggestions as to areas I should be looking and/or accommodations? I've found a couple rentals that look lovely, but are very remote.
I appreciate you taking the time.
Thanks so much!
Caroline
Westport, WA

 

[dcsam]

Thank you for responding to my questions, Old Man. We use to be charter boat owners and operators in Washington and Alaska, and did a bit of Bahama fly fishing. Then my hubby had a stroke. So we sold our charter boat and haven't been fishing since (5 years ago). But the urge is still there. He's familiar with fly fishing (and has the patience for it). Me? It's enjoyable, but I've been know to sneak a piece of bait on the hook. I know... wheeze, gasp! But I've never been to Montana and it sounds perfect! We'd like to do a bit of tourist stuff around Yellowstone. So I'm either open to staying near there for the entire stay or break up the trip. Staying in one place is certainly easiest. We're interested in hiring a guide for two to three days. Not sure if we should do half day or full day. I'd love to do an all-inclusive fishing lodge. But they're $$$$$!!! Plus, we do enjoy our independence and prefer to do our own thing.
I'd say my husband is at about the same stage as you in terms of walking ability. Trekking poles help, but his balance is pretty screwed up. I don't think he can wade a river any more. I don't think I'm interested in fishing the big rivers, but prefer to fish smaller rivers and streams where we might only cast <30 feet. Staying on a lake sounds appealing too. How we learn where we should base camp is beyond me. In my dreams, I'd see us renting a log cabin on the perfect stream where we could go out and cast a bit. And drive a short distance (is there such a thing in Montana? and fish some more. Hire a guide for a few days. With groceries and restaurants within a 30 minute drive. Is that asking too much?
I know about fishermen and their reluctance to divulge too much information. So I'll leave my email should anyone have any suggestions on...
-area to stay
-rental
-guides
Thanks so much!
Caroline
[email protected]

QUOTE="Old Man, post: 1263750, member: 492"]You didn't say where here in Montana. I also have trouble walking but I manage to get around. I use a cane. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't walk anyplace. I live in the Dillon area.

I fish a few small creeks in my area. I'm not going to name them but I can drive to them, get out of my truck and maybe walk 10 feet and catch fish.[/QUOTE]