As a loyal Fly Fishing On Two Wheels (FFOTW) reader, you’ll remember that we elected to divvy up our itinerary and make someone responsible for one of the destinations on our trip.
- Missoula – Tom
- Dillon – Mike
- Bozeman – Terry
- West Yellowstone – Mike
- Jackson – Geoff
- Ride Home – Rob
Terry sent out an email today detailing the Bozeman stop.
Downtown Bozemam from greenbean2006 on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenbean2007/3551923599/
He’s long on details, to be sure, but I’m pasting it below so it can be used by a blueprint for others.
Gentlemen:
We are getting close so I thought I better outline what I have in mind for the “Bozeman Leg” of this adventure and get confirmations on who wants guides on what days. Our guides will be through “The Rivers Edge” in Bozeman (2012 7th Ave; 406-586-5373) and while I have reserved four boats for each of three days based on the recent compilations that now looks like over kill. The cancellation policy for the guides is pretty stiff (nonrefundable if cancelled with in 14 days of dates). So, here is my plan … let me know by June 10th if you individually want more or less.
Monday, July 19th: Leave Dillon via Highway 41 traveling northeast following generally the Beaverhead River approximately 28 miles to the confluence of the Beaverhead, the Big Hole and the Ruby River that forms the Jefferson River at Twin Bridges. Here we turn east – southeast on Highway 287 and travel approximately 42 miles passing through Virginia City and Nevada City (historical sites and stop lunch more or less) to Ennis where we pick up the Madison River. At Ennis we turn north on Highway 287 for 16 miles to Norris where we then turn east on Highway 84 for another 40 or so miles to reach the northeast side of Bozeman. This is approximately 125 – 130 of riding miles with stops for lunch, beverages, fishing, site seeing, etc.
The night of the 19th we have four rooms at the Holiday Inn in Bozeman, 5 Baxter Lane (406-597-4591) each with two Queen size beds (non-smoking). The room rate is $85.00 plus taxes. The revservation confirmation number is XXXXXXX. This Holiday Inn is close to the River’s Edge shop. I have not paid a deposit for these rooms. Dinner on the 19th will be at a local resturant of our choice.
Tuesday, July 20th: We ride the short distance to the Rivers Edge where we leave all of our bikes and gear and spend the day fishing with guides on either the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone … the decision will be up to the guides depending on what rivier is working when we are there. Again, I have four boats (7 people fishing) for three days (20th, 21st & 22nd) with the rate for each boat/guide at $450.00. Last year, Mike, Rob and I fished with three of the guides I asked for: Zack, Grant and Nathan. All are young, knowledgeable and enthusiatic. Of course, the fact that we got into some big fish helped. I don’t know the guide on the fourth boat but trust the judgment of the people in the shop. I have paid a $2700 deposit for these boats/guides.
When we return to the Rivers Edge the evening of the 19th we ride approximately 20 miles south on Highway 191 through the Gallatin Gateway to the “Flying ‘D’ Fishing Cabin”. Check in time is 5:00 p.m. so the timing should be about right. This place sleeps six but I have authorization from the owner and agent for seven. Someone will have to make do with a couch. Here is a description: “This cozy and charming cabin has an amazing location on the historic Flying D Ranch outside of Bozeman. Guests will enjoy one mile of private access to the Gallatin River – nearly unheard of! There is great wildlife and birdwatching from the home. Flying D Fishing Cabin is located on the western edge of this 113,000 acre ranch (175 square miles!). On the ranch is a free ranging bison herd of about 3400 animals, and resident elk herds numbering around 2000. BEDROOMS AND BATHS: The home has two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms, all on one level. The master bedroom is set up with two extra long twin beds, which can also be made up together as a king size bed. The second bedroom has two twin beds. And finally, out on the enclosed porch are two Klik Klak sofas that make into twin beds for more flexible sleeping arrangements. There is one full bath with tub and shower in the home, plus a half bath. Flying D Fishing Cabin can accommodate up to six guests in six separate beds. KITCHEN: This complete kitchen has everything you will need to prepare any meals you desire during your visit. There is an electric range and oven, microwave, dishwasher, plus all the cookware and serving ware you will need. There is a gas grill also for those outdoor meals. The kitchen table is set up for six, but it expands and can seat up to ten if you have guests for dinner! LIVING ROOM: The living room has comfy sofas and chairs, and a 27 inch television set up with DVD, VCR, satellite service, and a nice collection of family movies. There is also a great screened in porch off the kitchen, for your group to spread out and have some more space. SETTING, ACREAGE, VIEWS: The cabin is located on Flying D Ranch, over 100,000 acres owned by a certain conservation-minded media mogul. The cabin is on the western edge of the ranch amidst some farming land utilized to support the bison herd through winter. A half mile lane leads across the fields to the Gallatin River – a nice walk or bike ride, or drive for a four wheel drive vehicle. There are beautiful views to the south of the Spanish Peaks mountains.”
We check out by 10:00 a.m. on the 23rd.
I have booked this place through “Montana Home Vacation Rentals”. I have paid a deposit of $430.18. The total charge for the three days at this place is $860.36 which I will pay by June 20th.
Wednesday, July 21st: A second day of guided fishing with The Rivers Edge people.
Thursday, July 22nd: A day off from guided fishing. You can sleep, read, hike, drink, or whatever on this last night in camp. The Gallatin river is 1/4 mile from the cabin for those who would like to spend time wade fishing. I am told the “county fair/rodeo” is on while we are there … something for those with a spirit of adventure. The University of Montana is in Bozeman and I think I may have a contact with a fellow connected with the Montana State museum. As a kicker many of my father-in-law’s family reside in and around Bozeman … but I will not subject all of you to a family gathering of sorts.
Thursday, July 23rd: Pack up and depart by 10:00 a.m. for West Yellowstone.
Now, once we reach the Flying D Fishing Cabin on the 20th I am thinking we can shop for food and cook our own meals. The Gallatin Gateway is 10 minutes or so away and we will have a fully equipped kitchen as well as a BBQ. I want to try a “Beer Can Chicken” meal I have tried a couple of times here so hold on to your hats and stay close to the head.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I do not want to hang these guides up if we are not going to use them and I certainly don’t want to pay for them as a result. So, I am figuring on seven (7) guys fishing with guides on both the 20th and 21st and no one (0) fishing with guides on the 22nd. If any one wants to fish with guides on the 22nd you must let me know not later than June 10th. Also, if you are not going to fish with guides on either the 20th or the 21st you must let me know this as well. If you cancle or change dates after June 10th any associated cost is on you.
On the morning of the 23rd we head south on Highway 191 past Big Sky to West Yellowstone.
Questions? Ask.
Issues/decisions regarding the fishing guides: Let me know if you are fishing with guides on the 20th, 21st and/or the 22nd not later than June 10th.
We are T-36 … and counting.
Terry
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