Montana Fly Fishing: The Harrison Homestead

Montana is the continental United States' premier fly fishing destination

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Link to Fly Fishing at the Harrison Homestead PDF

Download The Harrison Homestead 2008 Brochure to view on your computer screen or print out.
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The Area

The Harrison Homestead is situated in the heart of Montana’s blue ribbon trout water. The lodge is located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and Sweetgrass Creek with over a mile of river frontage on the Yellowstone. The Harrison Homestead is protected by a conservation easement and is home to a remarkable population of deer, upland birds, raptors, and waterfowl.

The landscape is a mix of fertile river valleys lined with groves of cottonwoods, willow, wide open meadows, and upland sagebrush country. The Crazy, Absarokee and Beartooth mountain ranges are visible from the lodge.

Activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and visits to Bozeman and Livingston for shopping, sightseeing and a tour of the many art galleries.

The beauty of the surrounding area and rivers is well known, as it was the location of the Robert Redford film "A River Runs Through It" (1992).

This is truly where the mountains meet the prairie and is a very special part of Montana. It is a very special part of the state and offers uncrowded fishing.

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Montana Fly Fishing: Fresh cheesecake at the Harrison Homestead

Montana Fly Fishing. Montana countryside and the Harrison Homestead

The Fishing

The Yellowstone River is the United State's longest free-flowing river and offers over two hundred miles of trout fishing. The Homestead is located in the middle of the Yellowstone’s best fishing; it is close enough to Paradise Valley that the Spring Creeks are a short drive but far enough away that the crowds generally do not fish the lodge stretch of river. In addition to the Yellowstone River and the Spring Creeks, you can also fish the Boulder River, the Stillwater River, and an endless array of lakes and small streams. These rivers provide exceptional dry fly fishing, as well nymph fishing and streamer fishing. During your week, you will fish each of these rivers, and we can tailor your itinerary to reflect your specific fishing interests.

Probably the most important aspect of any trip to fly-fish Montana is the timing of your trip. Hatches and water levels vary from year to year. This is where our local knowledge and our connections with the best guides will help steer you toward the best combination. For informational purposes only the seasons in Montana can be divided into pre snow runoff, snow runoff, summer and winter. The length of the runoff in Montana varies with the amount of snowpack in each drainage and of course from year to year depending on spring temperatures and a host of other variables.

We will analyze the water and weather conditions in the area to be fished and make a decision best suited to your interests. Most flyfishermen are leery of visiting in the spring due to the unpredictable nature of the weather. Those that do visit will have some of the greatest fishing of the year. As a result, we offer a Spring Creek Package on the Paradise Valley creeks that focus on some of the greatest hatches of the year!

Montana Fly Fishing: Fly fishing on the Spring Creek River

The Lodge

The Harrison Homestead

We have designed our Montana package around a magnificently restored farmhouse, the Harrison Homestead. As the name indicates, the Homestead enjoys a rich history which has prompted its placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The Harrison house was built in 1883 just across the Yellowstone River from the Crow Reservation. Homesteaders' journals talk of the original settlers exchanging shots with Crow Indians riding on the other side of the river.

The Homestead is a peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable home located in the middle of a very pastoral setting. In 2001 Dale and Margaret Vermillion renovated the house with the help of Kirk Michaels, a well known architect from Livingston Montana. The rooms are large, charming and authentically re-furbished. Each room comfortably accommodates two anglers. The dining room and living room are both comfortable and well furnished with pieces from the era.

Montana Fly Fishing: The Harrison Homestead dining room

The lodge capacity is six anglers, and we encourage parties to consider occupying the entire lodge for the week. Our private chef is able to deliver professional meals to suit any fishermen's tastes. The cuisine will leave nothing to be desired. Fresh baked bread, pastries and rolls complement meals that highlight creatively prepared local beef, seafood, and garden fresh vegetables.

The high repeat rate among our clients has made this a wonderful place to guide. We look forward to seeing the familiar faces year after year. Please call early on the Harrison Homestead, as it is one of our smallest and most popular programs. The openings and dates are limited and fill quickly. We will look forward to fishing with you.

The Lewis & Clark Cabin

On the grounds of the homestead is a charming western style log cabin, built in the 1870's, which has been fully and tastefully restored. The large, sunny deck is a wonderful place to relax. In the summer, the cabin sits in a meadow surrounded by cottonwood trees and willows and as the seasons change, two mountain ranges come into view, the Absarokas and the Crazies.

On 750 acres with a stocked trout pond, with catch and release fishing on the Yellowstone River, the location is excellent for fisherman, mountain bikers or nature enthusiasts. With a certain western charm, this fully restored log cabin is comfortably furnished with your relaxation in mind. The log furniture in the bedrooms continues the western theme.

Best Times to Go

Pre snow runoff (March 1 – May 20)	Abundant midge, caddis and baetis hatches can make this one of the most productive fishing times of the year. While the weather can vary dramatically, the fishing is consistent and uncrowded. We will analyze the water and weather conditions in the area to be fished and make a decision best suited to your interests.
Snow runoff (May 20 – July 15)	Freestone rivers are in full flood during this time of year. Some mountain streams remain clear, but higher flows generally mean less productive fishing. The salmon fly hatch in late June and early July can mean some great dry fly opportunities.
Summer (July 20 – November 15)	This is probably the most popular time to fly-fish Montana. Terrestrials are out in force. Expect good afternoon fishing on hoppers, ants, crickets and beetles. These patterns are excellent to fish. They require very little effort on the part of the angler. The trout will hit these patterns viciously. This season offers some of Montana's finest fishing.
Winter (November 15 – March 1)	Fishing is still good in the winter and is a nice way to break up a ski vacation. Winter days are often warm enough to fish comfortably in the afternoons. Nymph and streamer fishing is good all winter long. By February, midge hatches begin and the fishing can be great. No crowds make it one of the nicest times of the year. The spring creeks fish great this time of the year and most are offered at off season rates.

Availability and Pricing for the 2008 Season

Season:	The 2008 season runs from May to June and August to September.
In Montana, we offer two fly fishing options:
Option 1:	The Spring Creek Package: Nestled in Montana’s Paradise Valley, Armstrong’s, DePuy’s, and Nelson’s Spring Creek in Montana hold a very special place in Montana’s fly fishing lore. With prolific insect life, and healthy populations of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, these creeks provide a very high quality fishing experience. The trout on the Spring Creeks are well known for their intellect, and these creeks are their classroom. Space is limited, so please call early. Package Cost: $1,500 US Dollars (based on double occupancy). Package includes: Four (x4) nights accommodation at the Harrison Homestead. Three and a half (x3.5) days guided fly fishing (based on two anglers per guide). All transport to rivers and spring creeks. All meals, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Option 2:	The Fly Fish Montana Package: This package offers you the opportunity to fish a variety of waters from the comfort of the Harrison Homestead. Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River, the Homestead is located within a half hour of the Boulder River, Stillwater River, and an endless collection of small streams and lakes. Our program is characterised by flexibility, and we can tailor each day to meet your individual tastes. Package Cost: $2,400 US Dollars (based on double occupancy). Package includes: Six (x6) nights accommodation at the Harrison Homestead. Five and a half (x5.5) days guided fly fishing (based on two anglers per guide). Float trip on the Yellowstone River. All transport to rivers and spring creeks. All meals, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Example Itinerary (Fly Fishing Montana Package):	Day One: Arrive in Billings or Bozeman, Montana. Transfer to the Harrison Homestead for dinner. Depending on the time of arrival, you can fish the Yellowstone River before dinner. Day Two to Six: After breakfast, you will depart to the river which you will fish for the day. Lunch will served on the river and the day will finish at roughly 6pm. You can fish various rivers depending upon the prevailing fishing conditions. Special float trips on the Yellowstone River will ensure you cover different stretches of water each day. Day Seven: After breakfast, depart for home.
Note:	Above prices do not include gratuities (typically 15% of total package cost), fishing licenses (approximately $60 US Dollars per person), fishing equipment, flies and airport taxes. The Harrison Homestead capacity is six guests; however we can accommodate an additional four guests in the Lewis and Clarke Cabin. We are happy to arrange your travel should you so require.

If you would like to know more about the fishing in the Harrison Homestead, please contact us and we will provide you with more details. For availabilities, prices, pre trip information, booking form etc. please contact:
Ireland Fishing. Mark Patterson with a Brown Trout from Lough Corrib Mark Patterson

Mobile: +44 (0)7771 892 506
Fax: +44 (0)845 603 1552
E-mail: mark@wherewisemenfish.com
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Online Enquiries

Background reading for your trip:

"Fishing Montana" by Michael Sample, et al

Our Comments:

An excellent book on fishing in Montana. This popular guidebook is now better than ever with updated information on 16 Montana river fisheries and more than 100 lake fisheries. Readers benefit from the combined knowledge of more than 60 contributors! Descriptions of these waters give a complete overview plus specific tips on what flies and lures to use and which techniques work best.

US customers: Buy at Amazon.com

UK customers: Buy at Amazon UK

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If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to Montana, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 347 284 6333
info@wherewisemenfish.co.uk

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.