Montana fly-fishing getaways on a budget

Published: May 5, 2004

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Week of March 12-18, 1998

Montana fly-fishing getaways on a budget
Question: I want to surprise my husband with a trip for both of us — fly-fishing. I need affordable, rustic lodging with an upscale feeling, great cuisine, options for guided day trips, as well as freedom to explore on our own. I was thinking Montana or Wyoming. It’s our third wedding anniversary and I have frequent flyer miles for
two. Help me find a location that meets my $1,500 budget for a week.

Diana Mahoney
Redwood City, California

Let the experts show you how
on the Big Hole River

��ԹϺ�� Adviser: For a top-of-the-line fly-fishing experience in Montana, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something in the $1,500 ballpark. For example, Jim and Steve Rajeff, the World’s Fly Distance Champion and 1997 World Casting Champion, respectively, offer a fly-fishing school with accommodation in Lodge River, Montana,
overlooking the Big Hole River. Guests stay in one of five rough pine cottages or a lodge suite overlooking the main lodge with porches overlooking the river. The gourmet meals are prepared by an in-house chef. The only downfall? This rustic elegance is offered for the rather prohibitive price of $2,500 per person. The price is all-inclusive, but it’s still a bit steep.
The Rajeffs do, however, offer one- and two-day clinics in Montana for a substantially reduced price. For more details, call 360-695-5114.

Though these may be equally expensive, I suggest you call the following lodges to find out if they offer low-season rates or any specials: the Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana (406-995-4644), and the Absaroka Ranch in Wyoming (307-455-2275).

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Montana fly-fishing getaways on a budget

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