Summer is a hectic time in Montana, especially when you’re working in the tourist industry. There’s so many people everywhere, the rivers are low and warm, campgrounds are full, and damn near every person you talk to is from somewhere else. (Of course, Bozeman being Bozeman, most people are anyway). It’s easy to lose motivation to get out and fight with the crowds.
A few days ago a friend talked me into driving over to the Yellowstone with him after work. We talked about bringing the Spey rods, just for kicks. Swinging big flies on the ‘Stone in early August after a long, hot day is definitely not the most productive way to catch fish. But what the hell.
The river is low enough to damn near wade across at a lot of places, and certainly was where we went. Standing hip deep in the Yellowstone trying to find my rhythm with the Spey again felt damn good. There aren’t many other better places to watch the day fade.
We didn’t catch anything other than a couple of whitefish on Steve’s 5wt. But even just casting the rod, standing in the water, and watching the mountains brought a peace of mind that can hardly be found elsewhere. Sanity was restored, along with the feeling that I can make it through till fall.
When you feel overwhelmed stay sane and go fishing.
