December 7th, 2023

Thanks for taking the time to read our weekly newsletter, and as always if you have questions or comments don't hesitate to give us a shout at 406-646-7642! Our current hours are 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri. 

Fishing Report

Weekly fishing report: Well the weatherman turned me into a liar last week regarding the wind forecast. If you made it out to fish I hope you were able to find some time to cast between the wind gusts and that the fish were cooperative. The "current" weekend forecast looks a bit colder and a bit breezy this weekend. If you're planning on getting out to do some fishing we'll keep our fingers crossed the real forecast turns out better for you. On the fly front not much will be different. #18 and #20 Zebra Midges in red or black should be great choices. We will normally fish these behind a #8 Black Rubberlegs or #12 San Juan Worm. On the sunny days a flashy fly like a #18 Crystal Dip or #16 Lightning Bug can really fish well.



Flies of the Week

Shakey Variant

The Shakey Variant is Bucky's take on our classic Shakey Beeley. It has become his go to attractor soft hackle when no hatches are present. Spring through fall this pattern takes fish.

Tungsten Pheasant Tail Prince

Another great spinoff of the classic Prince Nymph from Mike Mercer. The brown coloration is a great choice for imitating PMD nymphs as well as some stoneflies.

HMH Vises

Durable. Simple. Beautiful.

The HMH Standard vise is an updated original with improved chassis/bearing system for better collet support, better rotation, and infinite head angle adjustment. All parts are precision-machined and carefully finished using top-quality stainless and tool steels and brass. Each vise is individually hand fitted and tuned for maximum performance.

Senyo's Laser Dub

This is a unique custom blend of Ice Dub and 3/4" to 1" acrylic staple fiber that Hareline developed along with well-known steelhead angler Greg Senyo. It's great for wings on streamers like the Montana Intruder, can be spun in a dub loop for a shaggy collar and can also be dubbed for bodies on larger flies. It's a great choice for all kinds of salmon, steelhead, and trout spey patterns.

Lamson Litespeed F

Litespeed F is the freshwater version of Lamson's newest generation of their most famous and popular reel. The super-large arbor promotes fast line retrieval, while the open design allows line to dry quickly and reduces the overall weight of the reel. The super-strong, machined-aluminum frame is based around the conical drag system found in other freshwater Lamson reels, but with of a new, unique spring set in the drag knob that allows for very fine adjustments at the fine end of the drag spectrum. Top it off with two stunning new color options, and you've got a reel that's both incredibly functional and beautiful.



Cling Mag Grab Mini

The Mag Grab Mini presents a beautiful modern design accompanied by a gorgeous engraving. The high strength magnet on this magnetic fly patch allows for over a dozen flies to be attached without a problem, and is strong enough to hold a variety of hand tools, such as forceps, nippers, or pliers to allow for quick and easy access when they are needed most. The Mag grab is made from the highest quality materials right here in the big sky state of Montana to create the most revolutionary "must have" tool to add to your fishing arsenal.

Sharktooth Line Cutter/Keeper

Ditch the rubber bands on your Maxima tippet spools for these keeper/cutters. No more tippet coming loose in your vest or pack. The built in cutter stays sharp and cuts tippet without stretching. 3 per pack.



Grundens Kodiak Insulated Shirt

Comfortable, fashionable, and – most importantly – warm, the Kodiak Insulated Shirt is the perfect button down top for cool weather conditions on or off the water. The thermal, waffle-knit fleece lining provides the insulative warmth needed when colder temperatures prevail and button-closure chest pockets provide the storage you need for your favorite, handheld gear and accessories.

BRF Montana Cutting Board

Now you can show off your BRF pride in your kitchen, too. This unique board is made from 100% bamboo and can be used as a cutting board, serving tray, or can even be hung on the wall as a decorative piece.

Simms Solarflex Sun Hoody

40% off. Regularly $79.95. The SolarFlex Hoody stretches hot-day performance with a mobility-minded, UPF 50+ rated construction, essential back-of-hand sun coverage and a hood closure that locks in protection for full-throttle boat runs and sunny days. Built with Simms' highest performing solar protective knit fabric that feels smooth to the touch, stretches for comfort, dries fast and keeps you odor-free with HeiQ Fresh and HeiQ Stain Away. 3-panel hood designed to shield from the sun and stay on with a stretch binding and snap closure. Extended sleeve length with envelope thumbholes and a center finger loop for back-of-hand sun protection. Combination of merrow seams & flat-seam construction for maximum comfort.

Modern Spey Fishing

Modern Spey Fishing covers everything you need to know about the great sport of Spey fishing. From the gear needed, presentation, fishing techniques and flies. A must have for anyone looking to learn about spey fishing or improve their own spey game. Hard cover and autographed.

Wood Bullet Pens

For the hunter or rifle aficionado in your life! These neat pens work by operating the bolt action allowing the user to write with the smooth ball point. Unique wood bodies add a nice custom touch. Four beautiful designs to choose from. Locally made right down the road in Shelley, ID!

Fly Fishing Maps

Double-sided fishing map of either the Firehole and Madison Rivers or Slough Creek, Lamar River & Soda Butte Creek in Yellowstone Park. Designed and written by our own John Juracek and Tim Anderson, we think these maps will prove more valuable than any other for anglers looking to improve their fishing odds on these two great areas. In addition to the detailed maps, there are also notes about how, where and when to fish each river, hatch charts, and color photographs highlighting representative sections of each stream. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced hand, you’re sure to enjoy the benefits of the unique perspective and unsurpassed local knowledge passed along in these maps.

Tacky Day Pack Fly Box

The Day Pack is perfect for keeping a light and loose vest. This little box fits 180 flies. The slits are bi-directional so you can face flies up or down in each slit. The famous silicone mat is nice looking and extremely durable. Magnetic closure.

BRF Tackle Shop LS Tee

Long sleeve. Logo on front center. A light weight long sleeve t-shirt made from 50% polyester, 25% cotton and 25% rayon.

Simms Big Sky LS Shirt

30% off. Regularly $94.95. Inspired by Montana's trout-rich waters, the Simms Big Sky Fishing Shirt offers classic Western style designed for the discerning angler. Made of moisture-wicking fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, the men's shirt features a mesh-lined back panel that helps keep you cool on warm and sunny days. Dedicated pockets for your sunglasses and accessories help keep you well organized. Wicking & UPF 50. Classic western styling. Vented, mesh-lined back panel for cooling. Accessory loop in right chest pocket. Sunglass stowage in left chest pocket. BRF logo embroidered on right sleeve.

Simms Wool Half Finger Glove

One of our favorite classic half finger gloves. Keeps hands warm even when wet. TPU palm overlay increases durability and grip.

Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX Fly Line

The MPX improves upon SA's gold standard in all-around lines, the GPX. Built with more mass concentrated toward the front of the head to help turn over large and/or heavy flies and load fast action rods effectively, it will be the new best friend of anglers who fish nymphs, streamers, and large dries. If you're looking for an all-around line choice that will handle all but the most delicate of dry flies on a fast action rod, then check out the MPX. One of our all time favorites for throwing salmonflies and hoppers!

Somethings Fishy

This book contains all original watercolor paintings and scientific fish names that the author completed with fun facts about each species. A fun and engaging way to learn about our trout!

Grundens Gear Hauler Tote

The Gear Hauler 50L tote is ready for day trips, long weekends, and full-on expeditions. Built to be durable, rugged, and functional, this bag should be the never-go-fishing-without-it bag. It can handle dirty, wet grimy fishing gear and it features a dry section to keep electronics and other valuables safe. Tote features: Water Resistant Sewn Construction. Single side coated fabric. Zippered Secure Storage Pocket and External Tie Down Anchor Points. Great for wet wading boots/shoes, socks and pack.

Dr. Slick Nipper

Revolutionary design makes tying the nail knot a cinch. Perfect for attaching backing or leader to your fly line. Don't fear the knot!

Dutch Boxes

These exquisetely made boxes are created by our good friend Dave Schultz. Each one is unique and a pleasure to use. We can't guarantee that they will help you catch more fish but we can tell you that they will make your flies look much better!

Pure bliss during the first winter snow.

Photo by Josh Almond.