Harrison Homestead Trip Report by Will Johnson

I have been wanting to take a group of anglers to Montana to sample it's great early summer trout fishing for several years now and finally got the chance at the beginning of July. We chose the Harrison Homestead property for it's proximity to many great options outside of the town of Livingston.

We fished several different rivers in the immediate area including the Lower Yellowstone, Stillwater, Boulder and were fortunate to get into some private water fishing as well.

I wouldn't say the fishing was exceptional during our stay but we certainly caught fish everyday and mostly how we wanted to. Meaning if you wanted to fish dries all day you could inevitably find a few nice fish to hop on. There was a fair amount of very productive nymph fishing to be had as well as some excellent dry dropper fishing. Many nice fish were caught with these methods. I was really happy I was able to tease a couple larger browns to hand using my little Winston Microspey 4wt swinging a large black bugger and will explore this more on future trips.

The accommodations were excellent and very comfortable. It was hard to believe we were staying in a rustic turn of the century ranch house! Our live-in chef was exceptional and very attentive to everyone's needs. We all had a great time decompressing & talking about the days fishing outside on the manicured property grounds. We had very comfortable stay and all our requests were granted.

Montana is beautiful country and there is no question why it is considered the spiritual home of American fly fishing. The landscape itself is so inspiring. Just to be drifting down the Yellowstone imagining the Lewis & Clark expedition making it's way up the far bank so many years ago is enough to sends chills down your spine. As our west coast trout fishing slows down around the first part of July it's no wonder why we typically see a lot of our customers & friends packing up the truck and heading to the Rockies.

The Harrison Homestead trip really delivered on all fronts and we will be going back. If you have any interest in joining please give me a call for more detail. 541 488 6454.Thank you!

- Will Johnson, Ashland Fly Shop