Travis Rydberg began working for Bud Lilly’s Trout Shop back in the mid-1990s. Around the turn of the century he migrated to Last Chance, Idaho, a place he would call home for more than fifteen years. Working behind the counter and later guiding for TroutHunter,...
Rowley and Chan’s Stillwater Fly Fishing App – A Review
Stillwater fishing is just one part of fly fishing that truly fascinates me, and every year I seem to devote more and more of my water time to the lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. And, like most things that I become interested in, I collect literature on the subject. ...
2019 West Yellowstone Trout Spey Days – September 13 & 14
Welcome to the information page of the Third Annual West Yellowstone Trout Spey Days! Mark your Calendars: September 13-14, 2019. We are thrilled to be partnering again with the Custer Gallatin National Forest and hosting our third annual Trout Spey Days event right...
Introducing the Golden Stone Inn
West Yellowstone is home for Big Sky Anglers. Not because we all happened to end up here on a whim, but because West Yellowstone is located in the heart of what is arguably the greatest fly fishing region on earth. We have chased trout with a fly rod all across...
Big Sky Anglers Holiday Gift Ideas
Holiday season is stressful for a lot of us. Giving a gift shouldn't be part of that stress. If you're looking for something for that fishing friend or family member, here are a few ideas. Stop by the shop to say hi and check out the full lineup of goodies if you...
Big Sky Anglers 2018 Year In Review
As November comes to a close this year in Yellowstone Country we appreciate every single one of those beautiful, windless, crystal clear, and sunny fall days a little more than we did the week before. Years of living here reminds us that a true and deep cold will be...
Winter Water
It’s now December here in MT. Well, everywhere really. But here, that means we’ve gone way past the tipping point between Autumn and winter conditions. Big game hunting season has ended, and the stillwaters are freezing over. We have many rivers that are open to...
BC Steelhead – Fall 2019 Opportunities
Hi folks. As you may know, I've been travelling to BC to steelhead fish and hosting trips for a number of years now. Without questions, BC is one of my favorite destinations. A unique place with wild rivers, big wild fish, and wonderful people and accommodations. ...
Dispatches Volume 4 – Fly Fishing the Marsh in New Orleans, Louisiana with Matt Klara
Welcome to the fourth edition of Dispatches, a series which reports on the Big Sky Anglers crew as they travel the globe in search of angling adventures. Each edition of Dispatches features an interview with one of our angling pros while they are on assignment or traveling for fun. Our crew might be hosting anglers in a remote destination, guiding clients on our home waters, or exploring new fishing territory at home and abroad.
Big Sky Anglers Weekly Fishing Report – 11/1/2018 – Our Final Weekly Report of the Season
Yellowstone National Park will close to fishing this coming Sunday, November 4th marking the unofficial end to the 2018 season for us in Yellowstone Country. That also means that this will be the last of our weekly fishing report emails for 2018. Thank you so much to...
Big Sky Anglers Weekly Fishing Report – 10/25/2018
T-minus 10 days and counting! Yellowstone National Park will close to fishing next Sunday, November 4th marking the unofficial end to the 2018 season for us in Yellowstone Country. Last year Justin and the shop staff were forced to hike into the Park to make their...
Big Sky Anglers Featured Fly – The Best Fly Ever (BFE)
Origins: Based on an old Idylwilde pattern called the LE Leech Hook: TMC 5262, #4 or Gamakatsu B10S, #2 Thread: 6/0 Uni, Black Tail: Black marabou with topping of black Lite-Brite or equivalent Body: Thread wrapped black Collar: Olive marabou, palmered behind and in...
Big Sky Anglers Weekly Fishing Report – 10/18/2018
What a roller coaster ride we have been on with the weather! Indian Summer is back in full effect across Yellowstone Country, and we’ve earned it. Snow, wind, and cold temps plagued the region for the last two weeks. The conditions may have been rugged, but the...
Get Involved
This post includes no fishing tips, fantastic stories, or casting secrets, but the topic, should you choose to participate, may greatly influence your angling and the angling of many others for the better. This post is a call to encourage everyone out there to get...
Big Sky Anglers Weekly Fishing Report – 10/11/2018
I would say with confidence that fall is here and here to stay. We had both snow and rain with more on the way, and temps are ranging from the high 30’s to 40s’ for the rest of the week. As Steve mentioned in the last report, the battle of the seasons has begun and...
Hatch Profile – The Mayfly Formerly Known as Pseudocloeon
Every fall in Yellowstone Country there is a tiny mayfly in the Baetis family that is responsible for some outstanding dry fly fishing. These miniature mayflies range from size 20-26, but what they lack in stature they more than make up for in abundance, and mystique....
Big Sky Anglers Weekly Fishing Report – 10/04/2018
Fall in Yellowstone Country is like a heavyweight title fight between two legendary contenders, Summer and Winter. You never know how the fight will unfold, but you always know who will win. Some years it’s a long, punishing slugfest. On other years, it’s a quick KO....
Fly Tying Night with Matt Ebbers (aka @ebbsforce1)
Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 8 - 10 pm Join us at the fly shop for an evening of fly tying, fish stories, and fun with custom fly tier and all around great guy, Matt Ebbers. You might not recognize the name, but if you spend much time on Instagram, you probably...
Tierra del Fuego Sea Trout – Estancia Despedida
Big Sky Anglers is excited to be able to offer two open spots at Despedida Lodge during the prime time in 2019. This adventure includes 6 full days of fishing, from March 10-15. If you’ve ever thought about sea trout, please feel free to get in touch, and we will be...
Big Sky Anglers Weekly Fishing Report – 09/27/2018
We’ve seen a little bit of everything this week in Yellowstone Country. From rain and snow to sun and blue skies; from hoppers and ants to Baetis and streamers this autumn has gone deep into the batting order, and it’s only the end of September. We have six weeks left...




















