I’ve always had a bit of fascination with any living thing I encounter during my time afield. Growing up fishing and exploring around Yellowstone might do that to a person. Or maybe I just have an innate interest in other living creatures. In Yellowstone’s...
As snow piles up here at Big Sky Anglers World Headquarters in West Yellowstone, MT (the Geographic Center of the Fly Fishing Universe) our sights are locked on to the 2018 fishing season. Guide Trip reservations are pouring in, and we're busy planning fishing...
Words and Photos Thanks to Mikey Shanahan, guide, Aussie Fly Fisher, Canberra, Australia I come from A Land Downunder This year I had the opportunity to head stateside for the summer, something that I’ve been dreaming of since I picked up a fly-rod. Although the trout...
The shorter days of winter are upon us here in Montana. The weather is cold, but that doesn't mean we've given up on spending time outdoors. We are still fishing when the conditions are right, but are also shifting attention to hunting, skiing, riding, and other...
It's that time of the year again folks. The Holidays! The waders are hung by the chimney with care. Give love first, and then if you want to add a stocking stuffer or two into the mix, we came up with a few ideas for the fishing folks on your "NICE" list. Just...
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! It is hard to believe we are nearing the end of 2017, and we couldn't be more thankful. Last year at this same time we were close to signing the purchase papers for Bud Lilly’s Trout Shop. So many things have gone on in the last year it...
In the Fall of 2015, an opportunity arose and found Jon, Justin and myself (J3) contemplating the purchase of Bud Lilly's Trout Shop. Truth be told, this scared the shit out of all three of us and I'd be lying if I said I never lost any sleep over this decision. ...
Construction crews completed the installation of the new concrete lining in the Hebgen Dam outlet pipe by the end of September, significantly ahead of schedule. NorthWestern Energy was very happy with the quality of work on the concrete, and all test results show the work is in compliance with specifications.
At some point here in the last week, Summer slipped away from us and Fall arrived in fashion with dumping snow, chilly wind, bugling elk and overcast blue-grey skies with quiet a bit of rain mixed in to boot. All of the rivers in YNP bumped up from the much needed...
Welcome to the information page of the First Annual West Yellowstone Trout Spey Days! This event is the brainchild of Big Sky Anglers co-owner Justin Spence, and Sage/Rio/Redington rep Kurt Kruger. This year we're keeping things small and low key, and we'd love it if...
As you probably know, a solar eclipse was visible across the entire United States on August 21st. The band of “totality” became a tourist destination as amateur astronomers, photographer, and thousands of interested citizens flocked to those zones to experience...
A while back I wrote a post about Callibaetis and Chironomids where the punch line was that my buddy and I wanted the fish to be eating Callibaetis but they were really on chironomids. Well that was then, and this is now... Callibaetis and damselflies have been...
Fishing isn't just about catching fish for the vast majority of folks who enjoy the pursuit. For many of us, angling is an excuse to spend time on the water, in nature, reconnecting with friends, or our thoughts, and soaking it all in. It's no surprise that so many...
Hi, friends. Please join us Friday, June 30th through Sunday July 2nd to celebrate the Big Sky Anglers shop grand opening. We are super excited to see everyone and share our new vision with you. We've got a number of things planned for the weekend, so be sure to...
The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River is one of the most diverse fisheries in the western US. With over 70 miles of fishable water, each section has such a unique character that it is like having eight rivers rolled into one. Water types on the Fork range from...
By now you’d think I could not be fooled. You’d think that I'd know better after so many seasons fishing stillwaters. But I still fall into the trap nearly every time. And it happened again just the other day. My fishing partner and I arrived at the lake around...
This is the post we've all been waiting for folks. We are thrilled to OFFICIALLY announce the launch of the all new Big Sky Anglers. WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (April, 2017) - Longtime local guides/outfitters Joe Moore (Big Sky Anglers), Justin Spence (The West...
There's nothing like the signs of spring in New York City to get my excitement up. For the last five months of winter, the hard, cold concrete of the City has been intertwined with a grey sky, and the shrugging masses drenched in overcoats dominate the streets. It's...
From time to time my daily schedule takes me along the river. I don’t necessarily get to pick what time of day I’m driving past, or what the weather will be like when I’m there, so fishing conditions aren’t always optimal. But I do always try to stop at a few...