blackhawk fly fishing

I invited some friends that normally fish in Montana to Blackhawk for a weekend to Blackhawk. They caught record breaking Rainbows and Browns and they have re-booked for next May. They were so happy and I am happy to have repeat business.

We went to Blackhawk with some trepidation because there was not a ton of info on the internet about it. I want to add a TA review because this place was great. It is not luxury, so if you want a victorian B and B this is not the place for you. However, if you are on the low maintenance end and don't mind walking outside to go to the bathhouse, dont need everything matchy matchy, and appreciate the kindness of the hosts, great food and great flyfishing, then you must go. The lodge is a refurbished farm house, added to by great covered porches and eating/relaxing areas with an outdoor fireplace. There are two large rooms with multiple beds in each, a large kitchen, dining room that opens to be a sort of covered porch in the warm weather, and a comfy living area, so it would be great for a group to go. (Abby could throw down on a superior "chick trip" even if you didn't fish!) The place was simple but so interesting and beautiful. Farmhouse, rustic charm. There is a large garden space and flowers in the summer but we were too early to catch as much beauty as I know is there in the summer months. The wooded trails are well groomed, the river is easily accessed, and the fish are huge and plentiful. They didn't jump on the hook, but could be caught. It was a good challenge. (We were not there at the optimal time to fish.) There are guides to hire, and for your best experience do so! I have had many guides in my life and these are the best. They are very reasonable, patient, knowledgeable, and can get as technical as needed in how to address a specific hole.... how to cast, when to mend, where to throw, where to stand...they can tell you what to do in as much detail as you need. Not arrogant at all. Then there is how to land the fish. My husband is a great fisherman, and he couldn't have landed his best fish without our guide, Andy. (John was the other one I met.) He was right there giving play by play on how to handle the big girl. The food was wonderful and there is a small fly shop on site. (Take your own flies if you don't want to buy them there, but call first to get a recommendation on what to take. ) Abby is so flexible and just makes you feel as if you are at a friend's house. She is multi talented and somewhat of a renaissance gal. Her husband is great as well...I just spent more time with Abby. I did think, as I was there the first day, that the only thing they were missing was a labrador retriever...then I saw three running my way, so they actually have it all! I give Blackhawk my seldom given 5 star rating!

I went to Blackhawk in 2013 because I wanted to learn to fly fish. While the place is geared towards serious anglers, they welcomed me with no problem. You will need to bring nothing as they are prepared to outfit you completely. Within minutes you will be in one of the best trout streams in the country. Your guide will select the proper flies, tie it/them on your line for you, and discuss the proper casting method for your rigging. Within minutes, I caught my first trout. The guide talked me through landing the fish, netted my fish, and showed me the proper way to release the fish. By lunch time, I had caught a dozen 12"-15" rainbow trout. For lunch, we returned to the starting area where we enjoyed a great meal prepared by owner Abby Johnson. After lunch, we went to another area of the river with deeper water and bigger fish. I did very well. While the experience was great, I must admit that Blackhawk is expensive - you will pay a rod fee, buy a dozen flies if you don't have your own, and a guide fee. So, why would anyone pay almost $500 for a day of fishing? Maybe I nuts 'cause that's a lot of money to me but I thought it was worth every penny. You will learn so much more that you ever would from reading books or watching instructional DVDs. You will have an experience that you will never forget, meet some of the nicest people in the world, and you will catch big trout. Even if it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I highly recommend Blackhawk.