This guided Montana fly fishing vacation at the Lone Mountain Ranch is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Join Orvis Travel Fly-Fishing Manager Jason Elkins on this 6 night vacation, with 5 days of guided fishing for anglers, and a variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities for their non-angling companions. Anglers will have the option of participating in trout fishing workshops the first day, or wade fishing with a local guide on nearby waters. The next four days anglers can split their time between traditional Montana float trips on the Madison or Yellowstone Rivers, or wade fishing on local blue-ribbon trout streams.

Each package includes ground transfers from Bozeman, Montana, accommodations, meals and guided activities at Lone Mountain Ranch. Orvis Travel’s Jason Elkins will help with every detail to make sure you get the most out of this unique and rewarding vacation experience.

Your Host
Jason Elkins, Fly Fishing Travel Manager
Orvis Travel
Jason was raised in Wyoming and Montana, where he grew up fishing trout streams like the North Tongue River and the Bighorn River. Eventually he became a guide based in Livingston, Montana, working on the fabled Yellowstone River and Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. He learned the finer points of saltwater fly fishing at one of the best bonefish, tarpon, and permit destinations in the Caribbean while managing Orvis Endorsed Turneffe Flats Resort in 2003. In 2006 Jason moved from Montana to Vermont where he currently manages the fly fishing program for Orvis Travel. When not in the office providing friendly advice to customers, he’s in the field hosting trips and checking out fishing operations. He has fished extensively throughout the US, as well as Belize, The Bahamas, Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Ireland, New Zealand, Palmyra and other destinations around the world.

The Location
This special event will take place in the heart of some of the best fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains. We will be staying at Lone Mountain Ranch, in Big Sky. Conveniently located for guests traveling from the East and West Coasts, guests arrive by flying to Bozeman, Montana where they will be met and transferred to the Ranch. The drive is approximately 45 minutes through the beautiful Gallatin River Canyon. The transfer is a perfect start to a Rocky Mountain experience. With daily flights on several carriers, Bozeman is very easy to get to. Most flights will arrive mid-afternoon so most guests will arrive in time for the welcome reception and dinner at the Ranch.

Lone Mountain Ranch's central location allows guests and their fly fishing guides to access a wide variety of waters within an hour and half drive, including the well-known Madison, Yellowstone and Gallatin Rivers. Whether western style float trips are your preference, or you would rather wade a small mountain stream, this area has it all. Non-anglers will appreciate the lodge's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, only 20 minutes away. A variety of guided outdoor activities will be available for non-anglers to choose from. These activities are included in your package, and although guests are encouraged to participate, relaxing at the lodge with a good book is also a popular option. Activities will be varied, and tailored to meet the interests and abilities of the group, so even if you don't want to climb to the top of a mountain peak for the view, you will still have a memorable Montana experience.

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

The Montana Fly Fishing
Lone Mountain Ranch was selected for this special Orvis Travel departure because of the area’s natural beauty, the lodge’s personalized service and its location in the middle of Southwest Montana’s best Blue Ribbon trout streams. The lodge is just 4 miles from the Gallatin River, and a mere river valley away from the Yellowstone and Madison Rivers. In addition to these well-known trout fishing gems, the lodge’s guides have access to some of the lesser know, and more hidden away streams and mountain lakes.

Fly Fishing on The Gallatin River and its tributaries
The Gallatin River, located only 4 miles from the lodge, begins its journey in the grassy meadows of Yellowstone National Park and winds its way through the deep Gallatin Canyon before converging with the Madison and Jefferson Rivers to form the Missouri River. Throughout its course, the river provides a wide variety of water, much of it with easy access. In the upper reaches, from its headwaters in Yellowstone Park down to Big Sky, it is a small meadow stream. Easy wading, beautiful scenery and uncomplicated fishing makes it a good choice for beginning anglers or those that enjoy a less strenuous outing. As the Gallatin River begins is descent through the canyon it increases in volume and speed, changing to pocket water with a few larger pools. Wading is a little more difficult in this area, but the efforts can be rewarded with some very nice fish. As the river leaves the canyon and flows across the plains west of Bozeman it offers determined anglers the opportunity to target larger fish on streamers and even hopper patterns. Virtually all fishing on the Gallatin River is accessed by wading, and only occasionally will anglers float the lower river with rafts.

The East Gallatin River flows right past the airport in Bozeman before joining the main branch of the river, and is a favorite among many local anglers. Numerous small streams flow into the Gallatin River, increasing the options for anglers that enjoy small stream fishing.

Fly Fishing on The Madison River
The Madison River also starts its journey in the meadows of Yellowstone Park before dumping into Hebgen Lake almost immediately after crossing the park boundary. Inside the park the river is heavily influenced by thermal springs, which add both rich nutrients and warm water. The nutrients encourage rich biodiversity and insect activity, but the warm water can often impact the quality of the fishing during mid summer. In the fall large brown trout migrate up the river from Hebgen Lake, giving lucky anglers a chance at some truly big fish. The Madison flows out of Hebgen Lake through a dam, which helps moderate the warm summer water temperatures common to the upper river. The stretch immediately below Hebgen is referred to as “between the lakes” because it flows only a few miles before entering Quake Lake. Quake Lake was formed by a massive earthquake that struck the area during the summer of 1959. The quake caused a massive landslide that killed 28 people and dammed the river creating the lake. Below Quake Lake the Madison flows through a wide valley for almost 50 miles before entering Ennis Lake. This stretch is basically one long riffle and usually fished from a drift boat. The “hopper & dropper” is an effective technique for catching trout on this section of the river in late summer. The fishing below Ennis Lake can be good as well, but you have to drive past a lot of good trout fishing between Lone Mountain Ranch and Ennis Lake, so guests of the Ranch seldom fish what is referred to as the Lower Madison River. The river joins the lower Gallatin and Jefferson Rivers near Three Forks Montana to form the Missouri River. The average Madison River trout is 12-14 inches, with many specimens measuring in at 20 inches.

Fly Fishing on the The Yellowstone River
The fabled Yellowstone River flows north, leaving the Park near the gateway community of Gardiner, Montana. Although the river offers good fishing inside the park, it becomes possible to access by drift boat downstream of Gardiner. With nearly 100 miles of floatable trout water downstream of the Park boundary, it is possible to float the river every day, for a week or two, without fishing the same water twice. Most of the river consists of riffles, runs, and large pools and boasts some of the best hopper fishing in the world for cutthroats, rainbows and browns. In late summer anglers often have the pleasure of watching cutthroats emerge from deep runs to delicately nip at their feather and foam offerings. With plenty of riffles, pockets and bends, the river offers ample opportunities to get out and wade fish the more productive stretches. Fish average 12-14 inches, but it is not uncommon to catch a 20 inch trout on the Yellowstone River.

Non-angling activities
Every guest is important, whether they are planning to fish or not. Non-angling companions and family members are encouraged to attend and will be included in every aspect of the experience, except the guided fishing. Non-angler packages include a variety of outdoor touring and adventure activities, suitable for every activity level and interest. Guests will have the opportunity to choose from several guided activities offered each day. They are also free to explore the trails around the property itself or simply relax with a book on the porch of their cabin enjoying the cool breezes and wildlife that make their home at Lone Mountain Ranch.

• Horseback trail rides
• Wildlife viewing expeditions to nearby Yellowstone Park
• Nature walks with expert guides
• Canoeing
• Birding
• Mountain Biking
• Shopping and cultural excursions to Bozeman or West Yellowstone

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

The Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
Lone Mountain Ranch provides an authentic western experience throughout its expansive property. From the main lodge building, to the private guest cabins, guests are surrounded by spectacular scenery and fresh mountain air. The comfortable accommodations and fine cuisine means you don’t have to rough it to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

The Ranch has a variety of accommodations ranging from individual mountain cabins to larger guesthouses. All rooms are very comfortable, nicely appointed, and provide modern conveniences. The larger guesthouses and main lodge provide plenty of space to get together for social events, and relaxing around the fire sharing stories of the day’s adventures. Guests will be assigned accommodations based on the group they are traveling with. Ordinarily, couples would be assigned an individual cabin, while families or larger groups may be assigned a guesthouse. Although not all completely alike, accommodations are comparable in quality, and guests can be assured that they will be very comfortable during their stay at Lone Mountain Ranch.

Meals and Bar
Breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM in the lodge’s main dining room. Guests enjoy a choice of hot and cold cereals, fresh fruits, breakfast pastries, juices, yogurt and a selection of hot entrees.

Lunch is served in the dining room from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, although most anglers choose to take their lunch in the field. Those guests enjoying lunch at the lodge can expect a hot buffet with menus that change daily, as well as a sandwich bar, soup, salads, fresh bread and desserts. If you are taking lunch in the field you will have a chance after breakfast to select your own favorites from the lodge's "bag lunch buffet".

Dinner will be served in the lodge's main dining room each evening. Guests will be treated to full course dinners selected from the lodge’s delectable menu, inspired by the bounty of the Northern Rockies. The menu features locally raised meats, game and organic farm produce.

Lone Mountain Ranch's saloon is a non-smoking, family friendly place to relax and relive the events of the day with new friends. The aptly furnished saloon features a copper bar top and fireplace, adding just the right touch to the ranch-style room. The saloon windows overlook a stand of aspens with the Gallatin Mountains in the distance. The bar boasts an impressive selection of beers, wines, mixed drinks and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar tender will keep a tab for you, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying yourself.

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

Montana Fly Fishing Vacation Pricing and Dates

Orvis Week at Lone Mountain Ranch
August 29 – September 4, 2010, Big Sky, Montana

$2985 per angler, double occupancy, including tax
$4080 per angler, single occupancy, including tax

• Non-angling Discovery Package rates, and other custom packages are available by calling Orvis Travel at 800-547-4322.
• Anglers traveling alone or with a non-angling companion will be paired up with another angler to share a guide.

Each package includes:

• 6 nights accommodations and 3 meals daily at Lone Mountain Ranch.
• 5 full days of guided outdoor and adventure activities as described in itinerary.
• Airport transfers from Gallatin Field, Bozeman, Montana on scheduled arrival/departure days.
• Commemorative Orvis/Lone Mountain Ranch cap.
• 4.75% state and local taxes

Each angler package also includes:

• Option of ½ day workshop and ½ day guided fishing or full day of guided fishing on August 30th.
• Four full days of guided fishing, 2 anglers per guide.
• Transportation and flies used on guide trips.

Not included in your package:

• Airfare to Bozeman, Montana.
• Meals before checking in or after checking out of Lone Mountain Ranch.
• Gratuities.
• Fishing equipment other than flies used while on a guide trip, rental gear is available.
• Items of a personal nature, fishing licenses, phone calls, park entry fees.
• Massage therapy and Outdoor Shop purchases.

Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com