Fly Fishing | The Last Best Blog

July 29, 2020

Join the Cowgirls on a New Frontier

It wouldn’t be Paws Up if you didn’t walk away having tried something totally new.

And this year, our much-anticipated Cowgirl Roundup has not one, but two new twists. For the first time ever, the event will be held in the fall, setting the scene for crisp mornings and breathtaking trail rides during Montana’s most vibrant season. What could be better? Well, the Roundup is also welcoming its very own sister event, the Wonder Women of Fly-Fishing.

It’s all happening this September, offering women and girls the opportunity to not only rope and ride but to fish some of the greatest waters in the West as well. Getting to know and learning from truly inspiring women is a much-anticipated added perk.

With diverse backgrounds and wills of steel, Cowgirl Hall of Fame honorees will again convene at Paws Up. Equestrian trailblazer and award-winning community leader Patricia E. Kelly will return to share knowledge from her 37 years as a certified Master Urban Riding teacher and Equine Husbandry instructor. Joining her will be fellow honoree Pam Minick, a former Miss Rodeo America, world champion roper and sports commentator. Guests will also ride alongside prolific author and Chef Paula Disbrowe and Montana distiller Lauren Oscilowski, as well as one of Paws Up’s most beloved cowgirls, photographer Barbara Van Cleve.

While fall is a picture-perfect time of year to be a cowgirl, it’s also hands-down the greatest time for fly-fishing in Montana. Women and girls of all skill levels are welcome at the Wonder Women of Fly-Fishing, and there really is only one requirement for entry: a love of the outdoors. Guests will learn the ins and outs of fly-fishing on the Blackfoot, among other spectacular rivers, and feel the unmatched thrill of having a native cutthroat at the end of the line. Expert angler (and Air Force vet) Kelly Harrison will bring decades of experience as she leads new and experienced anglers alike on this adventure. Half the fun is the freedom to mix and match your schedule. You might even see a Cowgirl Hall of Fame honoree out on the river or a pro angler out for a horseback ride during the golden hour. It’s a one-of-a-kind weekend that celebrates the best of fall and offers the rare chance to meet legendary women. If you ask event coordinator (and talented fisherwoman) Mindy Marcum, the intimacy of these gatherings is the best part: “I walk away every year excited to be a woman and inspired to be a better one.”

Feeling the pull to join some incredible women this fall? Reserve your spot at the Cowgirl Fall Roundup and the Wonder Women of Fly-Fishing, September 10–13. Learn more at pawsup.com/cowgirls and pawsup.com/fly-fishing.

We need the tonic of wilderness. We can never have enough of nature.

Henry David Thoreau

Mother Nature tends to make her grandest statements during peaceful fall retreats to the Montana wilderness, as if she understands our need for quiet moments of reflection in trying times.

As autumn begins in earnest, purple larkspurs and white-tipped bear grass wave goodbye to summer, and the storied Blackfoot River itself reflects its fondness for cottonwood trees, their deep yellow leaves biding their time before skating across its surface. Burnt orange and yellow leaves dance in the wind in stands of aspens along Elk Creek, as tireless woodpeckers tap out the rhythm of the forest. Larches, too, will join the colorful show, showering the earth, their needles like tiny golden foot soldiers lining up on the paths below.

As bears fatten for a yet-distant winter and bison begin to build up thicker layers of overcoats, bull elk bugle in their haunting way, causing dozens of ears to perk up among the cow elk. Fall’s transformations of flora and fauna are overseen by bald eagles and flying Vs of migrating Canadian and snow geese.

Across the massive meadows of Paws Up, just beyond the deep-green hillsides, the Swan and Garnet Mountains gash open passing clouds to let a Milky Way’s worth of stars tumble out.

Fall guests here do well to do as Thoreau’s suggested by “being forever on the alert for natural wonders.” To preview what they look like in our slice of Montana, wander around at pawsup.com/fall.

May 27, 2020May 27, 2020

In Montana, the Trout Rise as Surely as the Sun

“There’s certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of mind.”

Washington Irving may have penned those telling words back east in New York some 200 years ago, but they still very much apply today for anglers on the waters in and around The Resort at Paws Up.

In this fly-fishing mecca, you discover what moves you—what touches your soul—in a pristine natural environment. Is it the unending quest to cleverly imitate nature with man-made flies? The experience of spending time in nature, maybe glimpsing a black bear tearing into a rotting log for her own insect snack? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s simply admiring the stunning beauty of the fish you catch.

Take, for example, a fish like one of western Montana’s lone native trout, the Westslope Cutthroat. With sporting markings on the throat and gill plate like a bright-orange-red bandana, these local residents are beloved for their good looks and feisty fights. And no visitor who’s tussled with one and held it in wet hands before releasing it back into the water goes home with anything less than a story worth repeating many times.

Also lurking in the legendary Blackfoot River are an abundance of silver bullets called rainbows and cutbows, a cutthroat/rainbow hybrid. And, of course, there are their ill-tempered neighbors, the brown trout.

According to Assistant Activities Manager Ben Pepe, the leader of Paws Up’s fishing program, “the Blackfoot, of all these rivers near Missoula, offers the most beautiful setting, with shimmering water running over dappled rocks, Ponderosa pine-lined banks, bald eagles and the occasional river otter—this is River Runs Through It country. It really is the quintessential Rocky Mountain river.”

Guided half-day fly-fishing trips on the Paws Up stretch of the Blackfoot offer guests the advantage of being first on the water, thanks to two private access points. Upstream on the river lies the Box Canyon, another beautiful stretch suitable for full-day, eight-hour trips and trophy fish. Guides can also run longer trips to the brown-trout-laden Bitterroot River or the expansive Clark Fork near Missoula.

It’s not just the fish around here that are big. “The salmon flies—you just don’t see them in other local areas,” Pepe said. “That hatch creates a feeding frenzy, typically in mid- to late June. We like to fish big attractor patterns, some of which mimic stone flies or hoppers.”

Patterns like the Chubby Chernobyl, a favorite of another Paws Up fly-fishing devotee, Executive Assistant Mindy Marcum, who spends much of her off-time on the water. “As it gets later in summer, we’re trying to imitate a grasshopper that’s fallen off a stalk of grass into the water,” she said.

As summer cedes to early fall, Marcum will cohost a Paws Up event, the Wonder Women of Fly-Fishing, September 11–13, with renowned fly-fishing guide Kelly Harrison.

For Mindy Marcum, fly-fishing is all about releasing stress with every cast, as well as “the total relaxation and the togetherness with others.” As she put it most succinctly, “Fly-fishing is my yoga on the water.”

September 26, 2016June 30, 2023

10 Things Fans Love about The Resort at Paws Up

Last week on our Facebook page, we asked fans what they love about our ranch. Whether you have had the opportunity to visit our 37,000-acre ranch or not, there are many things to love—come see for yourself, and let us know what you adore about Paws Up. We have the perfect opportunity for you to schedule a trip, too: We are thrilled to announce that this is the first year the ranch is open 365 days a year! Read on for 10 things fans love about The Resort at Paws Up.

Guest from Atlanta Watching the sun rise through the trees over a blanket of fresh snow. The outdoor hot tub while it’s snowing, the food, the snowmobile tour through the ghost town. My list could go on and on!

Guest from California: It’s not just the natural beauty, which is stunning, but also the way you have of making me feel like you’ve just been holding your breath waiting for me to arrive! You made everything so special. From the horseback riding to the couples massage to a visit from Santa. Christmas in Montana at Paws Up was nothing short of magical!

Guest from Washington: The people! We just got back this week, and everybody was so nice. The scenery was beautiful and the resort is unbelievable, but the staff made it such an amazing experience!

Guest from Oklahoma: The relaxing experience at the riverside camps. From the time we got up in the mornings to drink the awaiting hot coffee and watch the mist coming off the river until sunset with a glass of wine while watching deer come down for a refreshing drink of river water, it was the most relaxed we’ve been in a very long time!

Colorado Fan: We haven’t officially met in person. It looks like the best of the West, from horseback riding to dinners on the hillside, fly fishing, activities for kids and spa treatments. And don’t get me started on those glamping® tents, especially the ones right on the river that boast one amazing Montana backdrop. I would love to meet you, Paws Up—and bring my children, too!

North Carolina Fan: Well I’ve daydreamed about it and envisioned its serene beauty from the photos posted and shared by the lucky ones who have made it their destination—I will wait for my time.

Guest from Nevada: I love the setting of The Resort at Paws Up because it’s in the middle of nature at its best. Whether it’s taking a horseback ride, the Ropes Course, dinner on the lawn or a spa experience, it’s blended perfectly so that you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the experience of what you are doing!

Guest from Texas Do you have a year? It’s beautiful, looks so relaxing and peaceful. I could go on and on and on!

Guest from California My favorite memory was having huckleberry oatmeal by the fire each morning. Four years later, and we still order huckleberries.

Pirnie Art Showroom We love Paws Up because they capture the generous spirit of Montana! Thank you for your incredible donation to the local University of Montana Rodeo Team. (So many of our clients rave about the relaxation and luxury they enjoy while at Paws Up!)

July 5, 2016

Get Hooked At The Resort at Paws Up with Ultimate Fly-Fishing

Fly fishing has been around for hundreds of years, but its popularity continues to increase. What is it about this sport that is so captivating? If you experience fly fishing at The Resort at Paws Up, you will understand after just one outing. Fly fishing gives you the opportunity to relax and spend time in nature, while also challenging yourself with a cool sport that’s perfect for families or individuals. And once you’re hooked, fly fishing may become one of the best excuses for travel.

Montana is known for its abundant fly fishing, and Paws Up itself hosts 10 miles of the Blackfoot River—arguably one of the most famous fly fishing rivers thanks to the movie A River Runs Through It. At Paws Up, we offer spin rods for guests who are more comfortable with this style, but only for independent fishing. All of our guided excursions are strictly fly fishing, and all of our guides are Paws Up staffers, so you’re guaranteed the best learning techniques, assistance and service. We offer a fly fishing experience to remember.

The quality of fly fishing during the next three weeks dramatically increases. “With the water levels continuing to drop and the river getting clearer, the fishing the next couple of weeks will be off the hook! Pun intended,” says Montana Outfitter Justin Capps. “The next couple of weeks we will see most of our summer hatches. With the salmon fly hatch winding down the fish will start to turn their attention toward other aquatic insects. Golden stones, yellow sallies, Pale morning duns, Green drakes and caddis will make up the majority of the bugs we will see. Also, hopper season is just around the corner. Grasshoppers will start moving toward the water for greener grass, and once there they will accidentally get blown into the water by the afternoon breezes. Trout can’t resist them, so it’s a win-win,” says Justin.

At The Resort at Paws Up, we also have an on-site stocked pond that children who are just learning to fish can visit. Spin rods are used here, and it’s always a huge hit. The Resort at Paws Up is an angler’s retreat located within the “golden triangle” of western trout fly fishing. It boasts legendary rivers on property or nearby—including the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Clearwater and Missouri. So whether you’re checking off a few more Montana rivers from your wish list or are ready to pioneer into some true trout wilderness, this is the place for you.

June 21, 2016

3 Most Requested Activities at Paws Up

Take a wild guess at the three most requested activities at The Resort at Paws Up. If you picked fly-fishing, horseback riding, and ATV trail rides, then you are correct—and you should reward yourself with one of the above! These three activities in particular are extremely popular due to the multiple offerings, times, and uniqueness that come from the setting of the resort. Activities Director Mark Houseman says, “Their popularity stems from the fact that these three activities offer a great representation of the Montana way of life. From the world-class fishing to the wide-open exploration of our state, they allow our guests a way to escape busy city life and marvel at the beauty of the Montana landscape. Personally, my favorite is the three-hour ATV tour, as you get to drive deep into the back part of the property, enjoy the thrill of two hill climbs, snap a photo at the best picture spot at Lookout Rock and experience the ever-changing landscape that you experience along the route.”

For our ATV trail rides, guests can choose from a one and a half-, three-, or five-hour excursion. For the first two options, guests explore the woods, tackle hill climbs, take in the picturesque scenery from Lookout Rock and view the beautiful Blackfoot river. On the five-hour ride, guests will explore the woods, and then take the ATVs off-property to Elevation Peak (about 7,000 feet). Once they have completed this climb on the ATVs, guests will hop off for a hike to the top. From there, views are breathtaking, and guests will experience the grandeur that earned Montana its Big Sky State nickname. Post-hike, adventurers head to Garnet, an abandoned-but-intact ghost town where guests will travel back to the 1800s as they check out the saloon, hotel, general store and so much more. Lunch is provided before driving back to the resort.

Horses are iconic to Montana, and riding is probably the first activity that crosses the mind when thinking of Montana. The Resort at Paw Up houses 40 horses on-property for all of our equestrian activities. Whether you are have never been in a saddle before or are a riding expert, Paws Up has something for every ability with one-, two- or three-hour trail rides, cattle drives, lessons and more. The Resort’s wrangler will pair guests with a four-legged friend that will be the perfect match for exploring more than 100 miles of wilderness trails. You will pass towering ponderosa pines, whose size and beauty are surpassed only by the views of the distant mountain ranges of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

This year, there are several additions to the equestrian program, including a new evening ride that takes you past our quaint line shack (where you will enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer) to the top of Scout’s Point to take in a signature Montana sunset. Or enjoy a lunch ride to a gorgeous spot in the shade where guests indulge in a Paws Up-style picnic. Kids can participate in lessons at the Saddle Club arena, complete with games, obstacle courses and more, and adult beginners can join instructional group trail rides. For advanced riders, the all-new, three-hour trail ride allows equine enthusiasts to cover terrain that no Paws Up guests have ever traversed. For an authentic taste of Western ranch life, participate in a cattle drive where novice and advanced riders alike saddle up with seasoned ranch hands and drive a herd of cattle across the majestic rolling pastures of the Resort property.

Montana is known for fly-fishing, and Paws Up hosts 10 miles of the Blackfoot River—arguably one of the most famous rivers in which to fly-fish, thanks to the movie “A River Runs Through It.” This gorgeous river flows right through our property, where all of our guided excursions are strictly for fly-fishing. Our guides have fished the surrounding rivers for years and will help you find the best trout fishing holes. At Paws Up, we offer spin rods for guests who are more comfortable with these rods, but only for independent fishing.

Also near the resort is the Missouri River—one of the best hot spots for fly-fishing and a treasure trove for trout. This massive river travels approximately 700 miles along the entire state of Montana.

Other options include Bitterroot River—a dry-fly paradise that is famous for 95 percent dry flies and great hatches, which start in mid-March and extend well into October—and the Clark Fork River, the largest river by volume in the state and also one of the longest. The Clark Fork is approximately 310 miles long and is close to the resort. The best fishing on the Clark Fork is found between its origin and the confluence with the Flathead River near Paradise.

April 23, 2014August 15, 2014

The Best Fly Fishing Montana Has To Offer

Fly Fishing On The Blackfoot River

Fly fishing attracts a certain breed of outdoorsman and angler. If you prefer wading out into a flowing river, being part of the elements, and finesse presentations – then fly fishing is for you. Montana boasts some of the best fly fishing rivers and trout fisheries in the nation. If you want to experience the best Montana has to offer, then we invite you to experience fly fishing at The Resort at Paws Up.

Covering over 37,000 acres of Montana wilderness, several rivers flow right through our property. You can explore these rivers on your own or benefit from rafting with one of our expert fishing guides. Our guides have fished these rivers for years and will help you find the best trout fishing holes. Here are some details on these legendary rivers and what they have to offer:

Bitterroot River – a dry fly paradise that is famous for 95 percent dry flies and great hatches, which start in mid-March and well in October. The newfound favorite, the “Skwala Stonefly,” used to be “guide warm up season”, but has received a lot of attention from hearty anglers around the world over the last decade. According to the Montana Fly Fishing Connection, this river has the reputation of being tricky to fish, however, there is a secret to navigating this river – it is in reading the water and knowing where the fish are at different water levels.

Missouri River – One of the best hot spots for fly fishing, this river is nearby the resort and is a treasure trove for trout. This massive river travels approximately 700 miles along the entire state of Montana. Imagine fly fishing the day away and then arriving to your comfortable, peaceful lodge with fresh trout for dinner – a true fishermen’s utopia.

Clark Fork River – The largest river by volume in the state and one of the longest. The Clark Fork is approximately 310 miles long and is close to the resort. The last sixty miles of the river is essentially a series of lakes created by three dams. The best fishing on the Clark Fork is found between its origin and the confluence with the Flathead River near Paradise.

Blackfoot River – This is the very river featured in the Robert Redford classic ‘A River Runs Through It’. The Blackfoot flows right through our property, as stated above, and is a good ten-mile stretch. We have several luxury river camps established along it’s banks. Experiencing this legendary river is on the bucket-list of most fly fishers and is a prize of the resort.

We take pride in offering a comfortable and luxurious experience to fly fishers from all over the world. We have many lodging options available for your fly fishing trip, depending on your level of comfort and style. We don’t claim to be just a ‘fly fishing lodge’, we offer a unique fly fishing experience. It truly is a vacation hot-spot for the fly fishing enthusiast.