My week in Montana--Picture Heavy

I've been meaning to share this since i returned last week, but having problems with time and photo sharing programs. Five of us from BR made the trip to Bozeman and spent most of out time in the Madison Valley with our friend, guide and LSU alum.

the first night we arrived, the weather called for snow and 17 degree temps. we decided to forego the tents and rent a forest service cabin for the two coldest nights. for $30/night you can't beat it:


the outhouse smelled like, well, poo:


Our guide and good buddy organizing flies:



Playing some guitar inside to stay warm


Motorboat's daily bacon cook. this time on the cast iron stove of the cabin:


Once things warmed up a bit, we ventured to Quake Lake, a natural damn formed by an earthquake in the 1970's. Caught a few nice rainbows and enjoyed the day. Here is my favorite Louisiana Offshore guide working the lake:


The next day was cold and windy, so we decided to explore Yellowstone and do the tourist thing:








got within 20 yds of this fat 'lope inside the park on a small hike:


Ont he way out of the park, in Gardiner, MT, this big boy was cruising near town. So close I could smell him. Notice the hump on his nose--presumably from fighting:




Since two guys in our party were having birthdays, we decided to go into Chicot Hot Springs for a night. We drank like fish and watched a band. no pics...

Then we arrived at Cliff Lake. We loaded up two drift boats full of our gear and headed across the lake for our campground:




first time out on the lake, poster Brown Trout hooked me in the lip on a back cast. I made him yank it out.


Brown Trout was on fire on the fish all week:



so was I:






a nice rainbow from the lake



Some otters dicking around



At times Cliff Lake was so clear the water looked like Bimini:


One of the days went to wade/walk the Madison. got this nice rainbow and then a real nice brown:






Brown Trout at it again:



Me and our "guide" double loooooocked



more of Brown Trout getting all over it, that fricker:



Our last float trip ended on Ennis Lake. conditions were smooth and we were treated to a rainbow.







all in all we had a great time among good friends. Will definitely do it again next year and try to fit in an elk hunt.