From Waders to Wine Lists: Luxury Fly Fishing in Montana

I’ve been casting flies in Montana rivers since the early 90s, long before A River Runs Through It made it look like a cinematic postcard. Back then, fly fishing was just what you did here. A beat‑up truck, a pair of waders that leaked a little, and Dad always had a six‑pack on the bank. Fast forward to now, and Forbes is writing about “luxury fly fishing” at places like Montage Big Sky and Lone Mountain Ranch. Places where your guide hands you an Orvis rod, ties your flies for you, and the day wraps up with Michelin‑star sushi.

Not saying that’s bad. But it’s different.

Big Sky Is Now the Luxury Capital

The Forbes article captures how Big Sky is no longer a sleepy ski town but a full‑on millionaire playground. Resorts like Montage aren’t just about skiing anymore. Summer is now the headline. Where talking Cadillac shuttles to the Gallatin River, private fly‑tying lessons, curated lunches, and, yes, s’mores by the firepit afterward. Celebrity chefs are getting in on the action too, with Grant Achatz bringing fine dining to the mountains and Chef Wei Chen running a sushi spot right on‑site.

A Montanan’s Take

Here’s the catch: Montana is still Montana. The rivers are just as cold, the cutthroat are just as wild, and the wind is just as likely to slap you in the face if you aren’t paying attention. But with the influx of new money, Yellowstone fans and ski‑in, ski‑out buyers alike, it’s hard not to wonder how much longer this place will feel like home to the people who grew up here.

I’m not knocking luxury trips. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to try fly fishing without a steep learning curve (or wet socks). But the best fishing stories? They’re not about the wine list or the five‑star lodge. They’re about the fish, the river, and maybe landing two at the same time on a windy afternoon.