Meet Montana fishing guide Lance Gray (Guide #26979)
We are proud, at Nelson’s Guides and Flies, to work with some of the finest fly fishing guides in the state. Lance Gray is no exception.
Lance, having grown up in Paradise Valley, Montana, has a thorough knowledge of local area waters. He has spent vast amounts of time fishing the Yellowstone and Boulder rivers, including streams in Yellowstone National Park, and is also very intricate in the Paradise Valley Spring creeks and private lakes. Lance has a true dry fly passion and loves to share his knowledge while putting his clients on fish whether as a beginner, novice, or seasoned angler. And, having worked in restaurants, Lance’s shore lunch is never a disappointment!
Montana Fishing Guides
All of our Montana fishing guides enjoy teaching anglers from beginners to seasoned experts. If you’re a novice, our guides are more than willing to teach the fundamentals of fly fishing so you would be able to start enjoying a life-long hobby. For the elite out there, the guides are happy to show you around the waters and hopefully teach you a few new skills along the way.
Waters mentioned in this story:
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
There are several factors that make spring creeks unique. Spring creeks are fed by under ground aquifers. The water is filtered through limestone as it’s pushed to the surface. The limestone provides the water with a steady alkaline ph of around 8, which offers a buffer to changes in water quality. The water is also very clear with a constant temperature because it is fed by ground water. The steady supply of water from the aquifer makes for a constant flow that is not influenced by snow melt. Spring creeks also usually have a gentle flow that discourages scouring. All of these factors add up to a system that supports healthy vegetation with many aquatic insects, which equate to superb trout habitat.
Yellowstone River
We guide Yellowstone River fly fishing in Spring, Summer & Fall. The Yellowstone River,the longest undammed river of the United States, offers over 150 miles of trout fishing opportunities for anglers. The species available to fish are rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish. A float on the Yellowstone River includes breathtaking views and can take you anywhere from the borders of Yellowstone National Park, through Paradise Valley, to the backside of the Crazy Mountains.
Boulder River
The Boulder River is a beautiful fly fishing river in Southern Montana and can be fished year round. The Boulder River is a walk/wade trip most of the year, but there are windows in the flows when the river can be floated in a raft. A guided river rafting trip is an exciting white water fishing trip. The fish species you’ll see are mostly rainbow trout, brown trout, and mountain whitefish.
Yellowstone National Park
Fishing in Yellowstone National Park isn’t just about the fishing. It also offers wildlife viewing and wade fishing. The wade fishing can be done along the road or, for the more adventurous anglers, a hike to the backcountry. Yellowstone National Park, the first designated National Park in the United States, has abundant wildlife and eager trout. There are many fishing opportunities available from the geysers of the Fire Hole River to the beauty of the Lamar Valley.