Cold, steady flows create one of the country's most productive dry-fly stretches. For Montanans, the outdoors is less a hobby than a way of life.

The tailwater below Holter Dam holds thousands of trout per mile.

What sets it apart

Consistent temperatures keep the fishery strong through summer. Small as it sounds, it is exactly the sort of thing that defines the experience on the ground.

Wade and drift anglers share the famous run near Craig.

Why it matters

In the end, the story here is really a story about the northern Rockies and the people drawn to them. Go prepared, respect the conditions, and Montana's backcountry will give back in kind.