I first read the Montana Angling guide in 1989, before my first trip to Montana. I was pleasantly surprised by the maps and fly suggestions. Once I got on the water, I appreciated the accuracy of the Guide. After all those years, I can still use it to select streams to fish with total confidence. For the most part, the only thing that has changed is the explosion of anglers all over the west (and probably all over the US). Some streams, such as the Blackfoot River system, have improved due to more enlightened conservation techniques. Probably the list of stores, fly shops, and motels need to be updated. But when I return to Montana, I always take along the Guide and the Geological Survey map of Yellowstone Park. Now I don't go to some streams due to crowds. Others are just as good as they were when I first went there. Hint1: Very few anglers hike off the road more than 100 yards. This leaves lots of territory for the rest of us. Hint2: We always know there will be quality, uncrowded fishing when the trailhead sign warns of bears being sighted within one mile. This sign apparently frightens away many hikers.
While I haven't read hundreds of angling guides, today I still would refer to the Guide's stream maps as my first resource, and I wouldn't look for anything better.

If you have wondered about the day when you could afford to go to the "Big Sky Country" and catch trout like a pro, this book is a MUST. It tells you how to get there, the access points, and everything you need to really enjoy your trip to Montana fly fishing. It is well written and simply MUST be a part of your fishing gear when you get to Montana. Wheather you are new to fly fishing in Montana, or an old hand, the wealth of information and readable style makes the book worth twice the price. I would hope that fishing guides would recommend this to their clients before they come to Montata.

As you can see, I am very enthusiastic about a well written worthwhile trout fishing guide.

Hope you will agree !

Steve Smith's book about the history of Johnson's flying Service is an exciting realistic account of Bob Johnson's flying legacy. Smith incorporates many anecdotes, historical accounts and factual information about mountain aviation. If you like to read about Ford Trimotors, brave pilots, and Montana history, you should read this book.

If you are planning a trip to the Bob Marshall you will do yourself a great favor by purchasing this book, then wrapping it in a zip-lock bag for your journey. The book provides a comprehensive overview of every trail in the Wilderness area. It gives a succinct synopsis of each trail by describing level of difficulty, frequency of maintenance, and elevation change. The book further describes the ecosystem that you are hiking thru and assists you in understanding the bio-diversity of each area. Perhaps most valuable, the book also provides a precsient review of the hazards of each seperate area--and methods of countering these hazards. These hazards include micro-organisms in the water and of course the ever-present grizzly and black Bears. Don't leave home without it!

A great preview of "The Bob". Very good, concise information in a very readable format. I especially liked the sections on wildlife and history. Makes you want to go to Montana tomorrow and see the country, even if it is January and you hate snow. I can hardly wait for the summer and a visit to the wild country of "The Bob".

Makes you want to lace up the old hiking boots and get out there, fill the lungs with that Montana mountain air. If you love the outdoors it should be on your must read list.

Perhaps the worst camping reference I own (make that owned). The book is full of repeated text. A half-hearted effort at best. Only the most basic information is provided for each campground. Not near enough for an out-of-towner or out-of-stater to confidently plan a trip. I ended up tossing it out in favor of multiple web sites (for detailed campground info) combined with the Montana Atlas and Gazeteer (for accurate mileage, elevation, etc.). There is absolutely zero information about the surroundings, forestation, landscape, or scenery at each campsite -- only general comments about the larger area or national forest in which each campground is located.

Readers who had prior editions of this series will be disappointed. The new author has very little commentary. It's now just a listing of campgrounds with facts. Is there shade, are the campsites private, how's the access road, is it busy ... who knows? Many of the campground notes are literally cut-and-pasted from the prior entry. Unfortunately Idaho wasn't covered in the older edition by Tom Stienstra. Very disappointing!

This book is ideal for anyone who has ever had trouble finding a camping spot. More than 1,200 campgrounds in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho are listed along with detailed information, as well as phone numbers and directions to get there. This is one book you will want to keep in your camper and use again and again. Perfect for planning that trip and hitting the road!