An MZ Ranch Mood
Last week, Kel and I spent a day fishing on the MZ Ranch outside of Bozeman. The MZ is rarely “easy” fishing, and our day was no exception. None-the-less, we caught fish (all on dries), and beat some of the worst spring-creek drag you can find anywhere. But for us, the MZ is really less about catching some fish than about the challenge and the place itself. It’s that last part that really struck me this time.
The early autumn light, the smells and textures of the fields and the water, and the very big “big sky” view at the MZ made for a special day. It is that kind of day that reminds one strongly that fly fishing is not just about catching fish, not just about the technical aspects, but is really about the (w)holistic experience. As the famous saying goes, “Trout are not found in ugly places.” Indeed, very few places in fly-fishing are truly ugly (even urban-style brownlining can be pretty nice on a lazy Sunday afternoon when it’s just you and the fish).
So, here’s a little homage to that idea, with just the sense of place to set the angling mood (requires QuickTime):
Music by John Beth from the CD, My Madison.
Jason,
I drove around MZ Ranch while looking for accesses for East Gallatin during my spring trip this April. As I was hurrying, MZ Ranch was moving cows on the road and I had to chuckle for Montana ranch life. I haven’t fished there but it sounds like as great as O’Hair’s and Nelson’s.
Satoshi–The MZ does have that nice sign-in option for the East Gallatin (the river was high and dirty when we were there, unfortunately). Don’t know if you talked with Mary Kay when you were there, but it is always a pleasure to see her. And yes, cows were getting shuffled about on the ranch when we were there, too. Always makes me think about New Zealand roads and all the sheep that can suddenly materialize seemingly from nowhere. Just adds a little something to the angling experience (unless you drive too close to the business end of those cows or sheep, then its adds a whole lot more)!