SigMT

SIGNATURE MONTANA | 33 According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, our state boasts nearly 170,000 miles of river – exceeding the number of miles of paved roads. Billings hydrologist and avid river rat Alden Shallcross tells us, "Water is life. at's where everything is. at's where the wildlife is, the scenery, the life. Rivers connect people and places." ese waterways are the lifeblood of our state. With a ra and a weekend, you can see a part of Montana that few others have ever enjoyed. But with so many miles to choose from, where do you start? Most of the rivers that slice through our state have excellent public access. However, not all of the rivers will make for a good float. Late spring and early summer tend to be best for most rivers; as the summer progresses, the water levels can drop to the point where you're barely moving. A few of the more popular rivers provide unique experiences. e Yellowstone is great for long floats. With 692 miles of undammed water, the Yellowstone River provides unencumbered floating that can last for weeks if you want. e downside: you can't float the entire river. e river's headwaters are at Yellowstone Lake, within Yellowstone National Park, and it's illegal to access rivers inside the park to float. Outside the park, however, you can get onto the faster-moving upper part of the river and float past tributaries as it becomes lazier and lazier while you meander through nearly half the state before the Yellowstone dumps into the Missouri River in North Dakota. e thrilling Lower Stillwater has whitewater rapids. "Whitewater is calming, almost therapeutic." Says Billings native Zach Kilwein. "You don't get to think about anything else; you have to focus on the water." With Class II and III rapids in the early part of the season, the Stillwater is one of the best rivers to learn how to navigate whitewater. No need to go it alone, either. In fact, your first trips should be with a seasoned guide and a professional raing company. Only with experience will the river be "safe" enough to navigate independently. ere is year-round sporting on the Bighorn. In 1967, the construction of Yellowtail Dam stopped up the Bighorn River as it passed through the mountains of the same name. e US Bureau of Reclamation controls the release of water as it flows northward toward Hardin. is controlled release keeps the lower Bighorn River flowing at a predictable rate and temperature. at controlled release also means this river flows long aer the floating season has ended. Anglers and hunters launch their boats, kayaks, and ras for their outdoor adventures regardless of the air temperature. If you're into fishing, these fish get hungry in the lean winter months – the colder the temperatures, the more river you have to yourself. For those who waterfowl hunt, the fall and winter "Cast- and-Blast" offers the opportunity to hunt and fish all in the same trip. Seasoned floaters meticulously perform last-minute gear checks, ensuring every oar, life jacket, and dry bag is secure before embarking on a group journey down the Yellowstone River. Zach Kilwein shares a moment of tranquility and companionship with his faithful dog, paddleboarding together on the Yellowstone River. Alden Shallcross proudly displays his impressive catch, a testament to the unparalleled wilderness fly fishing the Smith River offers. Embarking on a five-day float, anglers like Alden immerse themselves in the river's serenity and challenge, crafting unforgettable memories amidst Montana's breathtaking landscapes. Photo courtesy Greg Waring

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