Solo Adventure in the Montana Wilderness: 3 days Fly Fishing in Wolf Country

Wolves are majestic and certainly have their role in the ecosystem.. but seeing them this close was quite the surprise..
Montana is often advertised as the wild soul of the West. The landscape is raw, the elements are unforgiving, and real monsters still meander through the forests. Going solo in the backcountry may seem dumb to most, and describing the duality of a lonely trial to those individuals is always difficult.
The sinister intimidation of being truly alone will make every muscle fiber twitch with anxious anticipation. But that’s where the other side of this sword comes into play. The relative unknowing and fear feeds the curiosity and like a gravitational pull, drags you around that next bend. This promise of untouched fishing is mighty tempting for the adventurous angler, but is this reward worth the risk?
Heavy bags, bad weather, and wildlife encounters are usually the barriers to entry needed to keep most fair weather anglers on the roadside rivers. I’m going to be spending the next few days alone searching for the native gems hidden far away in the Montana Backcountry..
References:
2:20 - Day 1
24:56 - Day 2
42:18 - Day 3
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[@iancarpenter5488]

You might be the first person to adiquitly explain how being alone in the backcountry is both scary and enchanting at the same time. I do alot of remote fishing in Maine and have had my fair share of bear encounters. Nothing bad has ever happened but seeing them gets my heart pounding every time regaurdless. But these instaces are rare when in the backcountry, and the solitude and the desire to explore and discover are more than enough to keep me coming back.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Couldn't agree more! The risk is very much worth it

[@markblair1052]

You have awoken the pioneer spirit in all of us who believe in the next bend of the river.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Its so hard to not go around that next bend!

[@phillipkammerer3239]

I've been 'hooked' on your channel for a few weeks now. Living vicariously through you at my desk. You're a LEGEND, getting psyched for the summer.

[@j.a.1785]

Same!

[@PaulRowan]

Excellent journey into the wild wilderness, I backpacked that same fork 20 years ago just a decade after the terrible fire ravished the entire region. Really amazing fishing and unmatched backcountry scenery to experience .

[@FLYALLSZN]

That’s amazing you’ve been there before! Such wild country

[@PaulRowan]

the bob is untamed with totally insane backcountry fishing , @@FLYALLSZN

[@j.a.1785]

This is my new favorite fishing channel. You're a natural, keep it up. Great content. Subbed.

[@ryang7602]

Always a great video Mike! Thank you for sharing your passion for the sport for fly fishing and bringing us with you on your adventures!

[@seanerichumphreys5253]

Rad video. Love the Wolf encounter.

[@lukevaughan259]

Awesome video. I really enjoyed it!! I'm out in Big Sky, never hiked or fished where you were; thanks!!

[@Clarksadv]

I started watching your videos on Missouri trout and didn’t know what to expect from them and you. Now after watching several episodes for a while I really enjoy them and look forward for the next one. With your narrative and witty comments and of course the fishing I thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Howdy! I am happy to hear that! Thank you so much

[@medtech1a]

A beautiful day to start off on has to be one of the most epic adventure.

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Great adventure Mike, thanks for sharing it! Those wolves are so rare, your sighting of them was a real treat. Loved seeing those cutbows coming up and smashing your parachute dry. Thanks for all the work you do bringing your experience to your subscribers. Much appreciated!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! It was such a wild time out there

[@kevindau6235]

I've been waiting for a Montana video for so long!!! I am moving there next month, and I cannot wait! Thanks for the awesome content Mike!

[@FLYALLSZN]

There will be more to come! Hope you enjoy!

[@dankochanek8056]

The best part of this video was seeing the wolves!!

[@FLYALLSZN]

They were so wild!

[@Ac-st7nw]

Mike thank you for taking us with! Great scenery, really like your thoughts on making sense of new territory. Nicely done!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah! So glad you enjoyed, definitely keeps it interesting when you’re charting new territory

[@michaelmoore7543]

I consistently look forward to these videos

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah! That means so much thank you!

[@ConnorLanman]

Wolf sighting was amazing! So so lucky! Great stuff!

[@isaackentvlogs6522]

Absolutely loved the vid man. I live in Bozeman and this feeling is the scariest, but most exhilarating at the same time.

[@ervinslens]

What a beautiful scenery man, simply spectacular! Montana is something special!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Some of those vistas were hard to beat!

[@stapfomat]

Hi Mike, watching from Germany. I have been watching your videos for a while now but after this i have give you a major credit! The way you take on the challenge of any wildlife, be it fish, mamals or territory is second to none🙏🏼👌🏼 The quality of your videos is as good as it gets, hands down! The authenticity is however, unmatched! Thank you so much for these inspiring insights into your Flyfishing-Story and wildlife encounters💪🏼 Keep the pace, stay safe and more than anything else, keep that authenticity going🤟🏼Tight Lines Patrick

[@FLYALLSZN]

Germany! That is so cool! So glad you like these videos. Doing my best to portray this whole fly fishing thing as realistically as possible. I really appreciate all the kind words! Tight lines!

[@PistolVania412]

That was some of the prettiest looking water that I have ever been too!!

[@SoloSchmitty]

Awesome video! I understand the anxiety of being in Grizzly country solo! It’s a real feeling that is hard to shake. Just another level that you can’t explain until you have experienced it! Thx for sharing!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! It’s really hard to describe that feeling

[@johngates453]

Mike........ just excellent cinematography.....and information. Excellent video !!

[@FLYALLSZN]

So glad you liked it!! It was fun to make!

[@scottrick5190]

Great session Mike, really enjoyed this vid…the good and the difficult, glad you’re safe.

[@FLYALLSZN]

SCOTT!!!! Thank you so much!! I live to be wolf chow some other day

[@JacobThorn]

Another greag video! Those wolves were nuts. What is that colorful rainjacket? Love it

[@SonOfABeef]

You pplay tarkov no doubt, the sounds actually fit every well and give me a reference to how the hike to catch a fish is going I

[@michaelwilson924]

I really enjoyed your video. For about a decade, I did a back country trip into the WA Cascades and PCT. We fished where there were no footprints and didn’t see another person until we got back in the PCT. We also noticed trout would chase the one that was hooked. Wild, back country cutts are the only one I’ve ever seen do this. I live part time in Western MT these days. I’m always reminding myself that I don’t need to bushwhack deep into the back country like I do in WA unless I want to.

[@gaevinduffy7706]

I’m so torn…. First of all, excellent vision and storytelling! I’m torn because you brought the realities of DIY fishing front and center. Lackluster fishing, animal encounters, poor weather…. These are the trials and tribulations we all endure to satisfy our insatiable hunger for new, wild, experiences. Thank you, Mike

[@FLYALLSZN]

That is the reality of this game that a lot of folks that carry a camera seem to leave out.. THIS happens more often than not. I am so glad you enjoyed it, thank you for the support.

[@jerryg957]

Great vid, thanks so much for sharing !

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you!!

[@jdemartini9807]

I don’t know dude. Rocking a man bun in Wyoming? Just kidding. Great video

[@medtech1a]

Montana is big sky country and huge areas of no water with some areas that have. We have a doc here that was out in Montana and taking a fishing trip there is hard. But Mike you have always delivered on your videos. Those wolves were huge indeed.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@flyfishiowa]

I’m originally from MT so this one is close to home for me. Great stuff as always, great to meet you a couple weeks ago, keep up the good work!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you!! It was great to meet you too!

[@user-rx9gr7gs8i]

Awesome video

[@jaredfox892]

I like the music on this one, and I enjoyed watching the adventure!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! Had to match the rainy vibes!

[@bigballer1019]

Love the channel man. No idea how you’re still not way bigger.

[@jefflanham1080]

That black wolf was MASSIVE!!

[@FLYALLSZN]

When it walked into frame I was shocked! The camera really doesn't do em justice

[@wawywawo]

Courageous and Contagious

[@stephenbrody2717]

Mike great video. I love how you always go over all the things you plan for. Bears a definite concern. Not likely you have an encounter but be proactive is a lot better than being reactive. Great fishing too. Thanks for another cool video

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst! My bag might be heavy, but if I need it I'll have it. So glad you enjoyed!!

[@LukeHester]

Awesome video as always Mike but in one of my favorite places to hike and fish in Montana. Was surprised to see my red F150 as you walked up on the parking lot rejoicing there at the end lol. Small world! I remember that day, was up for a day trip and a had a great day fishing but it was definitely a cold and soggy one for August. Thanks for sharing some awesome moments, look forward to the next one.

[@FLYALLSZN]

You gotta be kidding me!! That is so funny!! That was such a nasty day

[@LukeHester]

@@FLYALLSZN definitely was! I’m sure it was significantly worse after being out there several days too. Well if you’re ever back up in western MT and need some local intel or someone to fish with hit me up! Fish on.

[@tigersteamer]

😮Dude, straight up Wolves! Wow. I crapped my pants for you.

[@FLYALLSZN]

It was a wild thing to wake up to thats for sure!!

[@brysonschaugaard601]

love the quality content dude

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah! So glad you enjoyed!

[@vernonwest7983]

Great content again!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you very much!

[@Itzjackplays]

I live in western Montana and I have to say I love this video. Being in grizzly country is no joke I love where I live and the opportunities I get but the fear of grizzly bears is very strong

[@FLYALLSZN]

They are a real threat out there!!

[@dawnfirephotography]

I really don't blame you for being extra cautious in grizzly country. I do backcountry hikes for fishing and photography all the time here in NC and out in CO. I don't worry that much but WHEN I make it to grizzly country I will be taking it much more seriously.

[@izakwalker6286]

Love that drainage. I was there just a month or so before you. I even got to see two bulls in the river.

[@FLYALLSZN]

I've heard they're in there! That is so cool!

[@franksheldon7467]

I like that you measure the consequence of every action

[@FLYALLSZN]

I like to abide by Newtons 3rd

[@LightLineAdventures]

You’re a gem dude. Period.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@540chevhell9]

Enjoyed this and learned a lot. Subbed. Tough trip but that's how they go!! At 55:04 I saw the sign for Scapegoat Wilderness Lolo Forest. I looked it up on maps and maps reads "permanently closed". What is that all about?? Watching from New Zealand where we have our fair share of great trout water. No bears, no wolves, even no snakes !! Thanks

[@kauaimurph]

I love my solo trips, although it’s been years since I last did a serious one. They are the best! I did an epic solo trip to the Bob in the 2000s and the fishing was epic. It was so good in fact that there was one day I just stopped fishing as it was just too easy. : ) I’ve always wanted to go back and recreate that trip but I’m not so young anymore!

[@kylekeinath6702]

I think this is you best vid yet man. I'm doing a week in the bridger teton in August.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@milenas2418]

Dude you put efforts and time in editing its amazing keep doing it Mike I live in bear county town and dude they are not something to mess around

[@FLYALLSZN]

I'd like to think all the effort is worth it in the long run! I personally really like the way all these memories are captured

[@carywood3946]

Awesome video dude!!

[@FLYALLSZN]

THANK YOU!!

[@Itmustbetrue2641]

Dude, you saw wolves! Awesome trip!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Super spooky but also cool!

[@patrickbrouse611]

ex Alaskan fly fishing guide who moved down to Missouri. Found you as a result and glad I did. After leaving Alaska I was pretty sad and Missouri is pretty amazing. Love your content and story telling. Have some amazing trip ideas for you/channel that would fall in line with the content you produce. Would love to chat with you sometime.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Howdy! Thank you so much! I’d love to chat over things, do you have IG? That’s the best place to talk!

[@patrickbrouse611]

@@FLYALLSZNyeah I shot you a message a few days ago, might be a pending request

[@tiffanihollingsworth7026]

Thing about doing these kind of things alone is alot of people dont have the option to go with someone for multiple reasons. And if your always waiting for someone to go with or the right opportunity you can miss out on alot of experiences. There are definitelytimes when its best not to go alone but we risk our lives everyday just walking out of our houses. So trust your instincts and try to be as safe as possible because accidents happen to even the most cautious people. And no one likes having regrets.

[@barryhandahl8965]

Another excellent video Mike!! I know what you mean about keeping an eye out for the critters that could be around the area. Beautiful scenery and beautiful trout! Love your camouflaged rain coat any chance you can tell me where to get one? Thanks for your videos they're the best!! Take care

[@FLYALLSZN]

Hell yeah! So glad you liked it! That was a Patagonia rain jacket (not sure what kind though)

[@quantumXkyle]

Dang, wish I would have run into you while you were here in Missoula area to give you some fishy knucks props

[@kennethsilvestri5874]

A lot bigger cutties in Montana than this, more so in high mountain backcountry lakes. Have spent most of my time in southwest Montana but need to get to the Scapegoat Wilderness one of these summers. Good advice on bears and keep a very clean camp with food and don't keep toiletries in your tent.

[@FLYALLSZN]

There are a lot bigger cutties in a lot of other places! That wasn't the goal for this adventure.

[@MrMonkey9911]

Great vid bro. That's a lot of editing. Hey, 5th Ops makes a camp alarm you might like. It fires a 12gauge blank.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Its worth the final product! I will have to look into it! Might be easier to use than my bell system!

[@danyboisvert5912]

Hope your coming back in the Canadian Rocky's this year , so much more potential in the Kananaskis country glacier lakes ,pm me if you want ! Really enjoy your videos and story telling!

[@FLYALLSZN]

I might be making my way back to CA this year! But It might be in BC!

[@9724470741]

Mike, one of your best. Riveting. Great voice over as always. Thank you for this video.

[@TheLessPro]

They have a hard time going upstream past the bridge. The best fishery is below that point on the North Fork

[@kevinboyer6249]

Headed to the Scapegoat this summer Mike. Will spend July, August, and September fishing all through the Bob Marshall Complex and beyond. What was the name of that fly you were using in the first hole?

[@Irideus]

check out our flies~let your friends know about us~~~~~~~~~~love that stream

[@bradymcmillan789]

Sweet video. Any particular reason you stayed away from the main fork? Camped right at the first wet crossing (post bridge) last July and hammered the cutty’s up and down for 3 days

[@FLYALLSZN]

I mentioned it earlier in the video.. but the words of a couple old timers got the best of my imagination.. Gotta take those with a grain of salt sometimes haha Plus it seemed like a cool adventure!

[@ryanbeebout7676]

Would love to see an alpine lakes wilderness trip out in washington state.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Sounds like I need to start to read up on the WA stillwater scene!

[@shelbynell6342]

just a big ole puppy

[@TomMarch-kq5ug]

Mike I love your channel!!! and I've been a subscriber and a thumbs up guy for a long time!!! BUT, please answer this are you carrying a firearm for just incase? please answer me because a lot of folks here are a little bit worried!!!

[@theflycrate]

I'd feel the same way in bear country if I heard birds silence and saw animals scatter.

[@sethmartinez994]

You should fish w Joe from Idafly

[@brandonday9001]

Whats the fly you're using? Looks like a chubby Chernobyl?

[@bigskyoutdoors4232]

Dude was in the same valley without telling me😢

[@FLYALLSZN]

No kidding!! You were there too?

[@brandondruckenmiller5508]

So have you tried mountain house biscuits and gravy yet

[@FLYALLSZN]

I think I only made that mistake once.. it’s good going down.. but boy howdy.. my lactose intolerant stomach didn’t agree with the decision

[@brandondruckenmiller5508]

Thank you for your reply. Great video

[@Scamc1974]

What water filter is that?

[@FLYALLSZN]

Its called a Grayl!

[@shelbynell6342]

alfredo is the only option

[@ianjones6910]

Are you saying "hey bear", or "Hebert"...like Bobby Hebert, QB of the Saints back in the day....a little Cajun humor....

[@FLYALLSZN]

I love it 😂

[@michaelgarbus9983]

And the griz isn't even the top apex predator out there.

[@Etch406]

You won’t enjoy it if you’re worried about bears the whole time. Most of it is out of your control anyway.

[@nickwestin8444]

Number 1 comment YEWWWWWWW

[@FLYALLSZN]

LETS GOOOO

[@deeejaaay8518]

Bro that was one of your best vids keep it up.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! So glad you liked it!