On the Western side of the Continental Divide, Missoula and the Bitterroot, Blackfoot and Clark Fork are what the Gallatin, Jefferson and the Madison are to Bozeman in the east. Growing up these places would come of great significance to me. The Clark Fork would be where I would learn to cast a fly rod and catch my first rainbow, on a red humpy during a summer evening’s hatch if I remember correctly. The Bitterroot is where I got addicted to Fly Fishing. Catching big Browns and Bows on streamers became something like a drug for me and that first alligator Brown Trout was one that has fueled this passion for fly fishing to this day. The Blackfoot is a place of mystery, with giants lurking in the depths and surprises around every corner. Its no wonder the Maclean’s called that river their special place.