Testimonials

The Kootenai River should be classified with the large rivers in Montana such as the Missouri, the Yellowstone, the Clark Fork as potential rivers that can respond to special regulations and better flow releases that recognize one of the major uses of those rivers as a trout fishery and a wonderful economic asset to Montana. Dave Blackburn is doing a marvelous job of promoting those kind of ideas on the Kootenai. He has also built a lovely lodge alongside the river that I would recommend to anyone that can stay and have a total experience. This is something I have promoted in my business over the long years. I think the total experience is something you can really enjoy in northwest Montana. So I give it my full endorsement.

I first heard about Dave Blackburn when he did a podcast for Ask About Fly Fishing. A few key words piqued my interest; wild, native rainbows which fought so hard they sometimes bent his hook and remote. My family is originally from Montana but currently resides in PA. When I learned that Dave is from the same hometown as my in-laws I couldn’t resist the coincidence. My father, brother and I were planning our first trip to Montana and I insisted that we spend some time fishing with Dave on the Kootenai. What a treat!! The best part is the location. No traffic on the road, very few competing anglers and the cabin’s front porch is right next to river! Best of all you don’t have to trade creature comforts for the location. Hungry after fishing all day? Belly up to the bar at Dave’s on site restaurant for a delicious prime rib which you can wash down with some local Montana beers on tap. I truly cannot say enough good things about Dave’ enterprise. My father and brother were complete fly fishing novices and Dave’s patient teaching resulted in my father hooking up with the largest rainbow from the the back of the boat! The hatches are incredile and the backdrop of the Cabinet Mountains truly typifies Big Sky Country. We now try to make yearly trips to spend some precious bonding time in the company of the best banjo-picking trout guide west of the Mississippi!?

“It is difficult to choose the high point of my stay: shooting the rapids, practicing my long distance release on five pound rainbows at last light, viewing the terrific scenery & wildlife along the river, staying in the grand, riverside cabin or all the good companionship with the guides in the drift boats. A total fishing experience.”

This is a place one dreams about finding. Where the surroundings comfort the soul and the cabin comforts the body. Thanks for the attention to details that make it work

“I’m really impressed with your entire operation. You have a superb knowledge of the river, you’re a terrific guide, and it’s fun to be on the river with you. It’s like being on the river with an old friend from the minute you push off. It’ll be a pleasure to recommend the Kootenai Angler to anyone I know who is looking for an outstanding fly fishing experience off the beaten path in Montana. The new cabin was a great idea, and I’m sure it will go over well with your clients. The log work is as fine as I’ve ever seen. It’s a beautiful cabin with all of the conveniences, and you can’t beat the location. Where else can you go to bed with Canada geese flying overhead, sleep with the river gurgling past your window and awaken to eagles in your front yard?”

“Great fishing, great lodging, great people. You can tell that you’ve worked hard to provide a first rate experience. Many thanks and we’ll be back.”

“Thanks for the great experience with plenty of fish caught, beautiful accommodations, majestic scenery, abundant wildlife and great people. You’ve made our Montana experience something that we will never forget!”

You did it again! Green Drake hatch at the bewitching hour and it was fly fishing with a passion, fast and furious. A very special treat, thank you.”