Andy McEwen and his first week in Craig Montana

Andy McEwen and his first week in Craig Montana

Andy McEwen and his first week in Craig Montana

Ed Note: Andy McEwen arrived 10 days ago. He and SOL went fishing last Monday. He caught a couple good ones including the brown trout above. He has since fished a number of times, experienced the backing on a fly reel, worked 3 days, and met a few new friends. Pretty good start Andy. Keep it up! Andy wrote this piece for the blog Sunday afternoon.

Tranquility meets oblivion to when you stare off into the Florida orange sunset and watch fish sip spinners on a cool Montana evening. The ills of society disappear, worries ease, and life is simply simple here in Craig Montana.

As a 23 year old from Saint Louis Missouri, less than 6 months out of graduating college top of my program from a very urban university during a global pandemic, simplicity along with big trout are all I wanted.

Craig Montana is just that.

Growing up fly fishing for Gar and Carp on tributaries of the Missouri River in Saint Louis Missouri and for the small wild trout in the spring streams in Missouri’s southern Ozarks, I heard legends about the massive fish that swim in the tailwaters of the Missouri River in Craig Montana. Living permanently out here for a little over a week now, I am still in utter shock about the amount and size of the massive trout that call this water their home.

From my perspective, there is not much better than driving the recreation road from Cascade to Craig looking for rising trout while jamming out to Sublime and Pearl Jam. Stopping on a little gravel pull off and watching fish rise while thinking about nothing but wanting to see one of them jump while running you to your backing is an everyday occurrence here in Craig.

For a kid from Saint Louis, Craig Montana does not even seem like real life. Fly fishy people everywhere and big wild trout feeding in island sets on the tailwaters of the second biggest river in the United States… why would you not want to live here.

 

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11 Comments.

  • Amen, brother.

    • Julie Good
      May 3, 2021 8:15 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing a little bit of your heaven! Sounds like an amazing place and a perfect destination for fly fishing.

  • Thomas McEwen
    May 3, 2021 8:17 am

    Andrew,
    WOW. It sounds like you found your passion! Or just maybe, your passion may have found you.
    I am speaking not only of your talent as an experienced fisherman, but your ability to Blog about it in a very interesting and passionate way!
    As they say in real-estate…Location, location, location.

    I am so proud of you and keep up the great work!!

    I think this is true for you…Find something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life!

    Tom McEwen from St. Charles, MO

  • Charles Scott
    May 3, 2021 3:55 pm

    Warning to Mark. “The landscapers are coming”

  • Heather Spiker
    May 3, 2021 4:26 pm

    Andrew, so proud of you to follow your dreams! I can’t wait to read more. Keep it simple.

  • Wade Miller
    May 3, 2021 6:33 pm

    Love it!!! Great blog post Andrew, look forward to reading more on here and seeing plenty more fish catches!!!

  • Martha Adams
    May 3, 2021 8:05 pm

    Looks like a great time was had. Good luck for many future fishing days.

  • Julie Good
    May 3, 2021 8:15 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing a little bit of your heaven! Sounds like an amazing place and a perfect destination for fly fishing.

  • Frank McEwen
    May 4, 2021 9:49 am

    Andy, you’ve painted a picturesque scene like Bob Ross in the words of Hemingway or Twain. Absolutely Beautiful. Hope to see you 6/5.

  • Merry Laherty
    May 9, 2021 9:52 am

    Andrew!! I am so very happy that you found the perfect new home the first try! Thank you for sharing your story, it is a beautiful one. Love you stay happy

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