16
THE SUN
OUTDOORS
AUGUST 11, 2021
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
Rick Grassett and guide Mark Moreni pause for a fly change along a scenic stretch of the Big Hole River.
Reel Time On The Road: Dillon, Montana Reel Time RUSTY CHINNIS
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his past week I fished the Big Hole, Madison and Beaverhead Rivers in Montana with a group of anglers hosted by Captain Rick Grassett at Montana’s Medicine Lodge, a working ranch near Dillon, Montana. Over five days we fished the three rivers from drift boats, casting dry flies and nymphs. This is Grassett’s 20th year hosting the trip and the second time I’ve joined the group in what is evolving into an annual event. We fished with Dave King Outfitters, based in Dillon. Grassett fished with King as a
guide for many years at another lodge that eventually closed. After the closure of that lodge, King decided to become an outfitter and hooked up with Grassett and Montana’s Medicine Lodge, which provides a unique western working ranch atmosphere. The group of seven anglers fished with King’s guides, changing partners and guides each day. On the first day, I fished with Dennis Kinley, who I first met 15 years ago in the Bahamas on a bonefishing trip. Dennis is a regular with the group. Our guide was Jake Heinecke, a fishing and hunting guide who teaches school in Dillon when he isn’t guiding. Over the day we landed a number of brown trout, including some quality fish from 16-19 inches. During our float we watched thunderstorms
RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN
The author’s 20” brown trout took a dry fly off the surface on the Madison River Float. SEE REEL TIME, PAGE 17
