I’m planning to drive from Madison, WI (leaving 7/25) to Ennis, MT (arriving 7/30) and I think it would be cool to camp in some national parks or other scenic campgrounds, especially if there are spots situated along rivers / creeks with possible fly fishing. I would like to spend the last night (7/29) in Yellowstone, never been and definitely wanna check it out. Does anyone have recommendations for camping / fishing along these routes? Opinions on taking I94 or I90? I’ll have all my own gear.
Posted by since93bk
7 Comments
Looks windy
Sounds like a great trip. The West Fork Madison River campgrounds come to mind, maybe Beavercreek Campground in the Madison River canyon, I also like fishing the Madison in beartrap Canyon around Ennis sometimes, fishing the Gallatin in either Yellowstone or the Montana sections…… there’s so much to see and explore and do.
In an area like this, you can almost ask for a specific kind of experience with camping or fishing and odds are there will be something for you
I’d consider taking 90 one way, and 94 the other way. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Western ND is one of my favorite National Parks, I think its very underrated. The Black Hills in SD are also great. If you’re wanting to check out Yellowstone, I’d consider checking out Grand Teton as well, it’s not that much further.
Do yourself a favor and do NOT choose the I-94 route. I-90 is way more scenic and can stop in the Driftless / Black Hills before hitting the more western areas. Ignore the wind warning; both routes are windy.
Stay on 90 (not 212) to the Bighorns if you’re looking for places to camp along the way. Take 16 west over the mountain and up through Cody into MT. It’s a much better drive and doesn’t add that much time.
Non fly fishing pro tip: while in Ennis hit up Deemos for some beef jerky. You won’t regret it, even if you don’t like beef jerky!
I’ve done variations of this road trip multiple times, and in both directions, driving from Alberta to Ontario and vice versa. There are tons of awesome experiences to be had on that route!
I assume that by leaving from Madison WI, you’re already familiar with fishing in the Driftless Region and don’t need to prioritize time in that area?
To give generic info without mentioning actual streams or rivers, I’d say..
-There are plenty of good streams between Madison and Rochester but that’s so early in your trip that it’s worth skipping unless you’ve never fished the driftless. If you haven’t though, I found it quite unique coming from Alberta.
-Do not bother looking into anything between Rochester MN and Rapid City SD. With the quality of fishing along your route, it’s best to make as much driving progress as you can through there and get to the Black Hills.
-Definitely make a stop in the Black Hills SD, lots of good streams in there and its uniquely beautiful. A different experience than you’ll get in other places. I’d recommend Spearfish City Campground for camping.
-You could then drop down to the I80 (Edit – or any route down in that S Wyoming area) and make a route through Southern Wyoming and head north up to Yellowstone from there, and do the Wyoming Cutt Slam challenge in that region. You can catch 4 species of cutthroats and It’s possible to do in a full day with 6-8hrs of driving mixed in, but there would be some backtracking on your route. This was one of my favorite things I did on my road trips though, so I’d recommend it.
-The Wind River range of Wyoming is unique and awesome. It fits into the cutt slam too.
-Plenty of info on Yellowstone, nothing to add there.
-There’s a famous river near Ennis which I’m sure you’ve noticed, it’s a must!