Included / Not Included: –
Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guiding, pre-dinner cocktails & wine (the lodge recommends BYOB as selection is limited).
Not Included: Transportation to and from the lodge, fishing licenses (available at lodge), state accommodations tax, tackle and flies. The lodge has a small fly shop.
Travel Logistics:
Arrival Information: To get to Crane Meadow Lodge you will need to make travel arrangements to Bozeman or Butte, MT. The lodge is located just outside of Twin Bridges Montana which is about two hours from either airport. Arrival and departure days are flexible. Private planes can land in Dillon, MT.
Getting to the Lodge: You can rent a car at the airport or a shuttle service is available. The lodge can arrange for a round trip shuttle service for a cost of about $300. Afternoon and early evening arrivals are encouraged. Please forward a copy of your flight information to us so we can arrange for your shuttle if needed. The lodge will arrange a shuttle at no charge to/from the Dillon, MT airstrip.
Departure Information: On your departure day you will transfer to the airport after breakfast.
Directions to Crane Meadow Lodge:
From Twin Bridges:
Go out of Twin Bridges on HWY 287 about 1 mile and turn right on Seyler Lane (across from airport turn sign). It is the first right out of town. Follow Seyler for approx 2 miles, cross the river and turn left under the arch with the Crane overhead. You will then see the lodge ahead.
Personal aircraft and private charter options:
Dillon, Montana - Dillon Flying Service has 6500 ft and 3600 ft runways - 406.683.5242
2400 Airport Road Dillon, MT 59725 - Email: dillonfbo@bmt.net
Travel Cash:
As a guideline we recommend that each guest travels with approximately $600 - $800 for staff & guide gratuities, alcohol, licenses, flies, etc.
Gratuities:
Gratuities are a person preference however guidelines are always helpful. We recommend giving your gratuities to the lodge manager on the last day of your stay (fishing guides seem to average around $75-$110 per day total). We also recommend leaving about $20 – 25 per day per guest for the lodge staff.
Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are not included. Please be prepared to pay for these on-site with cash or credit card. See itinerary for details.
We recommend purchasing your Montana license online before your trip. Licenses can be purchased at: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/license/
Give us a call if you need assistance in purchasing your license online.
Climate:
Temperatures typically range from the mid 50’s to the mid 90’s. In the summer it is usually quite warm during the day and cool in the evening. However, it is important for guests to be prepared for cold rainy conditions throughout the season.
Medical Facilities:
The closest smaller hospital is in Dillon which is about 1/2 hour drive away. Bozeman has a full care hospital and is approximately a 1 1/2 hour drive. Guests have the responsibility to disclose any special medical, physical, or dietary needs to the lodge ahead of time.
Power and Communications:
Cell phone service at the lodge is very intermittent – please check with your service provider. You usually can get cell service in Twin Bridges. The lodge has a phone that is available. The lodge has a DSL internet connection for those with their own laptop or guests may use the lodge computer for checking email.
Clothing:
As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodge is neat but casual.
Laundry:
Laundry is available upon request to guests during their stay. Please be prepared to pay for this service onsite.
Beverages/Alcohol:
Although pre-dinner cocktails & wine are provided, the lodge recommends bringing your own alcoholic beverages (BYOB) as their selection is limited.
Tackle/Equipment List:
Rods: 9 foot rods for 4 - 6 weight lines.
Lines: Floating lines, weight forward or double tapered.
Reels: Any quality single action fly reel with 50 yards of 20 lb backing.
Leaders: 7 1/2 ft leaders in 3x - 5x. Bring additional tippet in the same diameters.
Flies: Dries: Blue Wing Olives #16-20, assorted hoppers in #6. Nymphs: Black Stone #8, Prince #14-18, Bird’s Nest #14-18, AP Black #14-18, Pheasant tails #14-18, Sparkle Pupae tan and green #16-18. Streamers: brown, black, and olive weighted woolley buggers in # 4-8. Note: There is a well-stocked fly shop located at the Lodge.
Waders & Boots: Lightweight breathable waders are recommended. Neoprene socks are recommended when wet wading. Please, no studded wading boots.
Note: The lodge has a small fly shop. Anglers will be billed for flies, etc. used at the end of their stay. Crane Meadow Lake Lodge is happy to accept personal checks, cash or traveler's checks. If Visa or Master Card is used a four percent (4%) surcharge will apply.
