Sorry, I know this is about a month late.  But, as Z says, I've too much to do and too much time to do it in.  Without any more delay...Belt Creek!

We left the house early and drove through Great Falls on our way to Belt Creek.  As you leave the city the area looks like it is flat all the way to NoDak.  Before long though, you drop down a hill and enter some beautiful forested county.  The road goes right past Sluice Boxes State Park.  We have heard that there is some fishing to be had here.

Sluice Boxes State Park

We turned at Monarch and found our way to our friend's place on the creek.  Now that we knew where to go, we got back in the car to find a place for breakfast.  We drove out to The Lazy Doe but they were closed so we ended up back in Monarch and the Cub's Den.  The meals were decent and the price was pretty good.  The bacon, however, was great!

After breakfast we made the short drive back to the creek.  Steve has a great piece of property there.  It is over 70 acres with a nice cabin and Belt Creek slicing through near the road.  We quickly got our gear together and then crossed the creek and began walking downstream along an old railroad grade.

Z walking along Belt Creek.

We walked for a few minutes and then headed over to the creek.  I went just a little bit further while Z started casting into a nice looking stretch.  Unfortunately, the "nice looking stretch" didn't produce anything.  However, I got right into the fish.  A beautiful cutthroat took my stimulator after just a few casts.  Right after the cutt I landed a couple small rainbows and then a larger 'bow. 

The water level was a bit low but we still had a lot of fun fishing all the way back to the cabin.  We both caught a lot of fish with almost all of them coming out of fast & broken water.  It was a hoot with the 3-weight but I was wishing by the end of the day that I had taken my bamboo 1-weight.




Z casting on Belt Creek, just below Steve's cabin.

We called Dad that evening as we were passing through Great Falls.  His timing was perfect, we pulled up to the house to find a hot BBQ and a seasoned tri-tip roast ready for the coals.

Coming up next... a windy afternoon on the North Fork of the Blackfoot.