By Will Casella
Washington D.C. based journalist Desmond Butler recently decided to try his hand writing about his true passions: fly-fishing and Montana. The results are impressive so far. Butler, a foreign affairs journalist for the Associated Press, published an article titled “Swollen rivers, but great fly fishing in Montana,” on August 3, 2011. The article is currently being featured both nationally and internationally in large media outlets such as The Washington Post, Newsday, CNBC, CBS News, and ABC News to smaller venues ranging as far as the El Paso Times and the Winnipeg Free Press.
This is great news for the fly-fishing industry in Montana, which has been having a very difficult season due to the unusually high water conditions. In July, typically one of the busiest months, primarily only tailwater fisheries were viable options for guided trips causing crowded conditions and often cancelled trips- creating a precarious economic outlook for many fly-fishing businesses.
Butler’s article emphasizes the overall Montana experience with a prose laden with mystique and adventurous undertones. Fly-fishing is an emphasis, but the pervasive beauty of Montana is the end result. Butler was able mention numerous small Montana businesses, something rarely done in Associated Press publications. The Stonefly Inn, Healing Waters Lodge, Upper Canyon Ranch, Rainbow Valley Lodge, and Parade Rest were mentioned as recommended accommodations. Four Rivers Fishing Company in Dillon and Frontier Anglers in Twin Bridges were recommended as outfitters. Bozeman company, Phasmid Rentals, was recommended for providing outfitted four-wheel drive rental cars, rental gear, and trip planning services.
The Associated Press serves 1,700 newspapers and 5,000 radio and television outlets in the US and internationally providing access to nearly half of the world’s population. Whether or not Butler’s Montana story will be picked-up globally, this is still fantastic press for Montana.
Read Butler’s full story here
