Active Pursuits

Paddlefishing -- Thousands of anglers come every year to try to snag one of these prehistoric spoonbill sturgeons from the bottom of the Yellowstone River. The season is from May 15 to whenever the annual quota is met or June 30, whichever comes first, and the best fishing spot is at the intake diversion dam on the Yellowstone, 17 miles northeast of town on Mont. 16. Thought to be extinct until an angler snagged one here in 1962, these monsters (adults generally weigh 60-120 lb.) are "snagged" -- caught on treble hooks dragged along the bottom of the river -- and the limit is one fish per fisherman. Interestingly, local nonprofits accept paddlefish roe as a donation, and they sell the caviar to raise funds. You'll need both a Montana fishing license and a special tag, which several places in town sell; a concessionaire rents poles and lures. There are 30 campsites ($12, or $7 with valid Montana fishing license) at the intake. Call the chamber (tel. 406/377-5601) for additional information.