Hyalite Creek in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana

An angler's paradise. Hyalite Creek at Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Today we're taking a little fishing trip just south of Bozeman, Montana, to Hyalite Creek, which runs through Custer Gallatin National Forest. This is one of the most heavily visited recreation areas in Montana, especially for those who like to fish. Late-1800s logging operations in the surrounding forest damaged the habitat for trout in Hyalite Creek, but stream restoration projects have increased trout populations to such an extent that this is now considered a world-class destination for fly fishing.

Even if you're not the fishing type, the ecologically diverse landscapes of Custer Gallatin National Forest will delight most any visitor. Stretching across more than 3 million acres, there's plenty of hiking, camping, and mountain climbing to be had. If you're up for something a little different, hop over to Grasshopper Glacier in the Beartooth Mountains. Entombed inside the ice are millions of the now extinct Rocky Mountain locusts that were trapped long ago while swarming during severe storms.