It’s great when strangers become friends, those who are passionate about something can share that passion with others and the feeling of joyfulness can be had by all. That was certainly the case on one of our recent fishing adventures here in the great state of Montana. I’m in the not-so-unique position of being an avid fisherman and also someone who enjoys a good slice of pizza. I am in the unique position of having been able to fish with some fine folks from Mackenzie River Pizza Co. and blend the two joys. Amanda Thompson, the general manager of the Helena, MT location, and Allison Collins, out of the Bozeman, MT location with some regional supervision duties, spent the day with Mike Carey and me on the picturesque Canyon Ferry Reservoir just south of Helena, MT.
What I really enjoyed about the experience was the ability to share something I am passionate about with these two ladies who had never fished using the techniques we employed for the day. Allison had some experience with fly fishing (who hasn’t in Montana?) while Amanda was a little more green to the whole fishing experience. Both caught on tremendously quickly! Changing gear when needed or putting new bait on a hook quickly became an old hat for all of us. We trolled the southern portion of the reservoir for walleye using a combination of crankbaits and bottom bouncers. Each person picks out their lure of choice, which colors and patterns would hopefully work the best, and of course, goading the others for their poor choice of lure. After a little explanation and demonstration on how to ensure the weight had hit the bottom and the gear was set up properly, we were off and fishing.
The bite was steady all day. No huge fish, the regulations actually state only one fish over 15 inches can be retained, but the anticipation of the catch with the thrill of the familiar walleye “tug, tug” on the other side of a bottom bouncing set up more than made up for any lull. That, in combination with an abundance of beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, and light-hearted conversation made for a really great fishing experience. It was one of those days with the perfect blend of sun and shade from the clouds overhead. Just as you felt maybe it was getting a little warm, a cloud would provide just enough coverage to keep you comfortable.
To the east, the mountains within the Helena National Forest loomed over Canyon Ferry, a reminder of just how imposing but welcoming the mountains can be. And of course, the friendly banter amongst everyone on the boat helped pass the time when we would have a period of little to no fish. We talked about everything from of course fishing and pizza, to getting our own young children interested in fishing, and hockey, our backgrounds that led us to Big Sky country, our jobs and the people we work with, and too many other topics to mention. We spent the morning and early afternoon on the water catching fish, even with a bonus rainbow trout thrown in, and decided to call it a day with preparation for a delicious meal in the restaurant.
One last note on the trout (you couldn’t expect an article based in Montana without a reference to a nice rainbow, right?) – it was fortunate enough to escape what was presumably an attack by an eagle or osprey at some point. It had two noticeable gashes on the left side of its body. A reminder that nature is always moving and present even if we are locked into the towns and cities with which we live.
Our time in the restaurant was as enjoyable as the fishing. I’ve been to the Helena location plenty of times and really appreciate the atmosphere and fishing themes in the restaurant. Something I had not known before talking with Amanda and Allison, is that each restaurant has its own driftboat as a decorative piece in the building. It’s hard to miss a hanging boat in a restaurant and even harder to not appreciate the craftsmanship it took to build it. Fly fishing and Montana-themed decor are abundant in the dining room and bar area.
From the lodgepole-style wooden tables and chairs to the dry fly engraved decorative glass that separates the booths. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming feeling with a carved wooden bear greeting you and asking you to wait for your hostess to seat you. An immersive dining experience to all things adventure. And of course, how could I not highlight the food?
The offerings are right on point with the Montana and fishing themes you’d expect. I had to order my all-time favorite pizza, the Madison, named after the Madison River in southwest Montana. Bacon, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese? I should’ve ordered two. And to wash down the pizza, exclusive to Mackenzie River, the Drift Boat Amber Ale. A little earthy, a little sweet, it’s just a great-tasting beverage to sip on while you’re enjoying some food and maybe watching a game, taking in the scenery, or chatting with friends. My other go-to menu offerings include the lodgepoles with pesto, trout dip with crostini, the stockman pizza, their version of a meat lover’s pizza (with steak strips!), or the Flathead pizza, named after of course Flathead Lake near Glacier National Park. Perhaps I’ll get some of that on my next visit.
The fishing adventure concluded with new friends sitting around the table breaking bread, sorry, pizza, with one another. I am grateful for the experience out on the water and in the restaurant. It’s something I hope you get to share with people in your life on a regular basis – a blend of recreation and comradery. When you get the opportunity, I can’t recommend enough a day of fishing with others concluding with some quality food at one of the great restaurants in our area. Interested in experiencing it for yourself? Mackenzie River Pizza Co. has locations throughout the northwest and beyond, check them out and taste for yourself. Did I mention you should order the Madison?
https://www.mackenzieriverpizza.com/
