One of the most popular activities in Gold West Country is fishing...more specifically, fly fishing. Fly fishing has become very popular in any of the world-famous trout streams located throughout the region. There are more than 65 excellent streams and lakes to fish in Gold West Country.
Catch and release fishing is encouraged, as it allows anglers to catch as many fish as they like, but let the fish go to live another day. It can sometimes be a slow process getting a fish revived, but it is much better, as fish populations won't be endangered.
There are many exciting and challenging golf courses located throughout Gold West Country. Here are just a few of them:
Anaconda Country Club -- This course is located 6 miles east of Anaconda on Montana Highway 1. Even the best of golfers can be challenged by the nine-hole course. A creek, which winds through the course, must be crossed three times in a nine-hole round. Call (406)797-3220 for more information.
Butte Country Club -- This is a challenging 18 hole golf course. Call (406)494-3383 for fees and tee times.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort -- An exciting 18 hole golf course is just part of the many activities available for you at Fairmont, located 15 miles west of Butte. It includes the longest Par 5 hole in the state of Montana. For more information, call 1-800-332-3272.
Old Works, Anaconda -- Old Works was built at the site of the old copper smelting mine, which made the town of Anaconda boom long ago. It is the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, as he spent two years designing the challenging golf course, which includes relics of the old mine. It just opened the spring of 1997.
There are many trails and forests that are open to camping. Some of them include the Helena National Forest, Deer Lodge National Forest, and the Beaverhead National Forest. There is information on specific trails to hike throughout the towns in Gold West Country.
Remember to use basic etiquette rules when camping. Especially remember this rule when hiking in the back-country: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Don't pick objects up and take them, so others can enjoy the same things too.
Another popular activity is collecting gems, rocks, and petrified wood, etc. In most places, rockhounding is allowed without a permit. This excludes only items that are of scientific importance. There is a 25 pound per day limit on petrified wood, with a yearly maximum of 250 pounds. Gold panning is also a popular activity, which are available at Bannack State Park, west of Dillon, and at Virginia and Nevada Cities (Ghost Towns).
Most public land is leased to ranchers, and is legally treated as private land. Therefore, always ask for permission before entering private or privately leased land.
Early morning and early evening are usually the best times to see wildlife throughout Gold West Country. Remember to bring your binoculars, a camera and respect for the wildlife you are viewing. Never touch any birds nests, or baby animals. Also, never feed the animals.
Your chances of seeing wildlife are increased when you go wildlife viewing at state parks, and other protected areas.
Downhill skiing is one of the major winter activities in Gold West Country. There are several skiing resorts throughout the region, including Maverick Mountain Ski Area near Dillon, Great Divide Ski Area near Helena, and Discovery Basin near Anaconda, to name a few. Cross-country skiing is also popular, with groomed trails available in several different areas.
Snowmobilers have excellent opportunities to take in spectacular scenery and challenging territory, with trails throughout the Beaverhead, Deerlodge, and Helena National Forests.
Finally, ice fishing is available in many of the lakes in Gold West Country. Ice-fishermen can catch salmon and trout by using bait such as worms, marshmallows, or corn.