Floating & Recreation on Montana Rivers

Rating:
Summary: A Canoeing Instructor's Comments
Review: Although the book has lots of good information, like any first editions, this has some glitches and errors about river information. Some features like dams, diversions and rapids don't exist where they are depicted yet some features are more hazardous that indicated. Use caution and don't accept at face value. It should be verified through some other source before depending on it. (Fish & Game, canoe dealers, local paddlers, other guide books, etc.) Originally published in 1993, some of the information is now dated. The author has provided a great quantity of useful facts for floaters and fishermen and the appendices are also chockful of valuable information. I think the out-of-state visitor will find a lot of this especially helpful.

Hydrographs are always interesting and a worthwhile addition to any river guide. However, Mr. Thompson, for some reason, used just 1991 flows for many of the rivers. This has skewed the information because, in some areas of the state, 1991 was an exceptionally good snowpack year and produces a hydrograph much higher than an average would be.

His overuse of quotation marks to deliniate the river miles is quite disconcerting. The glossary, called "River Talk", has included some definitions a paddler would probably never use but other, important terms have been omitted.

To summarize--this book does have helpful info but do use caution because there are errors.

Rating:
Summary: VERY USEFUL INFORMATION!
Review: I have really enjoyed this book. It has plenty of information, much of which is on history, river features and species of fish that will not be outdated for decades. The practical knowledge and safety tips are worth the price of the book. I used this book to prepare for my last three floats and even enjoy reading about the areas of Montana (and facilities/campgrounds) that I travel through by car.

Rating:
Summary: VERY USEFUL INFORMATION!
Review: I have really enjoyed this book. It has plenty of information, much of which is on history, river features and species of fish that will not be outdated for decades. The practical knowledge and safety tips are worth the price of the book. I used this book to prepare for my last three floats and even enjoy reading about the areas of Montana (and facilities/campgrounds) that I travel through by car.