A paean to Bud Lilly – a trout’s best friend

A paean to Bud Lilly – a trout’s best friend

George Ochenski (left) and Bud Lilly (right) pictured here in 2007 (Photo courtesy of George Ochenski). A paean is “a fervent expression of joy or praise.”  When it comes to the long and ongoing struggle to preserve the incredible legacy of Montana’s world-famous trout fishing rivers and streams, Bud Lilly, who was recently inducted into the National Fly Fishing Hall of Fame, deserves every bit of the praise — and the joy.  For thousands of youn…

Paying Tribute to the Great Bud Lilly

George Ochenski (left) and Bud Lilly (right) pictured here in 2007 (Photo courtesy of George Ochenski). Bud Lilly’s Trout Shop opened in West Yellowstone, Montana, in 1952, and he ran it for more than three decades. Even after new owners took over in 1982, the name remained until 2020 because Lilly had created such an iconic brand. His shop was a Mecca for fly fishers from around the world, and his catalog brought a taste of Montana to those liv…