OUTDOOR LIFE
Behind the Scenes With Luke Combs on His Montana Adventure
Columbia Sportswear scored a backstage pass to the country music star’s epic journey into Big Sky Country
BY RACHEL CAVANAUGH
On a trip to Montana this spring, country music singer and songwriter Luke Combs explored some of Big Sky Country’s hidden gems during a series of fishing, trap shooting, and quad-riding excursions. Teaming up with his wife, Nicole Combs, and led by a Columbia Sportswear adventure crew, the singer romped around the rolling foothills near Livingston as he got to know the lay of the land. Below are some snapshots from his adventure.
Country singer Luke Combs spent several days fishing for trout on an excursion near Livingston, Montana.
Rods and reels
With the help of a local fishing guide, Combs and his wife scouted out several secret fishing holes where they spent the afternoon casting lines for trout. The country singer practiced tying new knots—including the multipurpose “trilene” knot—and learned a new cast called the “bow and arrow,” which is intended for small creeks and tight spaces. At one point, Combs waded through the mucky creek bed, laughing, “I’m slowly being absorbed into the sludge.” The crew reeled in about a dozen trout during their visit to the catch-and-release spot.
With the help of a local guide, Combs learned several new fly-casting techniques, including the “bow and arrow” (not pictured), a unique cast that’s ideal for small creeks and tighter spaces.
The country singer was joined on the trip by his wife, Nicole Combs, who showed off her new Columbia Sportswear Powder Lite jacket and Mesh Snap Back hat. The couple got married last summer in an intimate August wedding. “She’s a better angler than I am,” said Combs of his new bride.
In addition to fishing, Combs and his crew spent some time shooting clay pigeons on a private ranch. Combs sported apparel from Columbia's Performance Hunting Gear line.
Getting in some target practice
Fly fishing wasn’t the only activity in the books during Combs’ Montana getaway—he and his crew also spent time shooting targets on a scenic piece of property near the Bridger Mountain range. Using 12- and 20-gauge ammunition, they shot clay pigeons with panoramic views in the background. “Living the dream in Montana,” Combs said. At one point, the country music star captured some photos for friends, exclaiming, “I gotta send one to the boys!”
With snow melting on the grasslands, Luke Combs and his crew explored some of the terrain around the shooting range. The property was nestled in one of the most scenic parts of western Montana.
Wearing PHG Ptarmigan Interchange Parka, Combs took a break from shooting to kick back a cold beverage.
Combs and his crew drove quads through the rolling grasslands outside Livingston.
Soaking up the scenery
The crew also checked out some of the rugged cowboy towns nearby where, according to their fishing guide, it looks like “you’d think the Marlboro Man lives.” They rallied quads along the grassy bluffs and rolling ridges, stopping to scope out the views along the way. At one point, Nicole hopped off her quad to give some love to the ranch owner’s donkey.
The country star’s wife, Nicole Combs, stopped for a few minutes to make friends along the way.
Combs said he had an amazing time in Big Sky Country and hopes to make it back to Montana soon.
