Good Bear

I saw this bear up close and personal last week. Nice bear looks like a mature boar with wide feet, long legs, blocky face and straight back. I got up to 30 yards on this guy. Unfortunately he was on the Blackfeet Reservation. I could hunt him for $1,500.

Blackfeet Nation Fishing Trip

In the nearly fifteen years I’ve lived in Montana, one of the things that’s been on my to-do list was: “I should go up north and fish on the Blackfeet Reservation.” Like many of you, I’ve heard of the monster rainbows that inhabit the lakes on the Blackfeet tribal lands. As the years have gone by, I just never got it done. During this past winter, I vowed this year was going to be different, so I contacted Joe Kipp of Morning Star Outfitters.

Joe is member of the Blackfeet tribe and guides both fisherman and hunters. Yes, non-members can hunt on tribal lands, too—contact Joe at 406-338-2735 or Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife at 406-338-7207. Only members of the Blackfeet Nation are allowed to guide on tribal lands. Joe was one of the first guides when the program was set up in 1985. He has a lot of experience and knows intricacies of fishing the lakes that will put you in the right place to catch these monster fish.

The Blackfeet Fishery took a hit during the drought years that led to many lakes being unfishable due to low water conditions. The drought kept pressure on the few lakes that were open and impacted the amount of trophy fish in the lakes.

However in 2007, a full time fisheries biologist, Toby Taber, was hired to more closely monitor the Blackfeet Fisheries. There are more than 1,200 miles of streams and 11,000 acres of lakes occurring on the tribal lands, so Toby has his hands full. One of the items on Toby’s agenda was to conduct a fishery population survey on thirteen of the lakes on the Blackfeet Nation. As a result of this survey, many popular lakes such as Duck, Mitten, Mission, and Kip were stocked in 2008 to much higher levels than in the past years, in some cases doubling the number of fish that were stocked. This should pay off handsomely in the future given the fish growth rate is approximately one inch per month for the first two years in the fishery.

The day I fished with Joe I landed four fish, ranging somewhere in the 2-3 lb. range. As Joe said to me, “You don’t travel this far to catch 2 lb. fish. Let’s go look for some bigger ones”. This fisherman was very happy catching fish in the 2-3 lb. range!


One of Joe’s clients who fished the day before landed 50 of these rainbows! Why do I always hear, “Should have been here yesterday!” He had a tough time casting as his arm was still fatigued from fighting those big rainbows.

Hiring a guide for one or two days can be a great way to learn the lakes and how to fish them. This can also save you time and in the long run, money. It may also send you home with some fish instead of a stringer of frustration. I know the day I spent with Joe Kipp will be a memorable one for me. The fishing was great, but so was the opportunity to explore the Blackfeet culture and visit some beautiful parts of the nation. Thanks Joe!

If you fish without a guide, be prepared to bring all your gear—tippet, leader, weight, hooks, etc. as the local IGA has a very limited amount of fishing equipment. There are no fly shops located in Browning. However, Duck Lake Lodge has a good assortment of locally tied flies and is located three miles from Duck Lake. Visit their website at http://www.montanasducklakelodge.com/ . Be sure to allow for time to purchase a tribal fishing license. These can be obtained from guides, Teeples IGA and Duck Lake Lodge.

If you plan on fly fishing take a sinking fly line. Not only will it help get your flies down to the fish, it will also help you cast easier in the ever present wind. For flies, look at bringing black and brown leeches in sizes 2-6, scuds, and wooly buggers in an assortment of colors.

One thing is for sure: this country is wild, open and beautiful. It’s hard to find a better view than when fishing in one of 20 lakes that this area has to offer. So take the time to head up north and spend some time fishing on the Blackfeet Nation. I’ve never fished someplace I had a harder time leaving.

Blackfoot Reservation Fishing Report

We've all heard of the MONSTER fish that the Blackfoot Reservation holds. So I thought I'd up date you on what is happening up north. It's not too late to catch the big fish in the shallows!

Joe Kipp of Morningstar Outfiitters filed this fishing report to SportsmensAccess.com.

I will be fishing with Joe on Monday, so check back here to see how we do!

Fishing Report

Mission Lake
Fishing is slow but consistent. Water is good color and fish are +5 lb. This is Joe's recommendation for the best place to catch a monster. He also cautioned that you will get few hookups, but the ones you do hook into will be big.

Kipp Lake
Kipp is full for the first time in many years. The water is the color of tea. The bite is on with fish in shallows. The average fish here are in the 3-1/2 lb. range. This is also a place where you can hook into a monster.

Hidden, Dog Gun, Mittens and Four Horns Lakes
All fishing fair. The water quality is good with some fish in the shallows.

Duck Lake
Fishing is fair now with most fish still off the color change. Water quality (visibility) is the best of all the lakes and sight fishing should start in a few days.
The fish will be smaller than Kipp or Mission but the clarity of the water will allow for more fish to be caught.The average fish here are 2-1/2 lb. The biggest fish tend to "only" be in the 4-1/2 lb. range.

ONLY 4-1/2 lb. Really? What a bummer, huh!

Last Weekend for Spring Gobblers

This is the last weekend to hunt spring turkeys as the season closes Sunday, May 17th. Reports from the field have indicated that bird activity has remained good, but birds have become less responsive to calls as the season comes to a close.

Remember to visit our website and search the database if you don't know where to go.

Some Black Bear Units Close TODAY!

Field reports from Region 1-3 indicate that bear activity picked up this week. One hunter I spoke with reported that he looked at nine different bears in the area he was hunting in--Region 3.

The third week in May is typically the week with the highest harvest in Montana. Warmer temperatures and increased moisture have had a positive impact on forage that are important to bears this time of year. If you are hunting in Region 2, take precautions if you are in the Blackfoot Watershed and the Clearwater Drainage. Both these areas continue to have a lot of grizzly activity. The bulk of the activity is taking place in the Seeley Lake, Lincoln and Helmville areas, with a few grizzly bears reported downstream between Potomac and Clearwater Junction.

Throughout Montana bears are foraging along streams, rivers and grazing in lower meadows and fields. Reports indicate that most bears being spotted are in lower elevations due to the heavy snow pack in the mountains.

Check the bear regulations as units 100, 102, 104, 105, 108, 280, 290, 300 close this Friday, May 15th and others remain open either through May 31st or through June 15th.

Weekend Fishing Report

This looks like a great weekend to go fishing. So go out and get it done!

Visit the website for an up to date report of area rivers with direct links to fishing reports from across the state. Here's a sample of what you'll find on the rivers and lake.

Looks like Fort Peck is hot and fishing very well. If your up for a drive this one would be a great pick for a lake to fish on. Lake Ridge Motel and Bait Shop reported that fish were really biting in the weeds and brush along the shoreline. The water is up over 12 feet. They reported seeing some lunkers brought in throwing jigs into the bruch and weeds along the shoreline.

Visit our website and go to Current Conditions Fishing to get current updates of fishing reports from around the state.

Missouri River

Flows have been holding around 8200 cfs. Water temps are up to 46 coming out of the dam which should do good things for the fishing.The Baetis have been out in good numbers, as well as March Browns down low. Higher flows have kept the dry fly action to a minimum so far. Warmer temps this weekend should put caddis on the water soon which might change the dry fly picture. The best shot at any dry fly fishing has been late in the day.There is a fair amount of water coming out of the tribs adding some color to the lower reaches. So far it's still in fishing shape through the lower reaches.Persistent streamer fishing can produce some big boys. Nymphing is still offering the most consistent option for numbers.

Big Horn River

Water flows are at 3,600 cfs. Water temperatures are starting to climb slowly. Starting Wednesday at 4PM, river discharges will increase to 4,000 cfs. Fishing is good on Sowbugs, Scuds, Baetis and Midge Pupa. Streamer fishing has been fair depending on the day. There are fish feeding on Single Midges, Midge Clusters, and Baetis Duns in the afternoon.

Bitterroot

The whole river is on the drop, but its not going to last long. You should see fishing through Friday and maybe Saturday when the warm weather hits . Fishing with nymphs will probably be the most reliable, but you might see a little afternoon action with dries. The spring mayfly hatches have still been going strong and the caddis are out down low.

Blackfoot

Flows are holding relatively steady for the moment around 4100 cfs. It's green enough to catch fish, but it just hasn't turned on much this spring. Big Leggy Nymphs in the soft water might get you a few. Look for fishing to pick back up in late June with the Salmonfly hatch.

Rock Creek UPDATED!!! from ROCK CREEK TROUT BUMS visit them at www.rockcreektroutbums.com

Skwalas are gone, and though the march browns were good, but are now getting scarce. There have been a FEW caddis, but not many yet – it’s just been too darn cold for much bug action! The water has been like a roller coaster, but has remained clear. Floaters have gotten some good action under water; no wading is advisable on the lower end (because of the flow) but the upper end has been good with even some dry fly action on the warmer days. Any dry fly action has been between 1 and 3 pm. Then it just turns off.

Koocanusa

The Koocanusa Fishing Derby is this weekend. For more information, check out the Koocanusa Resort website.Canyon FerryRainbow fishing has been good on the north end. The hottest spot for shore anglers has been off the Outhouse between the Dam and Yacht Basin and around Shannon boat ramp. The Rainbows are being caught on egg sacks, bead-headed nymphs and flies. Walleye fishing is slow, with some action off the south dikes. TiberThere are not many people fishing. A few Northerns are being reported as well as the occasional Walleye. The weather has been pretty windy all week.

Fort Peck

Water is up over 12 feet with all the run-off. Fishing is very good for Lake Trout and Walleye. Throwing jigs into the weeds is producing nice, big lunkers! This is a great time to hit the lake near the dam.

Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Beaverhead

The caddis hatch is officially upon us, despite the weather! They're out on the Madison, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Beaverhead, and should be showing up soon on the Big Hole. So now is the time before all of the rivers come up and get dirty, to get out there and enjoy some fine dry fly fishing. You'll want to check the river reports before heading out as fishing is day to day depending on temperatures.

Enter to Win Montana's Top 20

Don't forget to visit http://www.sportsmensaccess.com/ to win 20 flies selected by Montana Troutfitters. Chris Kumlien the store manager picked this flies out as his favorites!

They include everyday dependable flies like:

• Prince Nymph
• Hare's Ear Nymph
• Black Wooly Bugger
• Elk Hair Caddis
• Adams Nymph

And some surprises like the:

• Hot Wire Mayfly
• Bushes Crayfish
• Gummy Stone
• Electric Butt Caddis

There are 11 more! So get to the site and enter to win.

Beaverhead Sportsmens Association

On Thursday I attended the Beaverhead Sportmen's Association meeting in Dillon. Approximatley 50 sportsmen attended. Also at the meeting were a number of FWP personnel including, Pat Flowers, Curt Alt, 3 area biologists, and Quentin Kujala.

The meeting was called by the association to bring attention to:

• low bull to cow elk ratios across southwest Montana


• Lack of quality of mule deer buck hunting


• High numbers (500-700) elk harboring on private land prior to the hunting season.


• The effect of HB 42 requiring area bioligist to manage elk to a specific number not the biological carry capacity of a hunt district.

Since Region 3 contains 50% of the elk in Montana these issues are critical to the future of quality elk hunting in Montana.

Incidently HB 42 was passed two legislative sessions ago by Debby Barrett, now sentator in the Montana legislature. She is also a rancher in this area. She also introduced a bill this session that would take the management of elk out of the hands of FWP and put it in the control of the Montana Legislature. Tell me that this isn't a bad idea. Politicians managing our ELK!!!

The conclusions from the meeting were:

• The area of SW Montana will likely moved to brow tined bull only


• Validation of an area will be considered to manage hunter numbers


• Game manager need to work with land owners to move elk out of pivots prior to the opening of general hunting season and on to public land.

There will be more to come from this for sure! Look for an article in Big Sky Outdoor News and this blog!

Spring Time is Bear Time

May means that spring black bear season is in full swing. We’ve had a handful of reports from the field that bears were seen outside of their dens in the first two weeks of April. As the warmer, longer days of May arrive black bears will be out in full force.

I spoke with, Jamie Jonkel, bear biologist for Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks about black bears. Jamie shared with me that large boars are the first to emerge from dens usually coming out sometime in March or early April. He also shared that the largest numbers of bears come out of hibernation in May. So waiting till May to hunt black bears is a good strategy if you are looking to see a larger number of bears.

The best bear habitat in the state is in region 1, followed by region 2. The wet, dark, thick, forests in these regions make great habitat. Consequently these forests support a higher density of bears. The Northwest corner of the state, the Bitterroot Range, and the Seely Swan area are some of the best bear habitats in the state. This FWP map shows the typical black bear range in Montana.

Map Courtesy of MFWP

When looking for spring bears look for drainages with a south facing slopes. Then use your optics to look for snow chutes with pockets of green vegetation. Most major drainages will have at least one area like this. If you find the green you find the bears. Jamie let me know about two of the most important foods emerging spring black bears look for, Glacier Lilly and Spring Beauty, pictured here.

Glacier Lilly

Spring Beauty

Cow Parsnip

He went on to say that, “bears will focus on these snow chutes until creek and river bottoms start to green up with grasses, Skunk Cabbage, Cow Parsnip, young Nettles, and Horsetails.” Be sure to look for these key bear foods.

Jamie also suggests a few precautions when looking for spring black bears:

1. Know what kind of bear you are shooting

The highest mortality for grizzly bears comes from hunters. Visit FWP website to take the bear test or to refresh your identification skills. Here is the link: http://fwp.mt.gov/bearid/default.html

2. Take care not to shoot sows

Every year hunters shoot large sows with cubs. If you do you are almost guaranteeing the cubs won’t survive. Take care to avoid shooting any sows as they will not always have cubs traveling with them. Black bears sometimes stash their cubs in trees and return for them later. These large sows are some of the best cub producers. Shooting them hurts bear recruitment. It is estimated that shooting an older sow like this takes not only her out of the population but also on average, seven cubs that she would have given birth to.

Recently I found a great black bear video produced by the late Duncan Gilchrist, Spot, Study, Shoot. It outlines the key traits to look for to determine whether the black bear you’re looking at is a sow or a boar. The video goes on to say that, “determining boars from sows is no more difficult than telling boys from girls in humans.” After watching the video I would have to agree. It identifies key traits to look for in bears to determine if the bear you are looking at is a shooter or not. Here’s a sample:

Young adolescent bears
These bears are more difficult to tell the sex of, just like in humans. This is typically not the kind of trophy a hunter is looking to take. Characteristics of a young bear are:
-Upright narrow ears
-Teddy bear look
-Fluffy fur
-Long legs

Mature Sows
These bears are the ones we definitely do not want to shoot as they are great cub producers. Taking them out of the population means reducing huntable numbers of black bears. They are characterized by:
-Prominent rear end
-Short neck
-Pointed snout
-Short front legs
-Back line is sloped forward

Trophy Boars
These are the kind of bears we are looking to harvest. The characteristics to look for are:

-High front end
-Back is straight or higher in the front than it is in the rear
-Big square snouts
-Square faces
-Wide front shoulders compared to the head
-Wide ear spacing, if you can put four ears between the ears you are looking at a trophy bear


You can order, Spot, Study, Shoot, at Outdoor Books and Videos, 405 Dutch Hill Road, Hamilton, MT 59840 or call 406-961-4314. Or by going to Ebay and search for Spot, Study, Shoot: Bear Hunting by Duncan Gilchrist. At $14.95 it is an investment worth making.

Now that you know, the areas that have good bear density, the habitat to focus on, and some key characteristics in identifying a boar vs. a sow, the only missing ingredient is you out in the field!

Turkey with Three Beards

One of our subscribers took this Tom Turkey a few weeks ago. Kind of odd that it had three beards. I personally have never seen a turkey with three beards!

22 Incher...

Fishing was tough over the weekend with unpredicable weather and high winds. I fished for two days and landed one fish worth talking about a nice 22 inch rainbow from and area lake.

Wouldn't you like to know where? Anyway here's the fish...

Joe from Belgrade if you are reading this I owe you man! I caught this one on the fly you gave me a year ago. You are the MAN!!!

Caddis on the Stone

Yesterday we had reports that the caddis flies were on the lower part of the Yellowstone River around Livingston. Now's the time to get your gear ready and book a trip or fill your fly box with a good caddis seclection.

We recommend elk hair caddis, goddards caddis, peacock caddis. To name a few of my favorite flies. You may also want to pack some caddis emergers. Look for flies in the evenings, so plan on a float or wading from 3pm on given warmer weather. Which could totally be a question mark.