Posts
Sage grouse and blue grouse were pleniful this weekend in areas south of Dillon. I saw at least a dozen birds over the weekend. A few out of state hunters were out for the opener with dogs in tow. I didn't see any Montana residents hunting in the area for birds. Archery yes, birds no.
I did hear of reports from hunters who went for sharptails in eastern Montana that the hot weather kept dogs moving slow and birds in deeper cover. Overall it seems like the hot weather did make it difficult for bird hunters.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Elk Season off to a slow start
The archery elk season seems to be off to a slow start due to warm weather and a full moon on the opener. Hunters I talked to this weekend reported seeing and hearing a few elk but not many. A lot of people were also in the woods with the Labor Day weekend the same as the archery opener. So with the increased traffic and the warm weather elk and deer are at the top of the timber pockets in the highest basins.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Antelope Season Has Begun
Hey it's Hunting Time!!!
Yeehaa, time to start chasing the little critters around. Here a one buck I let walk this past weekend. After looking at this photo I think I blew it. But it was the first day and he was at 35 yards. Yeah I should have taken the shot.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Elk Drawing Results Available
The drawing results for Elk are now available on the FWP website. I didn't draw my permit this year either. Bummer. I also didn't get my second choice ;(.
Maybe you'll have better luck than I did.
Remember the Antelope drawing will not be completed until August 6th. A short time to plan on if you draw the 900 archery antelope tag. The bison drawing will not be completed until September.
Maybe you'll have better luck than I did.
Remember the Antelope drawing will not be completed until August 6th. A short time to plan on if you draw the 900 archery antelope tag. The bison drawing will not be completed until September.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Drawing Results for Deer are Available
The drawing results for limited entry deer are now available on the FWP Website. I didn't draw AGAIN. That's ok I'm JUST KNOW I'm going to draw the Elkhorns this year for elk. The drawing results for elk should be available in the next few days. Antelope results won't be available till August 6th.
Crossing my fingers!
Crossing my fingers!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Deer Hunting at the Marias River State Park and WMA
The FWP Commission recently approved a limited-access deer hunt at Montana's new Marias River State Park and Wildlife Management Area, southwest of Shelby.
Hunters have until Aug. 7 to apply online or by mail. Applications are available at all FWP regional offices or via the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov <http://fwp.mt.gov/default.html>.
Click "Marias Deer Hunt Access <http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/hunteraccess/marias.html>."
"At meetings last winter, area residents stated their preference for a limit on the number of hunters using the new property," says Gary Olson, FWP wildlife biologist.
Access to the new Marias River State Park and Wildlife Management Area will be allocated as follows:
Archery Season - Sept. 5-Oct. 18, 2009
· 10 archers for the first 2 weeks
· 10 archers for the 3rd and 4th weeks
· 10 archery hunters for 5th and 6th weeks
General Season - Oct. 25-Nov. 15, 2009
· 10 rifle hunters for the 1st week
· 10 rifle hunters for the 2nd week
· 10 rifle hunters for the 3rd and final week
Each of the 60 hunters randomly drawn will be notified by letter of their access. Public access remains open for all other species - antelope, birds and fishing. Maps of the property and general area rules are available online or at FWP’s Region 4 office in Great Falls.
For more information call the FWP Region 4 office at (406) 454-5840.
Points to remember:
· Hunter may apply only once per year.
· Hunters may apply for either the archery season or the general rifle season, but not both.
· No party applications accepted.
· Hunt periods will be allotted at the time of drawing and are not transferable.
· Hunters must include their full name, address, phone number, ALS number and desired hunt method (archery or rifle) on the application.
· Successful applicants will be contacted with hunt access information and authorized permission before the start of archery season.
· Successful applicants may use any deer license valid in Hunting District 406.
· All hunting will conform to regulations for hunting district 406, which has a three-week deer season.
Hunters have until Aug. 7 to apply online or by mail. Applications are available at all FWP regional offices or via the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov <http://fwp.mt.gov/default.html>.
Click "Marias Deer Hunt Access <http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/hunteraccess/marias.html>."
"At meetings last winter, area residents stated their preference for a limit on the number of hunters using the new property," says Gary Olson, FWP wildlife biologist.
Access to the new Marias River State Park and Wildlife Management Area will be allocated as follows:
Archery Season - Sept. 5-Oct. 18, 2009
· 10 archers for the first 2 weeks
· 10 archers for the 3rd and 4th weeks
· 10 archery hunters for 5th and 6th weeks
General Season - Oct. 25-Nov. 15, 2009
· 10 rifle hunters for the 1st week
· 10 rifle hunters for the 2nd week
· 10 rifle hunters for the 3rd and final week
Each of the 60 hunters randomly drawn will be notified by letter of their access. Public access remains open for all other species - antelope, birds and fishing. Maps of the property and general area rules are available online or at FWP’s Region 4 office in Great Falls.
For more information call the FWP Region 4 office at (406) 454-5840.
Points to remember:
· Hunter may apply only once per year.
· Hunters may apply for either the archery season or the general rifle season, but not both.
· No party applications accepted.
· Hunt periods will be allotted at the time of drawing and are not transferable.
· Hunters must include their full name, address, phone number, ALS number and desired hunt method (archery or rifle) on the application.
· Successful applicants will be contacted with hunt access information and authorized permission before the start of archery season.
· Successful applicants may use any deer license valid in Hunting District 406.
· All hunting will conform to regulations for hunting district 406, which has a three-week deer season.
Friday, July 10, 2009
River Fishing Report
Beaverhead
Provided by Frontier Anglers
The Beaverhead is fishing great, lots of big fish! PMD's are hatching and the dry fly activity is picking up every day. The nymph fishing has been fantastic. Yellow Sallies are popping in full force and the fish are looking up.
Fly pattern suggestions: Size 16-18 PT Crusers, size 14 T-Bur stone, Size 20 Tailwater tiny's in olive, yellow, red, and rust, Size 18 Split case PMD's, Size 16-18 Tim's Sparkle Spieder, Size 16-18 L-PMD-F, Size 16-18 PT flashback, Size 18 Tungsten Dead head LGF, Size 18 PMD Challenged, Size 16-18 CDC PMD dry, Size 18 Quigley Loopwing Dun, Size 18 LT. olive Smidget.
Big Hole
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The river is now flowing at 1730 and it's come down a lot in the last few weeks. The salmonflies are done but we have had great reports from people using attractor dries throughout the river. Some of the favorite patterns have been golden sallies, trudes, and pretty much any other green, yellow, or even purple patterns. There are a lot of natural bugs on the water right now so it is important to have a large selection of flies with you. Gray and Green drakes, caddis, pmds, and flying ants have been some of the most predominant but you never know what might be the ticket. I haven't seen the river in this good of shape in a while. There is plenty of water right now so it's a great time to escape the crowds and float the upper sections. Unfortunately, you probably won't be the only one chasing fish on the Big Hole because of the 35 inch behemoth they pulled out above Eastbank a few weeks ago. Check the story in the Montana Standard. The guy probably deserved it as much as anyone since he's been floating it since he was 14 years old and he's in his 50's. But to say it was big is an understatement.
Fly pattern suggestions: Cat Puke Orange and Black: 4-6 Mystery Meat Salmonfly: 4 Henry's Fork Salmonfly: 4-6-8 Berrett's Rubberlegged Salmonfly: 4-6 San Juan Worms (assorted colors): 8-10 Rubberlegs Tan, Chocolate, Black: 6-8 Pheasant Tails: 14-16-18 Anatomay Hares Ear: 12-14-16 Yellow Yummy: 2-4-6 Homewrecker Yellow: 2-4-6 Sex Dungeon Yellow and Natural: 2 Yuk Bug Red Belly & Black: 2-4
Big Horn
Provided by Big Horn Trout Shop
Can you say big water? The Horn is flowing at 12,200 cfs. This is historically some of the highest flows we've seen. But the fishing is phenomonal from a boat. Trying to wade the river is almost pointless. The high water is making this almost impossible. Consider floating Afterbay to Bighorn or even all the way to Mallards. Take your time, too, or you'll end up being done with your float very quickly. The key to successful fishing is getting your nymphs down to where the fish are, so some guys are fishing 1x or weighting the line to get it down quickly.
Fly pattern suggestions:
Scuds, Sowbugs in sizes 14-16 and San Juan Worms
Bitterroot
Provided by River Otter Fly Shop
The Bitterroot is in prime dryfly form right now! There are a variety of dry flies that will work right now from Goldens to PMD's, Sallies to Drakes, pick one and go! The entire river is fishing well. The lower river should fish very very well in the clouds.
Fly pattern suggestions: Golden Stones, Bitterroot Stones, Green Drakes, Sallies and PMD's BlackfootProvided by River Otter Fly Shop After a few days of funk, the Blackfoot is back to fishing well. You should be able to fish dries all day. Look for Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies and PMD's; they should be the hatches to match. The water is clearing a bit, so you may need to drop down to 4x or even 5x for your small dries. If you have a bright sunny day and there are no bugs out, try fishing a small heavy dropper under a dry fly. Look for fish eating Mayflies throughout the day. Especially when there is a bit of cloud cover. These fish will not be picky; just get the right drift.Fly pattern suggestions:Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Sallies and PMD's
Boulder
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The whole river is still really high and although clear, it makes for some really hard fishing being backed up into the brush. I would let her be until the flows start coming down. Other river options might be a safer and more productive bet. When it does start shaping up again, get a raft and hit this if you know how to row a boat. As with many other waters around the state right now, if you are attempting a float make sure that the oarsman is very comfortable with high technical water because many sections can be fairly tricky. Try weighted stones, hares ears, and streamers and make sure to hit any slack water along the banks because fish will be trying to escape the heavy current. Fly pattern suggestions:Tungsten Black Retriever & Brown Lab: 6-8 Mega Hares Ear: 6-8 Lightning Bug: 10-12 Mega Prince: 4-6 San Juan Worm: 10 Mega Hare's Ear: 6-8 Delektable Coppertone: 6-8 Delekta's Big Red: 6-8
Clark Fork
Provided by River Otter Fly Shop
The Clark Fork is fishing well with the upper stretches consistent with Golden Stones, Mayflies and Caddis. The lower reaches have been fishing better and better as the water levels drop. Again, Goldens, PMD's and Caddis are the flies to play with out there.
Fly pattern suggestions:
Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Caddis and PMD's, Any Streamers!
Gallatin
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
It's coming down and clearing day by day which has made the fishing pretty good, but watch for heavy rain which can blow it out quickly right now. Up the canyon around Big Sky has been popular lately and there have been some good reports of salmonfly action up high. Others have been fishing nymphs and attractor dries in the valley and doing well, too. As you probably know, the higher up river you go the clarity gets better and better. However, the fish don't need much visibility to eat. Many people are deceived by muddy water that is still very fishable. Caddis and PMDs are thick so go throw some dries in the evening after work. Nymphing will be your mainstay so bring black rubber legs, golden stones, yellow sally nymphs and pretty much any mayfly nymphs. Just remember the river is still big and dangerous, so be careful wading.
Fly pattern suggestions: Yuk Bug Brown, Black, Red Belly: 6-8-10, Mega Prince: 4-6 Mega Hare's Ear: 6-8 Mega Pheasant Tail: 8-10 Lightning Bug: 12-14 Copper Johnson Blue, Red, Black, Yellow: 10-12-14-16 Ugly Bug: 6-8-10 The Turd: 6-8-10 Cone-nan The Barbarian Black, Olive, White: 4 Sex Dungeon Black, Yellow: 2
Jefferson
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The river continues to get clearer and clearer and it is totally fishable right now with over two feet of visibilty even down low. A few people have been out and had decent reports on streamer fishing picking up a lot of good cookie cutter browns and rainbows with a few big fish in between. Crawdads are the best bet fished deep and twitched through the good runs. Higher sections on this river are often overlooked and they can provide a good escape and chance to try a new float. There is almost always a monster (30" plus) pulled out of here every year so it might be a good time to go play the big brown lottery and put in some time for the fish of a lifetime.Fly pattern suggestions: Sex Dungeon Natural, Yellow, Black, Olive: 2 Mike's Flankhead Rainbow: 2 Articulated Fathead Tan, Olive, White: 2 CFO Streamer Tan & Olive: 4 Mike's Wounded Rainbow: 2 & 1/0 Bearded Clam (why not right?): 6 Yuk Bug Red Belly: 2-4 and whatever big concoctions that you might have aborted at your own vise...
Kootenai
Provided by Kootenai Anglers
River Discharge: 9,000 cubic feet per second.River Temperature: 55 degreesRiver Condition: 8 - foot visibility, below mid-range flowHatches: PMD's and some Tan Caddis. BWO and Little Blue quills.
Fly pattern suggestions:
PMD"s and Tan Caddis, parachute adams, gray sparkle duns. Other: prince, pheasant tails, black and olive wooly buggers, bunny buggers, da-bomb Guide Report: fish are very active with the warmer water temps. Fishing Conditions Forecast: Flows are slowly decreasing to 7,000cfs for the summer.
Madison Upper
Provided by Rivers Edge
The Salmon Fly hatch continues on the Upper Madison. Look for most of the bugs to be between Lyons and McAtee bridges. The dry fly action has been mixed, depending on the day.There are a lot of naturals around and that should keep the fish looking up for quite a while. Try going below the hatch and fish large attractors and golden stone patterns to get away from the crowds. Look for Caddis and PMD's to provide good fishing opportunities along with the salmonflies. Large stone fly nymphs and Caddis patterns should be the ticket above the hatch in the wade section. Fly pattern suggestions:
Nymphs Yuk Bugs - #4,#6Bitch Creek - #6Olive Hurless Nymph - #8Braided Stone Golden or Brown - #6 TNT Caddis - #16Super Pupa Olive - #16Serengold Chart. - #16Copper John - #18Streamers Black and Olive Buggers #4-6Sex Dungeon Black - #4Natural Circus Peanut - #4Dries Half Down Salmonfly - #6Gorilla Salmonfly - #4-#6Cat Puke #4Stimulator #6-#10
Madison Lower
Provided by Rivers Edge
Flows on the Lower Madison continue to drop, but remain above average and the fishing has been holding steady. Look for the best fishing to be nymphing in and around the weed beds and the deeper runs. Large numbers of Caddis are still around and the best dry fly fishing will be late in the evening. Sculpin and crayfish patterns trailed by smaller beadheads will be the most productive though reports of fish eating large attractors may provide an opportunity to catch some larger fish on dry flies. Look to fish early or late as the crowds of non anglers are starting to become overwhelming during the middle of the day.
Fly pattern suggestions:
Nymphs Bush's Dad - #10Clouser Crayfish #8Zirdle - #6San Juan Worm - #10Dropper Nymphs Soft Hackle Hare's Ear - #16Yuba Pupa - #16Lightning Bug Silver #16-18Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail #16Pheasant Tail #12 or #14Riverborn Worm - #10TB Flashbug - #18SH Lightning bug - #18Dries CDC Caddis Tan - #16Elk Hair Caddis - #16Corn Fed Caddis- #18 Parachute PMD - #16Streamers Olive Sculpzilla-#6Olive and Tan McCune Sculpin-#6Clouser Crayfish #8Deaddrift Crayfish #8
Missouri
Provided by The Trout Shop
As good as it gets on dries? Don't wait until the river drops, but when it does.... Caddis, PMD's, and Yellow Sallies are thick. Spent caddis save the day. PMD spinners are necessary at times. Riseforms are abundant. Flows coming into the system are slowly declining. The flood pool at Canyon Ferry Lake is 24.8% full and slowly declining. At some point, PPL and the Bureau of Reclamation will get the green light to stop spilling water. The river will go wild. When?
Rock Creek
Provided by Rock Creek Trout Bums
Good hatches of PMDs beginning early in the day should get you into fish pretty much right when you get to the water. If the weather remains even semi-sane, your day should continue productively with little yellow sallie stoneflies, smaller hoppers and caddis. Water levels have dropped to the point where wading is a good option although with flows still above 900 cfs, it's not a cake walk by any means. Remember, never fish your hopper farther from the bank than a hopper could jump.
Ruby Provided by Five Rivers Lodge
The water has been clearing up here although still murky. Guests have been doing well fishing PMD's and Caddis in the evenings. Fishing has been very good with trout being landed in the first few casts of hitting the water.
Stillwater
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The river is still high at the moment, however the upper stretches have good clarity but lots of water volume. It can be a little frustrating because even though you can fish you will be pinned up in the brush having a very hard time casting. I would highly recommend other places at these flows unless whitewater is your goal. But look for the river to get really good here soon as it continues to drop. Try large stones and streamers with attractor nymphs off of the back. Keep in mind that this can be a dangerous float so do not attempt it unless you are comfortable with rowing more technical water and wait untill it slows back down. With that said, some friends fished it a while ago and said fish were eating rubber legs, big prince nymphs, and Mega Hares Ear so it should be great when it clears in a week at least. Fly pattern suggestions: Delektable Hurless Gray & Olive: 8 Mega Hares Ear: 6-8 Mr. Rubberlegs Goldenstone: 8-10 Rubberlegs Olive, Brown, & Tan: 6-8-10 San Juan Worm: 10 Copper Bead Mayfly: 18-20 Lightning Bug: 16-18 BHFBPT: 14-16-18-20
Yellowstone
Provided by Rivers Edge
While the river is still big, it fished well yesterday up in the Paradise Valley for the first time this summer. Nymphing with bugs close to the bank was the ticket and they had to be fished deep. There were signs that the Salmonflies had already passed through, but we have guides today on the way to the upper river trying to catch the last bit of them. We'll know tomorrow if they found any up there. Remember if you go to the Yellowstone it is still a big powerful heaving river and you should only be on it if you are confident on the oars.
Fly pattern suggestions:
Streamers Black Buggers #4Olive Buggers #4-6Yuk Bugs #6Girdle Bugs #6Nymphs Soft Hackle Hares Ear #12Prince Nymph #12-14Soft Hackle Copper John #14Flashback Hares Ear #14Dries Cat Puke #4Royal Stimulator #6Gorilla Salmonfly #4
Yellowstone Park
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The park has been fishing well lately and everyone we have talked to has been catching fish on a regular basis. Have seen consistent evening caddis hatches and some rusty spinners starting to show their heads. Not much new on the Madison--olive streamers are working and fun to fish. Gibbon has been busy but productive with caddis, PMDs, and trudes. Try a Prince nymph for a dropper. Firehole is fishing the best in the park. The Slough is fishable with some Caddis and dry fly action. Lamar and Soda Butte are still about a week off.
Provided by Frontier Anglers
The Beaverhead is fishing great, lots of big fish! PMD's are hatching and the dry fly activity is picking up every day. The nymph fishing has been fantastic. Yellow Sallies are popping in full force and the fish are looking up.
Fly pattern suggestions: Size 16-18 PT Crusers, size 14 T-Bur stone, Size 20 Tailwater tiny's in olive, yellow, red, and rust, Size 18 Split case PMD's, Size 16-18 Tim's Sparkle Spieder, Size 16-18 L-PMD-F, Size 16-18 PT flashback, Size 18 Tungsten Dead head LGF, Size 18 PMD Challenged, Size 16-18 CDC PMD dry, Size 18 Quigley Loopwing Dun, Size 18 LT. olive Smidget.
Big Hole
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The river is now flowing at 1730 and it's come down a lot in the last few weeks. The salmonflies are done but we have had great reports from people using attractor dries throughout the river. Some of the favorite patterns have been golden sallies, trudes, and pretty much any other green, yellow, or even purple patterns. There are a lot of natural bugs on the water right now so it is important to have a large selection of flies with you. Gray and Green drakes, caddis, pmds, and flying ants have been some of the most predominant but you never know what might be the ticket. I haven't seen the river in this good of shape in a while. There is plenty of water right now so it's a great time to escape the crowds and float the upper sections. Unfortunately, you probably won't be the only one chasing fish on the Big Hole because of the 35 inch behemoth they pulled out above Eastbank a few weeks ago. Check the story in the Montana Standard. The guy probably deserved it as much as anyone since he's been floating it since he was 14 years old and he's in his 50's. But to say it was big is an understatement.
Fly pattern suggestions: Cat Puke Orange and Black: 4-6 Mystery Meat Salmonfly: 4 Henry's Fork Salmonfly: 4-6-8 Berrett's Rubberlegged Salmonfly: 4-6 San Juan Worms (assorted colors): 8-10 Rubberlegs Tan, Chocolate, Black: 6-8 Pheasant Tails: 14-16-18 Anatomay Hares Ear: 12-14-16 Yellow Yummy: 2-4-6 Homewrecker Yellow: 2-4-6 Sex Dungeon Yellow and Natural: 2 Yuk Bug Red Belly & Black: 2-4
Big Horn
Provided by Big Horn Trout Shop
Can you say big water? The Horn is flowing at 12,200 cfs. This is historically some of the highest flows we've seen. But the fishing is phenomonal from a boat. Trying to wade the river is almost pointless. The high water is making this almost impossible. Consider floating Afterbay to Bighorn or even all the way to Mallards. Take your time, too, or you'll end up being done with your float very quickly. The key to successful fishing is getting your nymphs down to where the fish are, so some guys are fishing 1x or weighting the line to get it down quickly.
Fly pattern suggestions:
Scuds, Sowbugs in sizes 14-16 and San Juan Worms
Bitterroot
Provided by River Otter Fly Shop
The Bitterroot is in prime dryfly form right now! There are a variety of dry flies that will work right now from Goldens to PMD's, Sallies to Drakes, pick one and go! The entire river is fishing well. The lower river should fish very very well in the clouds.
Fly pattern suggestions: Golden Stones, Bitterroot Stones, Green Drakes, Sallies and PMD's BlackfootProvided by River Otter Fly Shop After a few days of funk, the Blackfoot is back to fishing well. You should be able to fish dries all day. Look for Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies and PMD's; they should be the hatches to match. The water is clearing a bit, so you may need to drop down to 4x or even 5x for your small dries. If you have a bright sunny day and there are no bugs out, try fishing a small heavy dropper under a dry fly. Look for fish eating Mayflies throughout the day. Especially when there is a bit of cloud cover. These fish will not be picky; just get the right drift.Fly pattern suggestions:Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Sallies and PMD's
Boulder
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The whole river is still really high and although clear, it makes for some really hard fishing being backed up into the brush. I would let her be until the flows start coming down. Other river options might be a safer and more productive bet. When it does start shaping up again, get a raft and hit this if you know how to row a boat. As with many other waters around the state right now, if you are attempting a float make sure that the oarsman is very comfortable with high technical water because many sections can be fairly tricky. Try weighted stones, hares ears, and streamers and make sure to hit any slack water along the banks because fish will be trying to escape the heavy current. Fly pattern suggestions:Tungsten Black Retriever & Brown Lab: 6-8 Mega Hares Ear: 6-8 Lightning Bug: 10-12 Mega Prince: 4-6 San Juan Worm: 10 Mega Hare's Ear: 6-8 Delektable Coppertone: 6-8 Delekta's Big Red: 6-8
Clark Fork
Provided by River Otter Fly Shop
The Clark Fork is fishing well with the upper stretches consistent with Golden Stones, Mayflies and Caddis. The lower reaches have been fishing better and better as the water levels drop. Again, Goldens, PMD's and Caddis are the flies to play with out there.
Fly pattern suggestions:
Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Caddis and PMD's, Any Streamers!
Gallatin
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
It's coming down and clearing day by day which has made the fishing pretty good, but watch for heavy rain which can blow it out quickly right now. Up the canyon around Big Sky has been popular lately and there have been some good reports of salmonfly action up high. Others have been fishing nymphs and attractor dries in the valley and doing well, too. As you probably know, the higher up river you go the clarity gets better and better. However, the fish don't need much visibility to eat. Many people are deceived by muddy water that is still very fishable. Caddis and PMDs are thick so go throw some dries in the evening after work. Nymphing will be your mainstay so bring black rubber legs, golden stones, yellow sally nymphs and pretty much any mayfly nymphs. Just remember the river is still big and dangerous, so be careful wading.
Fly pattern suggestions: Yuk Bug Brown, Black, Red Belly: 6-8-10, Mega Prince: 4-6 Mega Hare's Ear: 6-8 Mega Pheasant Tail: 8-10 Lightning Bug: 12-14 Copper Johnson Blue, Red, Black, Yellow: 10-12-14-16 Ugly Bug: 6-8-10 The Turd: 6-8-10 Cone-nan The Barbarian Black, Olive, White: 4 Sex Dungeon Black, Yellow: 2
Jefferson
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The river continues to get clearer and clearer and it is totally fishable right now with over two feet of visibilty even down low. A few people have been out and had decent reports on streamer fishing picking up a lot of good cookie cutter browns and rainbows with a few big fish in between. Crawdads are the best bet fished deep and twitched through the good runs. Higher sections on this river are often overlooked and they can provide a good escape and chance to try a new float. There is almost always a monster (30" plus) pulled out of here every year so it might be a good time to go play the big brown lottery and put in some time for the fish of a lifetime.Fly pattern suggestions: Sex Dungeon Natural, Yellow, Black, Olive: 2 Mike's Flankhead Rainbow: 2 Articulated Fathead Tan, Olive, White: 2 CFO Streamer Tan & Olive: 4 Mike's Wounded Rainbow: 2 & 1/0 Bearded Clam (why not right?): 6 Yuk Bug Red Belly: 2-4 and whatever big concoctions that you might have aborted at your own vise...
Kootenai
Provided by Kootenai Anglers
River Discharge: 9,000 cubic feet per second.River Temperature: 55 degreesRiver Condition: 8 - foot visibility, below mid-range flowHatches: PMD's and some Tan Caddis. BWO and Little Blue quills.
Fly pattern suggestions:
PMD"s and Tan Caddis, parachute adams, gray sparkle duns. Other: prince, pheasant tails, black and olive wooly buggers, bunny buggers, da-bomb Guide Report: fish are very active with the warmer water temps. Fishing Conditions Forecast: Flows are slowly decreasing to 7,000cfs for the summer.
Madison Upper
Provided by Rivers Edge
The Salmon Fly hatch continues on the Upper Madison. Look for most of the bugs to be between Lyons and McAtee bridges. The dry fly action has been mixed, depending on the day.There are a lot of naturals around and that should keep the fish looking up for quite a while. Try going below the hatch and fish large attractors and golden stone patterns to get away from the crowds. Look for Caddis and PMD's to provide good fishing opportunities along with the salmonflies. Large stone fly nymphs and Caddis patterns should be the ticket above the hatch in the wade section. Fly pattern suggestions:
Nymphs Yuk Bugs - #4,#6Bitch Creek - #6Olive Hurless Nymph - #8Braided Stone Golden or Brown - #6 TNT Caddis - #16Super Pupa Olive - #16Serengold Chart. - #16Copper John - #18Streamers Black and Olive Buggers #4-6Sex Dungeon Black - #4Natural Circus Peanut - #4Dries Half Down Salmonfly - #6Gorilla Salmonfly - #4-#6Cat Puke #4Stimulator #6-#10
Madison Lower
Provided by Rivers Edge
Flows on the Lower Madison continue to drop, but remain above average and the fishing has been holding steady. Look for the best fishing to be nymphing in and around the weed beds and the deeper runs. Large numbers of Caddis are still around and the best dry fly fishing will be late in the evening. Sculpin and crayfish patterns trailed by smaller beadheads will be the most productive though reports of fish eating large attractors may provide an opportunity to catch some larger fish on dry flies. Look to fish early or late as the crowds of non anglers are starting to become overwhelming during the middle of the day.
Fly pattern suggestions:
Nymphs Bush's Dad - #10Clouser Crayfish #8Zirdle - #6San Juan Worm - #10Dropper Nymphs Soft Hackle Hare's Ear - #16Yuba Pupa - #16Lightning Bug Silver #16-18Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail #16Pheasant Tail #12 or #14Riverborn Worm - #10TB Flashbug - #18SH Lightning bug - #18Dries CDC Caddis Tan - #16Elk Hair Caddis - #16Corn Fed Caddis- #18 Parachute PMD - #16Streamers Olive Sculpzilla-#6Olive and Tan McCune Sculpin-#6Clouser Crayfish #8Deaddrift Crayfish #8
Missouri
Provided by The Trout Shop
As good as it gets on dries? Don't wait until the river drops, but when it does.... Caddis, PMD's, and Yellow Sallies are thick. Spent caddis save the day. PMD spinners are necessary at times. Riseforms are abundant. Flows coming into the system are slowly declining. The flood pool at Canyon Ferry Lake is 24.8% full and slowly declining. At some point, PPL and the Bureau of Reclamation will get the green light to stop spilling water. The river will go wild. When?
Rock Creek
Provided by Rock Creek Trout Bums
Good hatches of PMDs beginning early in the day should get you into fish pretty much right when you get to the water. If the weather remains even semi-sane, your day should continue productively with little yellow sallie stoneflies, smaller hoppers and caddis. Water levels have dropped to the point where wading is a good option although with flows still above 900 cfs, it's not a cake walk by any means. Remember, never fish your hopper farther from the bank than a hopper could jump.
Ruby Provided by Five Rivers Lodge
The water has been clearing up here although still murky. Guests have been doing well fishing PMD's and Caddis in the evenings. Fishing has been very good with trout being landed in the first few casts of hitting the water.
Stillwater
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The river is still high at the moment, however the upper stretches have good clarity but lots of water volume. It can be a little frustrating because even though you can fish you will be pinned up in the brush having a very hard time casting. I would highly recommend other places at these flows unless whitewater is your goal. But look for the river to get really good here soon as it continues to drop. Try large stones and streamers with attractor nymphs off of the back. Keep in mind that this can be a dangerous float so do not attempt it unless you are comfortable with rowing more technical water and wait untill it slows back down. With that said, some friends fished it a while ago and said fish were eating rubber legs, big prince nymphs, and Mega Hares Ear so it should be great when it clears in a week at least. Fly pattern suggestions: Delektable Hurless Gray & Olive: 8 Mega Hares Ear: 6-8 Mr. Rubberlegs Goldenstone: 8-10 Rubberlegs Olive, Brown, & Tan: 6-8-10 San Juan Worm: 10 Copper Bead Mayfly: 18-20 Lightning Bug: 16-18 BHFBPT: 14-16-18-20
Yellowstone
Provided by Rivers Edge
While the river is still big, it fished well yesterday up in the Paradise Valley for the first time this summer. Nymphing with bugs close to the bank was the ticket and they had to be fished deep. There were signs that the Salmonflies had already passed through, but we have guides today on the way to the upper river trying to catch the last bit of them. We'll know tomorrow if they found any up there. Remember if you go to the Yellowstone it is still a big powerful heaving river and you should only be on it if you are confident on the oars.
Fly pattern suggestions:
Streamers Black Buggers #4Olive Buggers #4-6Yuk Bugs #6Girdle Bugs #6Nymphs Soft Hackle Hares Ear #12Prince Nymph #12-14Soft Hackle Copper John #14Flashback Hares Ear #14Dries Cat Puke #4Royal Stimulator #6Gorilla Salmonfly #4
Yellowstone Park
Provided by Montana Troutfitters
The park has been fishing well lately and everyone we have talked to has been catching fish on a regular basis. Have seen consistent evening caddis hatches and some rusty spinners starting to show their heads. Not much new on the Madison--olive streamers are working and fun to fish. Gibbon has been busy but productive with caddis, PMDs, and trudes. Try a Prince nymph for a dropper. Firehole is fishing the best in the park. The Slough is fishable with some Caddis and dry fly action. Lamar and Soda Butte are still about a week off.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Special Drawing Results Available July 15
The special drawing results for deer, elk, bison and antelope should be available this coming week (July 15) from Montana FWP. Be sure to check the FWP website to see if you get drawn for any limited entry hunts.
Good luck in the draw and let us know if you were successful in drawing a permit. I know I'm crossing my fingers to see where I'll be hunting this fall!
Good luck in the draw and let us know if you were successful in drawing a permit. I know I'm crossing my fingers to see where I'll be hunting this fall!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Details For Wolf Hunt
The Montana wildlife commission voted Wednesday to allow the hunting of 75 wolves in the state or about 15 percent of the Montana population. The hunt is scheduled to begin in mid September. However, legal challenges are almost certain to try to block the hunts. Montana's top wolf biologist Carolyn Sime said, "We're signaling our commitment to being responsible wildlife managers."
Hopefully we'll see this hunt happen sometime this year. As most hunters have seen, unchecked populations of wolves will bring down populations of deer, elk and other game animals. If only the animal right's groups would look at the overall impact the wolves are having on the Eco-system, I think they would agree that we need to manage all game species.
Hopefully we'll see this hunt happen sometime this year. As most hunters have seen, unchecked populations of wolves will bring down populations of deer, elk and other game animals. If only the animal right's groups would look at the overall impact the wolves are having on the Eco-system, I think they would agree that we need to manage all game species.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
35 INCH Big Hole Monster Brown Caught by Area Angler
WOW WHAT A FISH....Gotta Read this story too.
Story By Justin Post
of The Montana Standard
Bob Kingston and Gary Keeler of Butte bought their first raft as teenagers and have been floating the Big Hole River ever since.
Now in their mid-50s, the longtime fishing buddies have their best fishing story yet.
On Friday evening, Kingston caught what appears to be the elusive, monster brown trout that has been the talk of many area anglers in recent years.
The beast measured 35 inches and made its way to the raft cooler following a roughly 30-minute battle between man and fish, said Kingston, who is having the trout mounted. The fish weighed slightly over 20 pounds after it was wrapped in a damp towel in preparation for the taxidermist.
“He just kept going wherever he wanted,” he said of the fight.
Kingston caught the fish with a five-weight fly rod rigged with eight-pound leader and two stonefly nymphs above Mallon’s, west of Wise River, after launching from East Bank.
“I was just throwing my fly right by the bank and it gobbled it up,” he said.
Keeler rowed the boat to shore and remembers Kingston saying he might never land the fish.
“It was a big log,” Keeler said. “We’ve never seen one like that.”
A survey crew with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks caught a similar fish while electro fishing in the same area of the 153-mile river in the fall of 2007, said Jim Magee, a fisheries biologist with the agency.
The crew snapped a photograph at the time of a surveyor mugging with the lunker, and the photograph soon was being circulated among anglers who hungered to have the fish on the end of their line.
“The size is so much different than what we normally see,” said Magee, a 15-year employee with FWP. “That was an anomaly. That was a big fish.”
Markings on Kingston’s fish are similar to the one caught and released during the 2007 FWP survey, which means Kingston — a 55-year-old optician at Big Sky Optical in Butte — may have landed the much-discussed fish.
“That’s the trout of a lifetime,” said Bob LeFever at Fran Johnson’s Sporting Goods in Butte.
Longtime fisheries biologist Dick Oswald remembers two brutes he surveyed while electro fishing the Big Hole in the late 1980s.
He never heard of an angler claiming to have caught either one of those fish, which included a 20.5-pound trout nicknamed “Big Mamma” that lived in a deep pool above Melrose, and an 18-pound trout dubbed the “Hogback Hog” below Glen.
Oswald said those fish lived over 10 years and presumed that Kingston’s fish could have been around the same age.
To reach those portly sizes, Oswald said the big browns eat other fish while also having “unique genetics” that allows them to focus on gobbling fish rather than slurping caddis and mayflies from the surface like an average brown that would likely reach a maximum length of 19.5 inches.
“These things have to be freaks,” he said. “Those fish are exceptions in many ways.” Kingston, who has snagged big steelhead on Idaho’s Clearwater River, agreed he may have caught the fish of a lifetime when it comes to fly fishing the Big Hole River.
“I’ll probably never catch one that big again in my life,” he said.
The state’s record brown trout weighed 29 pounds; it was caught in 1966 at Wade Lake.
of The Montana Standard
Bob Kingston and Gary Keeler of Butte bought their first raft as teenagers and have been floating the Big Hole River ever since.
Now in their mid-50s, the longtime fishing buddies have their best fishing story yet.
On Friday evening, Kingston caught what appears to be the elusive, monster brown trout that has been the talk of many area anglers in recent years.
The beast measured 35 inches and made its way to the raft cooler following a roughly 30-minute battle between man and fish, said Kingston, who is having the trout mounted. The fish weighed slightly over 20 pounds after it was wrapped in a damp towel in preparation for the taxidermist.
“He just kept going wherever he wanted,” he said of the fight.
Kingston caught the fish with a five-weight fly rod rigged with eight-pound leader and two stonefly nymphs above Mallon’s, west of Wise River, after launching from East Bank.
“I was just throwing my fly right by the bank and it gobbled it up,” he said.
Keeler rowed the boat to shore and remembers Kingston saying he might never land the fish.
“It was a big log,” Keeler said. “We’ve never seen one like that.”
A survey crew with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks caught a similar fish while electro fishing in the same area of the 153-mile river in the fall of 2007, said Jim Magee, a fisheries biologist with the agency.
The crew snapped a photograph at the time of a surveyor mugging with the lunker, and the photograph soon was being circulated among anglers who hungered to have the fish on the end of their line.
“The size is so much different than what we normally see,” said Magee, a 15-year employee with FWP. “That was an anomaly. That was a big fish.”
Markings on Kingston’s fish are similar to the one caught and released during the 2007 FWP survey, which means Kingston — a 55-year-old optician at Big Sky Optical in Butte — may have landed the much-discussed fish.
“That’s the trout of a lifetime,” said Bob LeFever at Fran Johnson’s Sporting Goods in Butte.
Longtime fisheries biologist Dick Oswald remembers two brutes he surveyed while electro fishing the Big Hole in the late 1980s.
He never heard of an angler claiming to have caught either one of those fish, which included a 20.5-pound trout nicknamed “Big Mamma” that lived in a deep pool above Melrose, and an 18-pound trout dubbed the “Hogback Hog” below Glen.
Oswald said those fish lived over 10 years and presumed that Kingston’s fish could have been around the same age.
To reach those portly sizes, Oswald said the big browns eat other fish while also having “unique genetics” that allows them to focus on gobbling fish rather than slurping caddis and mayflies from the surface like an average brown that would likely reach a maximum length of 19.5 inches.
“These things have to be freaks,” he said. “Those fish are exceptions in many ways.” Kingston, who has snagged big steelhead on Idaho’s Clearwater River, agreed he may have caught the fish of a lifetime when it comes to fly fishing the Big Hole River.
“I’ll probably never catch one that big again in my life,” he said.
The state’s record brown trout weighed 29 pounds; it was caught in 1966 at Wade Lake.
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