March Madness!

Those of you that live in the USA, are possibly more than just aware of March madness. Its the final 4 NCAA basketball finals that come along every year. Like daylight savings time it's a true marker of the arrival of Spring. Here in Montana, our winters are hard, every year.... the short days, the cold temperatures and the icy roads. But now, at last, the days have become longer and the daytime temps are moderating. Along with the the grand scenery, wonderful rivers, and wildlife, one should also take notice of the strength and perseverance that Montana locals exhibit.  Collectively we are happy to share Montana anytime, come visit in January sometime, to realize the complete experience. Winter this year has been unusual here, in that most of the very cold and snowy weather occurred early. November and December were the poorest weather wise. It was -40 degrees F. in December. We had so much snow that month, the state brought in an army of loaders and trucks to remove snow from town.

I have caught fish every month this past year, an unusual opportunity. 

My friend Erik and I floated the Missouri River in February, it was 60 degrees and sunny! 

My friend Eric Kottmann. A great outdoorsman, alpine climber and photographer. 

 The first choice of flies will be streamers, midges and then caddis emergers.

 The cutthroat trout will be spawning soon..

 This road today is still snowbound, but access is easy with a bit of walking...

 As the weeks roll by, weather will still be a factor, soon I will use nothing but dry flies and emergers.

 

 I love to sit in the green grasses of Spring.

 The tiny spinners are a good choice.

 Later on in Summer, the dry fly opportunities increase as fish feed on the surface.

 brown trout

And my favorite...the cutthroat trout