July Hoot Owl

Happy Summer Time 

I am having a great summer so far. The drought conditions have changed my internal clock so that getting up early is okay again. Hoot owl restrictions on the Blackfoot River have been in effect for several weeks, a necessity for the survival of the awesome trout population.  I admit that being a clock watcher is affecting my strategy for fishing. As the hours slip quickly by, I find myself sketching out each section of river I want to fish and budgeting my time. It's for health of the fish, otherwise I don't usually wear a watch. The pressure is on, I want to make the most of any hatches  going off! 2PM will not wait for one more cast!

Fishing has been tremendous! The terrestrials aren't happening yet, but the trout have not been shy about going for a variety of imitations. I haven't removed any nymphs from my boxed yet, but I should thin out my selection, as I have no need to cast a nymph right now

My very favorite target

. Yes, the trout eat nymphs  all year, but during the summer I indulge myself and make them come up so I can see them. 

 Use "DRY FLIES"

Guaranteed to be your best catch! 

The trout rush to this attracter, and compete for it!

A cow moose and her calf watch me pass by

Spending such good hours, moving around the river ,

Turning a trout and returning for the hook up.

Sweet spots...

Westslope Cut Throat, champion fighters...

I often take some time to dial in the right fly, and when I am lucky it happens sooner than later. When I discovered emergers, I was able to take fish during pre hatch moments.

I am waiting for terrestrials, my friend has told me of some action close by. I have turned and caught many cuts with the Madam X. Better with the red.

Down river, beyond most visitors knowledge.

One leg of the path

Hoot Owl Hours have modified my fishing habits for the time being. Early to bed, early to rise and early to fish. Early morning holds a special fascination, everything is cool and fresh.  Dew drops reflect the light as I head to the river.  A whitetail jumps from the woods and bounds through the woods. The grass has hidden the game trail, making the power of observation so important. The deer, elk and moose are pretty good about sticking to certain routes. Their roads are my roads. Birds are being a big part of my short days, the woodpecker is always cool.  When the hatch is on, the groups of swallows tell everyone. I love it when I approach the water and see them jetting along the river. They are the first to get their share.

A wristwatch is now part of the checklist.