Montana Jim : July on the Blackfoot: a low running river.

Take heart. Fly fishing is not an easy sport. Patience and perseverance will catch more fish than any special equipment or clothing. Now that summer is here, many people have been out fly fishing, some thrilled by the experience and planning their next trip, others may be feeling disappointed, not what they were looking for. Sometimes it is an elusive quest, where no satisfaction is to be had. I do feel for the guy down the way that doesn't catch a fish,

A brown trout with a scud in his gullet

The west has been upset with low water flow issues with hot days and some streams and rivers in Montana have had fishing hours reduced for the health and the survival of the wild trout. The Hoot Owl hours came along from FWP after 10 days of great fishing, I personally enjoyed the evening hatches, the moon and the setting sun adding a rich flavor to the night air..In compliance, I made it to the river on Monday morning, and quickly ran into fish. The cut throats and browns were slamming my stimulators, caddis and pmds.
I read something about gearing up in parking lots. The writer was trying to point out that an angler could not possibly know what to tie on without being on the river. I don't agree, but really I don't care. Fly fishing has nothing to do with the habits of others. I had an adams pattern already tied on from the evening before when I left my truck. We all have issues, but for me I just try to make sure my truck keys are safely stowed.

Daisies along the Blackfoot River

At any rate, fly fishing offers many experiences, everyone has a different perception and also a responsibility to no one but themselves. You never know when nature will jump out of the bushes either. I love it when wild life appears and puts the right perspective back into my time on the river.

An adams fly is one of the great innoventions
the old school brings to the table. It represents so many different aquatic insects, it works great as searcher pattern for just getting the feel of the river. Always look to the time of year figure what sort of insect activity will occur, checking on-line and asking any locals might just get you a fish when least expect it. Patience and perseverance will, in the end be your sharpest hook. Enjoy summer...I hope your waters run clear and clean.
JIM