March Rains in Montana

  Something about fishing in the cold rain is keeping me inside, watching, waiting and getting ready for spring. Our El Nino weather pattern has been warmer than average for a month now. The eastern plains are all brown, not a hint of snow.  I check Snotel Montana on line  for updates on our snow-pack, and their chart has us at normal levels. We are hoping for a moderate cool down and a slow run off. We will see!. Bears have been seen, a true sign of early spring.
Winter trout fishing on the river has been very good,I am sure  the warmer weather brings down more food and the fish have been reacting. I have been able to access areas usually snowed in. A perfect chance to go after some fine trout. The trout are  low now, and when a pre spawn cut throat trout gets going, the hit is dramatic. It is very exhilarating to tangle with these great, strong fighters.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     A good reminder as one prepares for the first cast....  CHECK YOUR KNOTS! All the planning, hoping and patience will turn into frustration when the trout slips the knot. Never let that happen.

  

Early February was snowy, but not cold. The month ended with rains and a few flakes. The trout have been eating pheasant tails, woolly buggers, and San Juan worms.

Brown trout mingle with the cut throat.

A hen hanging around

When I fish in winter, my preparations begin at home before I leave. I dress for the occasion, wool socks are on my feet beneath my waders along with modern synthetic and wool blend long johns. I carry a flashlight, fire, a cheap cell phone, snacks, water, extra gloves, and my wool cap. I also make sure my camera is on board along with an ample supply of flies, extra leader and tippet.. 

 I mostly fish alone, I let someone know where I will be. I take care to not get wet, Never slip, use Goat Head Spikes on the soles of your boots. 

 Brown trout are not as wide spread as west slope cut throat.

 

The rewards of fly fishing are as numerous as the people doing it. Health is at the center of my passion. My heart loves a hike and hours of casting and catching.  My mind captures the river and notices subtle nuances, Animals are wild here, it is always a possibility an encounter will occur.  That's why this is so perfect. Montana has "people friendly" stream access laws, Many people here spend time fly fishing. 

If you are planning a trip to Montana to fly fish, aim for August. The best of summer fishing with fewer people. 

Good Luck and tight lines. Thanks for reading my blog! If you like what you read and see, come back. I will be documenting my season as the months slip by! Maybe we will fish together? I would like that! Even beginners catch fish with me around.

Winter and great fishing

 February is here, Although the cold weather has not been excessive, my neighborhood did have several weeks of very cold temperatures along with snow! It wasn't so long ago when the sun set at 4:30.  I am so happy to be past that.
I have been out fishing and had several good days on the river. My hook ups have been with large fish, well colored with fighting spirit.  Most easy spots to get into the river are only snow traps, so with that in mind the winter stretches are limited. Snow shoes would be good. Today's SNOTEL reports has the snowpack to date at 95% of normal. 2015 reminded us here of how awful fire season will be with out a snowpack.

Temperatures have not been drastically low this winter, ice on the river has not been an issue. Too much snow for me to go many places, I will walk easily in the river, but post holing through the snow is for young people with no sense.

 Westslope Cut Throat Trout

Wild fish, never stocked here.

 

During a stretch in November temps hit minus zero degrees F. Thanksgiving and Christmas were cold stretches, but the continued forecast is for mild temperatures and only occasional precipitation.
I am guessing that the forecast is subject to change.

Fishing with flies is a year round activity for many anglers. Midge hatches will be everywhere  best imitated with a pheasant tail nymph, fished along the bottom. Sculpin and other young fish will grab the trout's attention quickly. Wooly buggers with a bead head get gobbled. Midge clusters with a zebra midge dropper will be effective also.

 Catching mountain whitefish is going to happen, they are busy cleaning the bottom. As I fish, running my fly close to the bottom, these characters like to hop on board. I never regret a catch, even whitefish are fun.

Trout fins define the character of the fish and it's unseen encounters with predators. Like humans they carry  tears and scars.

A fellow my age asked me today how long I wanted to live. I replied "as long as I can find joy!".