April Magic

April 2016 will go down as an awesome fishing month along the Blackfoot River. 

Nymphs to dries in one weekend.

The hatches of stone flies have arrived and March Browns are getting immediate attention. The river is in early spring mode, some staining, but no snow melt yet. Brown tout are coming in numbers, ready to feed on cut throat roe as their spawn will begin soon.

I have heard that spring is a time for good fishing in Montana, but usually the Blackfoot is slow to wake up. This season all the right combinations are making for great, fun fishing.

 brown trout 

    

Westslope cut throat trout

The best fish story I have from recent past, is the catching of a large brown trout. I saw a fish feeding on the surface, and knew a March Brown fly would fool it. Sure enough as I tied on a size 16, 

my first cast yielded a fierce strike, Right off the top, the fish was on! I wrestled to keep my rod tip up, and saw him! what a big trout, jumping and pulling to free himself. Close to the net and whoa!!

He slipped my hook. The worst of feelings. I knew I would recover, but it took a walk to do it.

I wandered downstream to another great spot and after repeated attempts I hooked a nice fat cut throat using a stone fly nymph. I was relieved and happy to get such a nice fish.  A second tout would smooth my feathers after losing my first hook up. As I moved back up stream, I cast another March Brown into the current and I couldn't believe what happened. Another big brown climbed on the fly like it was the best thing since sliced bread, a huge fish, larger than my net. What a redemption for the old man. With a huge grin I released this great trout back to the river and watched his tail flip and he lives in. My next four casts were quiet, but then another strike! One very big and feisty cut throat to the net. I usually require a moment of focus to bring myself back to earth. I really had no need to continue fishing and I walked through the river back to the trail.
The trips to the river have given up some wonderful moments.

I have grown my quiver of rods to include a new Sage Graphite 5Wt. It is shorter than my favorite rod, 7'6". I am enjoying a lighter rod, using roll casts often. I only hope I will not have another broken rod this season, My 20 year old Sage is a real jewel, coupled with a Hardy reel it's hard to beat. I also wear studs on my boots, always crossing  at safe spots, Never leave my bear spray in the truck, I would hate to confront any wildlife without some defense.

Watch where the sun is and use it as a friend. Shadows will spook trout as quickly as an Osprey.

The Westslope Cut throat trout

 

Fly fishing is a healthy art form. Making plans for this season, Montana has many wonderful opportunities to engage a big trout. I hope some fun comes of this article and I will see you on the river!
As always my e-mail is savstrom@aol.com
Thanks for taking time to read my blog.
Jim