May and the Green Leaves

The great month of May has reached an end. Here in Montana,we are enjoying the warmth, the green colors, new wildflowers and wonderful birds. Showers and cooler weather have slowed the run off season and the river has been on the edge of good catching all month. The fly fishing for me was slower than last year, but I stay home when it rains. I did catch some nice cut throat trout.

 I started using a streamer and the fish loved it. 

I have been preparing my gear, flies, vest, net, line and sunscreen. Aside from spending all possible hours on the river, a simple adjustment may help me down the road. 

I live here year round, a challenge to be sure. Being a completely compelled man, I take to the river all year round, but especially enjoy summer and fall. July is visitor month and it is common to see out-of-state plates. The Blackfoot offers many access points and maybe waded or floated. August can be terrestrial, sometimes earlier.  River floats are very expensive, however a boat can be rented for a trip down the Missouri or Blackfoot Rivers. Guides can be pricey, but then again vacation time is usually short and catching trout is the goal. Guides can be a good boost teaching patterns and locations. The further investment may be worth it. At least one day will always help!

Many of my friends are also a good source of local knowledge. Be kind to the locals, it may up your catch rate!

High water, Stoneflies and the Blue Bird Highway to Wolf Creek

 Fly Fishing

Having started fly fishing at an older age my experiences and knowledge of the art have now been accumulating for only 30 years. Going fishing is...an experience of great rewards. Catching a fish is a bonus,

The Missouri River near Wolf Creek, Montana. 

Fly fishing came into my life in thirty years ago. We lived in North Bend,Washington. It was a short walk from the house to a stretch on the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. The library was my first stop. Hidden among all sorts of books about fishing, I found a couple that were about fly fishing. I had already been salmon fishing on the Puget Sound, bait fished in some lakes and rivers, but fly fishing was going to be my chosen addiction. Since the early years, I have been a devoted fly fisher. One highlight was as a pro guide, years ago.I took people into the backcountry of Yellowstone Park. My soul mate,Sandy and I spent endless day s with rod in hand. She was a great partner, her skill at fly fishing was great. Later came new home in Hamilton, Mt. and we took to the Bitterroot River, a most enjoyable place to fish. 

Now I am alone with my rod.  I have found my element and become a balanced happy man when I go fishing.

Enjoying this environment does come with a few sacrifices. The winters can be long and cold. Going to the river is a real chore. 

Wild Rainbow Trout in the tail waters of Holter Dam.

These backwaters fill when the dam releases more water. I have seen herds of carp spawning in there.

The Missouri River has many fly shops and guide services, Most are further downstream in Craig, the next town down the river. I have shopped at all the shops one time or another. At Wolf Creek Anglers, I have found my Missouri River Headquarters. Jason and Chewy are always around to personally give excellent customer service. Great Coffee, no charge. +++

Always a thrill to get this action

I love to fish the Missouri River, Little things amuse me when I fish there. Birds, insects, mule deer, otters, carp, and boats. Sometimes the drift boats roll by every few minutes when the fishing is good, the word gets out!
Hooking up to huge trout is also very enjoyable.

Before The Blackfoot River became unmanageable I had some good fishing in May. Nice Westslope Cut Throat and Brown trout here. 

stone fly nymph

                       Fly Fishing is an art. No doubt about                             it's value.

                                            My check list for better success on the water:

                                            Patience and perseverance are your best friends

                                            Plan your fishing and fish your plan. In Montana, hatches                                                                       may change as quickly as the weather.

                                            Always smile, not always easy...

                                            Never be surprised. I know how often first casts get a hit!                                                                       false casting...spooks trout.

                                            Everyone enjoys telling the tale, also enjoy listening to your                                                                   buddy's side of the day.

     I confess to bragging....I am much better now.Many of my friends just ask, "did you go fishin?" 

Then we move on....

Brownie

Thank you for reading my blog. When you catch the next fish, may it bring a huge smile!