Spring knocks along the Blackfoot River.

Winter is continuing to give up some great times along the river.  I was out twice last week, both trips were great for exercise and the fishing was good! I have been using nymphs, San Juan Worms and Woolly Bugger streamers to catch cutthroat trout with great success.Here in the Montana Rockies, the snow in lower elevations has been quickly melting away, opening up feeder creeks,and dispersing good trout food.
 It's an early spring and I wonder what the spring run-off will be like.  Last year it included minor flooding of the river, but even minor means that the rivers and creeks were very high and muddy. I took road trips to other rivers for fishing during that time, but this year is looking like it will not be a big deal. I believe seasonal spring run-off will continue to be a slow steady one, keeping things manageable. Oh yes, there will be times of high muddy water, but not anywhere like the high level of last season.
Grasses and wildflowers are coming soon, the beauty of spring is empowering to me, the energy is of renewal. Already small migratory birds are flitting about, and only a hint of what is just about to occur. I get excited watching them arrive, Blue birds, grosbeaks, woodpeckers, sparrows, redheaded cardinals, yellow birds and many I do not know by name. I want to share with you some recent photos, all of which were taken when my endorphins were flowing. If you are at your desk at work while you take a peek, keep it to a whisper..

 Ice lingers along the shore.

 Wild cutthroat trout.

I loved catching this one.

 Although all waterways are public in Montana, some places are difficult to get to without walking along the shore. This stretch near my home is such a place, but the owners are friends and have given me written permission to go past their "no trespassing"signs. 

 I impulsively walked up a different creek. I wandered into this shallow seasonal pond, and photographed a flock of canadian Honkers! I also slipped and fell in the mud! I took off all my top gear, down to my thermal shirt to dry out.

The geese were a highlight, taking off as I approached, and they were wonderful. Nesting must be going on along the shoreline. It was very windy, my clothes dried quickly and I picked up and wandered the nearby woods, looking all along for sheds. (antlers).

It is a pure joy to be at peace with myself and my destiny.

   An easy winter after all...

Thank You for reading my blog, I know that many of my readers cannot do this fun stuff in their lives, but want to so very much. I am very happy to share my world with you. One never knows what the future holds, your dreams may come true as well. I hope so...

Jim

March Madness!

Those of you that live in the USA, are possibly more than just aware of March madness. Its the final 4 NCAA basketball finals that come along every year. Like daylight savings time it's a true marker of the arrival of Spring. Here in Montana, our winters are hard, every year.... the short days, the cold temperatures and the icy roads. But now, at last, the days have become longer and the daytime temps are moderating. Along with the the grand scenery, wonderful rivers, and wildlife, one should also take notice of the strength and perseverance that Montana locals exhibit.  Collectively we are happy to share Montana anytime, come visit in January sometime, to realize the complete experience. Winter this year has been unusual here, in that most of the very cold and snowy weather occurred early. November and December were the poorest weather wise. It was -40 degrees F. in December. We had so much snow that month, the state brought in an army of loaders and trucks to remove snow from town.

I have caught fish every month this past year, an unusual opportunity. 

My friend Erik and I floated the Missouri River in February, it was 60 degrees and sunny! 

My friend Eric Kottmann. A great outdoorsman, alpine climber and photographer. 

 The first choice of flies will be streamers, midges and then caddis emergers.

 The cutthroat trout will be spawning soon..

 This road today is still snowbound, but access is easy with a bit of walking...

 As the weeks roll by, weather will still be a factor, soon I will use nothing but dry flies and emergers.

 

 I love to sit in the green grasses of Spring.

 The tiny spinners are a good choice.

 Later on in Summer, the dry fly opportunities increase as fish feed on the surface.

 brown trout

And my favorite...the cutthroat trout

Greetings from Montana

The wild nature of Montana is always special in this part of America. 

The worst case of frustration overcomes all the catches of the day when the rod breaks. My Sage Rod has been with me for 19 years, broken at least 6 times, twice in one season. Yes I own a good back up rod, but I never bring two when when I go to the river...

During my fishing days in Yellowstone National park, I once hiked a long ways with a friend to fish an isolated section of the Yellowstone River. The shore line was steep without any trails.  Climbing down to the water I foolishly ran my rod into a large and fierce boulder. BROKEN...I gathered my emotions and fished the rest of the day with 1/2 the rod, and yes I did catch some nice Yellowstone Cut Throats.I have tried to be careful since the initial incident, but now I know it just seems to happen when one least expects it. The Sage warranty has been a life saver.

On the Blackfoot I ran into a youngster from Idaho last summer and he had two rods in his hands, as he scaled the steep hill between us and the river. I had never seen that before, I don't think it really helped him catch more fish, but he was very proud!

I smiled and bid him good luck!

Its cold here in Montana, some light snow lately, This was from earlier this week on the way to Missoula. The Bob marshall Wilderness is in the distance.

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I do favor cut throat trout.  It's a good thing because the Blackfoot is heavily populated with them 

     Clear water, a wonderful, healthy River

This fish clearly shows the spots of the Cut Throat

I try to release all my fish back to the river in good health.

Spring is in the air, the sun stays up past 6pm now.

I can't wait for the next Moose!

Peace everyone, please help save the bees, it means everything...

February Cut Throat Adventure

At my age, many days start off slow, I need to eat well, have my coffee and if fishing is my goal, dressing for success is critical. On Wednesday  I took time for a mid-winter walk along the river, to a stretch that normally is snow bound and tricky to navigate.  This season, our snow came en mass early, November and December were very cold and snowy. But January became spring like, and for the first time in years the weather and temperatures gave me a green light to head down to the river. The fishing has been good as long as the night time temperatures have stayed below freezing, the warmer temperatures cause melting and run-off, slowing down the bite.
On Wednesday, I took off for the river, aiming for a stretch that I have never fished in Winter. I had a great place to park my truck, and the snow was sparse.  My hike was great.  Navigation was easy, I could see all the markers of the trail, and the snow was still crusty, giving me the benefit of not sinking with every step. I knew what I would try as far a flies, but as I reached the furthest section, nothing was biting. I mean I threw every nymph, streamer, and emerger I had, but no bites at all.  I was feeling rather bummed by the fishing, but was totally excited by what the river was showing me as I moved along. I moved back down stream to a creek inlet, and realizing that lots of food was coming into the river there, I struck gold .  The Cut throats were sitting in wait and my San Juan Worm was just what they were looking for! What a great feeling to pull in some fish again. I switched to a black wooly bugger, to imitate brown trout fry and got another fish. Normally the brown trout fry don't become a great food source until spring.

 The snow receeded back and gave great visibility through the area

 The feeder streams push food into the main river

 Seeing the woods and the trail

 I never mess around with other peoples endeavors.I could have easily taken home a pelt, but the picture was enough.  

 Beaver ponds have been expanding each season lately!

 The cut throat trout, soon to start spawning as spring time arrives. These wild trout travel far every spring to spawn in the upper reaches of the river. 

My friend Sebastiao Rigues, a Brazilian fly tyer took my photo of the caterpillar and has created a great imitation. He is sending me one to become a compliment to my photo! Thank you to Sebastiao! Follow him on Facebook to see many wonderful creations.
Thank you all for taking time to enjoy a moment with me. Life is great!
Jim...

Patience and Persistence

Fly Fishing is a simple art.  The most important part of the time on the water is mental awareness. A balance of one's mind will lead to the biggest rewards. Catching trout is what I do, the hook-up is only a small part of the satisfaction. Of course being skunked is not good, but it does happen to everyone. Going out to fish with low expectations gives me the balance to not be in turmoil when the skunk finds me. It is exhilarating to catch the first fish, and no matter the size or species. It's the first fish that frees the spirit. Many things make me feel great when I fish. I love the exercise for my body, the peace of mind coming from being away from the highways of the modern world. Fly Fishing is a puzzle and all pieces are of equal value. I am a finder, and always when I wander along the river, my senses are highly active. Wildlife often appears with out warning and it should be expected! I often find things that other's have lost, or several times I have stumbled upon "sheds" (antlers) along the way. Fly boxes fall out of peoples pockets and I have had the good fortune to find more than one during a season. Deer, moose, elk, toads, rabbits, beavers,mink, muskrats,snakes and birds use the river and it is good fortune to encounter them. Bears are around as well as mountain lions, so I want to be aware!

 Elk watching

Mama Moose 

 

The first fish can be a huge surprise!

Camouflaged 

World Famous in Ovando Montana

What Trout Like to Eat!

 After looking and paying attention, I often reflect upon the past to decide which fly will be best. Keeping a daily journal is the best way to recollect one's fishing strategies, and that is one easily overlooked aspect the serious angler should habitually practice.
In the Northern Rockies, the seasons each bring their own unique platter of food to the trout. It is not difficult to find the fly that matches the hatch, because at anyone time several insects and food sources are available. The most interesting food I have ever seen on the river was a fledgling bird that dropped into the stream, only to have a large cut throat rise and swallow it whole! Fish also love to dine on other smaller fish. When summer gets cooking, terrestrial insects become a preferred food source. Hoppers, ants, and beetles are favorites of wild trout!
The entomology of the stream is good to know. Nymphs, emergers, duns, and spinners represent different the stages of insect food in the river.

  These mayflies, are showing them selves as duns, the adult mating stage. They have grown from nymphs, emerged, and are in the process of mating. Soon they will fall to the water, spent and dying.
Every stage provides a food source for trout, and using different flies will attract fish!

When one loads the flybox for an outing, bring flies that cover the possibilities! Never be too cautious, experimenting with something different and changing flies often turns the trip from a state of frustration to hot action! Every time a new fly is cast, something will be learned. Remember to record this into the fishing diary!

February 2015 : Fly fishing may change your life!

Spring is going to be here soon!

When the weather warms and the grasses turn green, I will be on the river as often as I can. 

Last season was a good one, and this year will also be one of growth and solidarity.

Always check your knots