July Fly Fishing

July is another transition month for fly fishing on the Blackfoot River. The month had me using grey 

drakes, hair's ear nymphs, caddis, and wet flies, the most important have been red soft hackles. The last week has seen the beetle and royal wulfs as premier flies. These insects come at different times every year. Last season, beetles and other terrestrials were a poor choice. Now the trout race after this great food supply. As the next weeks go into August, hoppers will be the fly to throw.

Evenings have become the best time to fish, not sure how long it will last, the river has receded and when the gauging station in Bonner reaches 700 CFS,  FWP will institute hoot owl restrictions. The fish have been laying low  because of bright sun and warm temperatures. However the light has been good until after 9pm, giving me ample time to have a nap and dinner before fishing. I made several day long trips, hiking for several miles and testing my stamina. 

If you are planning a trip to Montana, the best months are still ahead. Mid August until the cold days of November bring out the biggest trout and the crowds of tourists disappear.  I have already become frustrated with some equipment, my boot laces came unraveled and I had to search for good replacements. My gloves have already begun to be ragged, but I haven't broken any rods so far. My Sage has been working great and of course the Hardy reel continues to perform. 

I went out for a long day recently, hiked in and began to fish. Slow was the word of the day, and much to my chagrin, I missed a very big cut throat. I did manage a couple, but as I moved I came across two men fishing with spin rods and neoprene waders. I have no problem with this style, however I realized that they had been ahead of me all morning. Under my breath I cursed, but decided to make the most of it and visited with the fishermen and counseled them on the benefits of fishing with a fly rod. I pushed on, and finally made it to untouched water. The first cast brought me a fine, large cut throat. I was so very pleased. Maybe it was karma, I could have been a jerk, but rather chose the positive path. My next hour was filled with action and I turned back under the hot sun to find the shady stretch of river. I lingered as long as possible, rested in the shade and as rises began, I hit the water again. I finished with a dozen trout, browns and cuts. The mosquitoes were thick as I left at dusk. Fly Fishing has everything to do with patience and perseverance. It isn't about why I am not catching, but when will I hook up with the next fish. The next fish always comes.

brown trout 

Great bronze color

Night fishing under a full moon

Reward

Isolation

Peace and quiet

June

Last week the river slowed down and was very clear. The weather was agreeable, and the trout have been biting. I picked up a neat streamer in the dollar bin at Wolf Creek Anglers, brought it home and and it was a sweet success. I managed a few trips out to explore and of course fish my local favorites. I never really stopped fishing for the last six weeks, just changed venues looking for hook ups in some new streams and of course, had great times in the Missouri River.

I am constantly learning new places, new flies and meeting new friends. I think of the people I know that plan on fishing the delightful waters of Montana. Sometimes, especially around the fourth of July, the river gets put to the test. Worm sales soar and the rapella rack at the store gets thin. I am chuckling....

It is not uncommon to shop around for empty water especially on week-ends and around the holiday. Sometimes the weather produces more whales than fish. At the gas station today, the scene was amazing. Many smiling people and a variety vehicles, all with non local plates. Shorts and flip flops...

Local business thrives with this influx and the fourth will be an all out event with a great parade, and fireworks that are spectacular. Many people migrate here from other communities that have banned them, to enjoy sky rockets and mini bombs..

I have gathered some pictures to share, I hope you enjoy my time fly fishing as much as the pictures were fun to take. I use a very special camera, 20 bucks at the pawn shop.

enjoy!

The release

Streamer and a brown trout

                                                            

Spring colors of the cut throat

Spring breaks out on the Blackfoot River!

June turns green and heats up!

The Blackfoot River has been very full of water, running fast making access difficult. The lower Blackfoot is floatable and Salmon flies have been moving upstream for a week. This time of the year, I move to other great waters to catch fish. I have been fishing the Missouri River and Prickly Pear Creek. On weekdays the people are few and far between. I took a trip over there (45 miles) earlier this week and had a great time catching and fighting with broad shouldered rainbow trout. A friend showed me prickly Pear Creek, we both caught huge rainbows there. I have since returned and was rewarded with a heavy brown trout. 

When I waded out to a spot on the Mosouri,I tied on a wet fly, caddis nymph. With that  I started my search. The heat was on, my face, neck and ears were covered with old school zinc oxide.

As I prowled it wasn't very long before I spied some nice trout feeding just below the surface. Then I took my first cast. A swing and a slow retrieve. It took several tries, but as I have always  said, never be surprised!

 Wham, there it was, my first hook-up! That rainbow was on and I needed to be cautious if I wanted him to reach my net. The power of the fish was absolutely astounding. My line raced off the reel to the backing as I tried to let him work off some energy. Slowly I pulled line, reeled and finally he was in the net! A great feeling, a quick picture he was released back into the river.

My day continued with more huge fighters. I left the river reminded of how much I love to fly fish.

June will bring more great days on the river, as the days go by The Blackfoot River will deliver the adventure this old man loves.

I also want to share the pictures of Prickly Pear Creek. 

A local favorite, weekdays will leave one all alone.

I hope your lines get wet and the trout south your soul.

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!