http://montanaflyfishers.com/ Fishing Reports Feeds From Montanaflyfishers.com en-us Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:54:33 GMT http://www.montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports/rss UCMS http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2998 Recorded:  35 ° F Fishing: Fair

Wintertime on the spring creeks.  Can be a great option for fishing this time of year!  Being a spring creek, the waters here are much more moderated in temps.  Trout in the creeks are active for a bit longer than in the river.  But it's still winter, so it's not like the summertime when fish are on the feed much more consistently.  Look for the deeper slower places on the creek. You can likely see the fish stacked up in there.  Nymphing is going to be the most likely means to get a bend in your rod.  Think small whether it's eggs, flossy san juans, or midge patterns.  Think simple as well.  Thinly dressed patterns without flashy beadheads have a greater tendency to find their way into a trout's mouth on the creeks.

You know what's not bad about the creeks in the winter besides the fishing opportunities?  Off season rates!  $40/day sure beats the Ben Franklin from high season.  Want to fish the creeks frequently in the off season?  Get a seasons pass on Depuy's for $400.00 and it's good until April 15th.  Fish 10 days and you're paid up.  Fish more, and, well, you can do the math on that one.

Feel free to call us for conditions and up to date info  406-333-4401



]]> Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2998 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2997 Recorded:  34 ° F Fishing: Fair

The lower Maddy is another of the area's hot winter fishing locales.  Find the deeper, slower runs and have at it.  On the best days (overcast, warm, and no wind) fish will move into shallower water and the midge activity greatly increases.  As we go through winter further and further, it's a possibility to find good fish up on top when the midges are heavy. 

Best bets are small crayfish, egg patterns, san juans in wine & tan as well as the venerable red one, hare's ears, copper johns, small rubberleg stones, pts, lightning bugs in normal colors as well as pink.

The wate is freezing cold, literally, so slow down and really take your time!

Call the fly shop for info and patterns 406-333-4401



]]> Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2997 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2996 Recorded:  32 ° F Fishing: Fair

Water flow was bumped again from Hebgen Dam.  But it's fairly small.  About 80 cfs.  It's up to just a little over 1100. As it is, Bureau of Rec is moving a fair bit of water through the Maddy and has all winterlong.  Look for this to continue as water managers are preparing to have all watersheds possible in good shape to fill up come spring runoff time.

The upper Maddy between the lakes is always a good bet to get some winter fishing in.  And down toward Ennis in the Varney section.  Those are the 2 areas I'd concentrate on.  Nymphing will be your best bet although as January progresses and Feb comes, there will be more and more midges present and given a day of overcast and not much wind, I'd bet you could get 'er done on top with small dries.  In the meantime, just like any other winter fishing locations, find the deep stuff that doesn't move lickety-split.  Take your time and fish it slow.  San Juans, eggs, small stoneflies, PT's, Hare's Ears, Copper Johns, are all great.  Midge pupa and larvae are the droppers of choice.





]]> Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2996 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2995 Recorded:  32 ° F Fishing: Fair

The Gallatin is one of the area's more consistent winter fisheries.  As the rest of the winter goes, this will be one to get better and better.  Just like all area winter time fishing, look for deep & very slow moving runs as places to concentrate your efforts.  Cold water, as long as its not ice choked, will have periods of OK trout activity during the day.  Typically it will be during the warmest few hours of the day.(1-3pm)  Nymphing with basic attractor flies in smaller sizes followed by small to tiny midge patterns are good bets.  Pts, princes, copper johns, small san juan worms, small stonefly patterns, hares ears are good lead flies.  Brassies, zebra midges, disco midges, and the like are great droppers.  You could also try small egg patterns.



]]> Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2995 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2994 Recorded:  35 ° F Fishing: Fair

Wintertime fishing on the Yellowstone.  Some days it's pretty decent. Others, you couldn't pay me to be out there- what with the snow flying, temps not even close to being above freezing, and the wind.  With the recent warm weather we've been experiencing, however, it's been pretty good out there.  Only thing is it's been windy.  Oh well, guess I'd take that over snow and freezing arse cold.

What to do and where?  Find the deepest, slowest moving runs you can and be patient with your fishing.  Don't plan on covering tons of water.  The fish are extremely slow and won't move any real distance to eat a fly.  Many multiple casts through the same area sometimes are needed before a hit occurs.  Keep your flies focused on simple patterns.  Many times, the smaller the better.  Midges make up a very big and important part of a trout's winter diet.  Small prince nymphs, PTs followed by brassies, zebra midges, disco midges, etc are all good combos.  A small San Juan worm or small stonefly patterns can also be good lead fly bets and worth a try.

Feel free to give a call 406-333-4401



]]> Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2994 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2993 Recorded:  0 ° F Fishing: Poor

Park waters are closed until Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.  We'll be updating the report on the Park waterways once the season opens. 

Feel free to call us at the fly shop any time for information about fishing in the Park, or elsewhere in SW Montana



]]> Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2993 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2874 Recorded:  55 ° F Fishing: Fair

A return to a little more seasonal weather.  Mountains are still pasted with snow way up high.  And with the leaves on the cottonwoods and willows changing to gold, the scenery is some of the best of the year!  Fishing is still continuing to be good with sparks of greatness.  Mixed clouds and some small chances of showers are great.  The wind, however, is going to make things difficult.  Thinking that fishing higher up in the valley here around the shop may give anglers some shelter.  Down by Livingston- hold onto your hats.  With the water temps continuing to cool,  turning to nymphing in the AM as the action has been slow to get going has been the way to start the day. Around lunch time go to the short leash method with lighter nymph patterns and by 2pm dries through the remainder of the day all the way to the boat ramp.  

Your Fly Box-
Neversink Trudes- small sizes in tan or black
Wilcox's JC Special both grey and olive -small
Paralime Variant
Purple Haze, Copper Haze
Parachute Adams- hi vis as well as 'guide chute'
Parachute Hare's Ear
Gray Drake cripples
Parawulff Adams, Purple, as well as olive
PMXs in royal, orange, olive
RL Crystal Buggers- olive smaller sizes
Pat's Rubber Leg olv/blk, brown (turd), org/brown, tan-small
Lightning bug
Tungsten Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper John
Home Invaders
Peanut Envy
G's S Dungeon
McCune Sculpins

Feel free to call us any time or stop by the fly shop to get up to the minute reports on where to go as well as the bugs and gear to get 'em.  We're here every day of the week. 






]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2874 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2877 Recorded:  52 ° F Fishing: Good

Early October on the spring creeks.  Like most things this season, "normal" fall like conditions with cooler temps, overcast skies, and good baetis action has been slow to develop.  But it's here, now, so take advantage!  Look for fish midging in the morning hours.  You can choose to go after the selective surface risers with midge emerger patterns or nymph them with pupa and subsurface baetis nymphs, sow bugs, small san juans, and the like until the main baetis hatch activity starts midday and rolls through the afternoon.  Given the right conditions (low light, relatively warm air, and no wind) you can get a good spinner fall late as well prolonging the day!  All in all, a great time to be on the creeks! 

We're here at the fly shop every day.  Stop by for up to date information as well as the flies and gear you need to be successful.  Call us 406-333-4401




]]> Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2877 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2876 Recorded:  52 ° F Fishing: Good

Very good water conditions on the Upper Madison have the fish here quite happy.  Word has been that it's good from Ennis all the way up the valley to Lyons.  Water temps are quite good and baetis are definitely present.   Nymphing has been the most prevalent means to put fish to the net.  Dry fly guys are catching a few.  And Streamer junkies are catching a few very nice fish per day along with the usual assortment of middle sizers to boot. Bugger n' beads or Bunny n' beads has been good down under.   Look for it all to be getting better as fall progresses!

Please call us here at the shop for the day to day report! 406.333.4401



]]> Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2876 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2875 Recorded:  52 ° F Fishing: Good

Cool, clouds, negotiable wind out of the West/SW... Sounds like a good day on the Lower Maddy!  Reports have been pretty decent the past couple days.  Baetis are present in good numbers and fish are definitely keying in on them.  Is the dry fly fishing good?  Well, can be.  You'll see good numbers of smaller to medium sized bows and browns willing to gobble a well presented parachute Adams or Purple Haze.  The big boys?  Not so much.  As per usual out here, nymphing is not only the best means of grabbing the fish's attention and making a bend in your rod, but it's also what's going to get the bigger fish.  Sorry but true.  Typical Lower Maddy patterns centered around a bow bugger, a san juan, or your favorite crayfish pattern followed by a small beadhead of some sort is the way to go.  Short leash it 2-3 feet to indy or go long, whatever your pick, it'll work.  Weed bed edges as well as the defined buckets are the places to concentrate your presentations. 

Your Fly Box-
Idyl's Chubby- all colors
PMXs
Paramore-ish hoppers (purple has been good)
Carnage hopper
Rainy hopper in pink or tan
Furimsky hopper
Shiela hopper
Neversink Trude
Yeager's 409
Para lime variant
Purple Haze, copper haze
BH king, queen prince
Lightning bug in both silver, mirage, and gold
Shop Vac
Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper john
Clouser Cray
Ron Burgundy san juan
Copper/nat, Pearl/nat zonkers
JJ's in smaller sizes



Please feel free to stop by the shop or call us for the up to the minute report or the fly de jour.




]]> Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2875 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2873 Recorded:  68 ° F Fishing: Good

Cool, wet weather on the way.  Wind in front of it to be sure.  Look for fairly drastic temperature change after today to start affecting the fishing for the next several days through the weekend.   With the cloudy, rainy weather on tap think: Blue Wing Olives (baetis...) and drakes as the go to bugs on top.  With the water temps continuing to cool,  turning to nymphing in the AM as the action has been slow to get going has been the way to start the day. Around lunch time go to the short leash method with lighter nymph patterns and by 2pm dries through the remainder of the day all the way to the boat ramp.  

Your Fly Box-
Neversink Trudes- small sizes in tan or black
Wilcox's JC Special both grey and olive -small
Paralime Variant
Purple Haze, Copper Haze
Parachute Adams- hi vis as well as 'guide chute'
Parachute Hare's Ear
Gray Drake cripples
Parawulff Adams, Purple, as well as olive
PMXs in royal, orange, olive
RL Crystal Buggers- olive smaller sizes
Pat's Rubber Leg olv/blk, brown (turd), org/brown, tan-small
Lightning bug
Tungsten Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper John
Home Invaders
Peanut Envy
G's S Dungeon
McCune Sculpins

Feel free to call us any time or stop by the fly shop to get up to the minute reports on where to go as well as the bugs and gear to get 'em.  We're here every day of the week. 






]]> Thu, 6 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2873 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2818 Recorded:  79 ° F Fishing: Good

Is there an end in sight to "above average" anything?  Weather, water, it's all been like that this season...  Summer won't/can't let go.  Another warm one in store today (for the last week of Sept anyways).  Reports from yesterday were mixed.  Some good, some just OK.   With the warm, sunny weather and zero frost at all this week now,  there's still plenty of grasshoppers around! Think hoppity-hops in smaller sizes with tan, yellow, and olive bodies, as well as flying ants, beetles as good afternoon searching patterns. Try taking a glass bead ant pattern as a dropper. Both Green as well as Gray drakes are in the mix.  Blue Wing Olives (baetis...) have been present each PM even through the bright sunshine.  Some folks are turning to nymphing in the AM as the action has been slow to get going.  Uncle Whitey has been brutal though.....they seem to be in the prime spots unless the trout are really on the feed.  Think about the skinny water inside the main current seams and getting a perfect drift EVERY time you lay the fly on the water.  And LOOK UNDER your fly.  A lot of really nice fish are not whacking the dry but SUCKING it down.  You hardly see anything but your fly disappear.  BELIEVE in your guide when he says HIT IT!  

Your Fly Box-
Chubby Tan, Golden, Olive-smaller sizes like 12
Paramore-ish Hopper
Morrish Hopper- small sizes in yellow & pink
Carnage Hopper
Neversink Trudes- small sizes in tan or black
Wilcox's JC Special both grey and olive -small
Paralime Variant
Purple Haze, Copper Haze
Parachute Adams- hi vis as well as 'guide chute'
Parachute Hare's Ear
Gray Drake cripples
Parawulff Adams, Purple, as well as olive
PMXs in royal, orange, olive
RL Crystal Buggers- olive
Pat's Rubber Leg olv/blk, brown (turd), org/brown, tan-small
King, Queen prince
Lightning bug
Tungsten Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper John
Ron Burgundy san juan
Home Invaders
Peanut Envy
G's S Dungeon
McCune Sculpins

Feel free to call us any time or stop by the fly shop to get up to the minute reports on where to go as well as the bugs and gear to get 'em.  We're here every day of the week. 






]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2818 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2813 Recorded:  75 ° F Fishing: Good

Things are slowly turning to fall type activities on the spring creeks.  Reports have been mixed still, but getting better.  There have been some more reliable hatches now and better midges as well to add to the ever present terrestrial action that has been the staple for some time now.  Had word that the other day there was decent baetis in the morning and that while it was cool in the AM, fish were actively feeding on both baetis as well as midges and that fishing was good.  Once it got hot around the middle of the day, things subsided and it was back to the doldrums.  We need some distinct weather events to move in..... It would be nice to see some cloudy days in the 60s with scattered showers or at least some kind of chance of that.  No wind would be welcome too...  If wishes could come true.....



]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2813 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2801 Recorded:  82 ° F Fishing: Good

The Lower Madison- Yeah, I know it's been really nice fall like weather and what's this?  Back to super sunny and 80.... oh well, likely to be the last of it!  Not to worry as water temps are back in the 60s and fish are fat and happily eating.  However, as bright as it is, we'll take no gamble with the Lower being a super-duper choice du jour.... If you go- dry fly fishing while seemingly never super consistent out here, has been fairly decent.  Large hopper patterns fished singly and with faith are getting some really nice fish!  You may have to try several patterns before deciding upon which one actually gets the eats.  Nymphing out on the Lower is traditionally the best means of grabbing the fish's attention and making a bend in your rod.  Typical Lower Maddy patterns centered around a bugger, a san juan, or your favorite crayfish pattern followed by a small beadhead of some sort is the way to go.  Fish are well spread out now throughout the entire river.  Mid river weedbeds that are now exposed are not as likely to produce as the buckets, slots, and gravel runs with some depth to them. 

Your Fly Box-
Idyl's Chubby- all colors
PMXs
Paramore-ish hoppers (purple has been good)
Carnage hopper
Rainy hopper in pink or tan
Furimsky hopper
Shiela hopper
Neversink Trude
Yeager's 409
Para lime variant
Purple Haze, copper haze
BH king, queen prince
Lightning bug in both silver, mirage, and gold
Shop Vac
Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper john
Clouser Cray
Ron Burgundy san juan
Copper/nat, Pearl/nat zonkers
JJ's in smaller sizes



Please feel free to stop by the shop or call us for the up to the minute report or the fly de jour.




]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2801 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2796 Recorded:  79 ° F Fishing: Good

Seems we are back in the sun and summer look... Only a light frost this morning and promises of sun all day along with rising temperatures.  Back to the 80s from the looks of things.  Mayfly dominance may have to take a side seat to resurgance in terrestrials including hoppers.  Walked through the grass this morning on the way to look at the river and there's still plenty of kickers around! Think hoppity-hops in smaller sizes with tan, yellow, and olive bodies, as well as flying ants, beetles as good afternoon searching patterns. Both Green as well as Gray drakes are in the mix.  Blue Wing Olives (baetis...) are most definitely out and about each PM as well.  Some folks are turning to nymphing in the AM as it has been slow to get going.  Uncle Whitey has been brutal though..... It's a really tough call- extra coffee and the complete sports page re-read or get on the water first and stay out front even through AM duldrums.... you choose.

Your Fly Box-
Chubby Tan, Golden, Olive-smaller sizes like 12
Paramore-ish Hopper
Morrish Hopper
Carnage Hopper
Neversink Trudes
Wilcox's JC Special both grey and olive (xxx!)
Paralime Variant
Purple Haze, Copper Haze
Parachute Adams- hi vis as well as 'guide chute'
Parachute Hare's Ear
Gray Drake cripples
Parawulff in Adams, Purple, as well as olive
PMXs in royal, orange, olive
RL Crystal Buggers- olive
Pat's Rubber Leg olv/blk, brown (turd), org/brown, tan
Mr. Rubberlegs- hare's ear, PT, Goldenstone
Mega Prince
Candy Apple Bugger
King, Queen prince
Lightning bug
Tungsten Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper John
Delekta stones in smaller sizes
Ron Burgundy san juan
Home Invaders
Peanut Envy
G's S Dungeon
McCune Sculpins

Feel free to call us any time or stop by the fly shop to get up to the minute reports on where to go as well as the bugs and gear to get 'em.  We're here every day of the week. 

So you want to fish SW Montana??  Fall bookings are about like the fishing right now- going big.  Call us if you are even remotely thinking about a guide for any time left here in August and most certainly for Sept.  Guide calendars are about full.  It's going fast....




]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2796 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2795 Recorded:  68 ° F Fishing: Good

OK, this is fall!  Mostly cloudy skies, calling for rain showers, but hold on----High Wind alerts today...  Keep your fingers crossed it won't actually be the case.  The hopper fishing has definitely started to subside.   Look to grass munchers in smaller sizes in tan, yellow, and olive, as well as flying ants, beetles, and large to medium sized drake patterns as well as our ol buddy purple haze are the go to patterns.  Both Green as well as Gray drakes are showing up with more and more regularity.  Given a really good overcast, cool day with the threat of rain showers and low wind, it could be a banner day!  Blue Wing Olives (baetis...) are most definitely out and about each day right now as well.  We haven't seen a WOW hatch of them yet, but I'd bet 'that kinda day' isn't far off.

Your Fly Box-
Chubby Tan, Golden, Olive-smaller sizes like 12
Paramore-ish Hopper
Morrish Hopper
Carnage Hopper
Neversink Trudes
Wilcox's JC Special both grey and olive (xxx!)
Paralime Variant
Purple Haze, Copper Haze
Parachute Adams- hi vis as well as 'guide chute'
Parachute Hare's Ear
Gray Drake cripples
Parawulff in Adams, Purple, as well as olive
PMXs in royal, orange, olive
RL Crystal Buggers- olive
Pat's Rubber Leg olv/blk, brown (turd), org/brown, tan
Mr. Rubberlegs- hare's ear, PT, Goldenstone
Mega Prince
Candy Apple Bugger
King, Queen prince
Lightning bug
Tungsten Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper John
Delekta stones in smaller sizes
Ron Burgundy san juan
Home Invaders
Peanut Envy
G's S Dungeon
McCune Sculpins

Feel free to call us any time or stop by the fly shop to get up to the minute reports on where to go as well as the bugs and gear to get 'em.  We're here every day of the week. 

So you want to fish SW Montana??  Fall bookings are about like the fishing right now- going big.  Call us if you are even remotely thinking about a guide for any time left here in August and most certainly for Sept.  Guide calendars are about full.  It's going fast....




]]> Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2795 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2800 Recorded:  75 ° F Fishing: Good

The Lower Madison- OK- finally some relief.  This cooling off has been really good for making things better out here.  Water temps are back in the 60s and fish are fat and happily eating.  Dry fly fishing while seemingly never super consistent out here, has been fairly decent.  Large hopper patterns fished singly and with faith are getting some really nice fish!  You may have to try several patterns before deciding upon which one actually gets the eats.  Nymphing out on the Lower is traditionally the best means of grabbing the fish's attention and making a bend in your rod.  Typical Lower Maddy patterns centered around a bugger, a san juan, or your favorite crayfish pattern followed by a small beadhead of some sort is the way to go.  Fish are well spread out now throughout the entire river.  Mid river weedbeds that are now exposed are not as likely to produce as the buckets, slots, and gravel runs with some depth to them. 

Your Fly Box-
Idyl's Chubby- all colors
PMXs
Paramore-ish hoppers (purple has been good)
Carnage hopper
Rainy hopper in pink or tan
Furimsky hopper
Shiela hopper
Neversink Trude
Yeager's 409
Para lime variant
Purple Haze, copper haze
BH king, queen prince
Lightning bug in both silver, mirage, and gold
Shop Vac
Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper john
Clouser Cray
Ron Burgundy san juan
Copper/nat, Pearl/nat zonkers
JJ's in smaller sizes



Please feel free to stop by the shop or call us for the up to the minute report or the fly de jour.




]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2800 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2817 Recorded:  76 ° F Fishing: Good

Getting better on the Upper continues to be the word as of late.  Water levels have been pumped up a bit recently which is a good thing.  Was it because the flows were too low in August during the middle of summer?  No.  Go figure- there's been water in the lake ALL summer long.  The river was bumped now, in mid Sept because of knowledge that there needs to be a draw down before next springs runoff.  Don't ask.... We do know this, along with the water levels coming up, the temps are dropping and fish are happy!   There's the slew of smaller fish that will eat your bugs all day long while more and more good size fish (and a few Biggies) are starting to show up consistently.  Bugger n' beads or Bunny n' beads has been good down under.  Hoppers and terrestrials are decent as well.  Streamer junkies are catching a few nice fish per day.  Look for it all to be getting better as fall progresses!

Please call us here at the shop for the day to day report! 406.333.4401



]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2817 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2816 Recorded:  65 ° F Fishing: Good

Feels like? Fall-   Maybe, just maybe this could be the beginning of 'normal' fall like weather for us.  In the Park, it sounds like a bit of a broken record, but  the Northeast corner of the park still reigns tops for consistent fishing opportunities. Things are changing, however, with the cooler weather, places like the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison in the Park are going to start to pick up again.  Water temps will be cooling off and fish becoming more active.  Still hard to go wrong though with one of the Top 3: Lamar, Soda Butte or Slough Creek. And as we've said it all season so far-  the Park is a very popular place to fish -lots of dudes (& dudettes) are out there wanting to be out on the water.  Go early and have good hiking shoes if you absolutely have to be by yourself.  Don't mind a few peeps around?  Have at it at any of the well distinguished (read crowded) pull-outs.

Firehole- water temps beginning to shape up(by that we mean down...) and fishing is starting to become respectable again.  Look for caddis and baetis mayfly patterns as well as terrestrials to be your go-to choices.

Gibbon river- Haven't actually had a report back on the Gibbon specific, but since the Firehole is cooling and fishing pretty well, it stands to reason that the Gibbon is as well.  Perhaps in addition to terrrestrial bugs, maybe some fall drakes are beginning to show...

Madison in the Park-  Did get a report back that the Maddy is OK.  Quite a few peeps out trying, but there's not much in the way of Lake Run fish coming in just yet.  Still a ways away for the bad boys of fall.  

Upper Gardner river- fishing well on all acounts.  Great brook trout fishing on small dry flies.  Keep it simple here! Classic patterns like parachute adams, royal wulffs, elk hair caddis all are working. It's not that tough.  Going under?  Hare's Ear, PT, prince are about all you need.  Keep an eye out for bears- pretty good concentration of griz in the area.  You should have bear spray and not be fishing alone.  Make a ruckus as you hike in and let the bears know you are around.

Gardner river-  Happy fishermen along the Gardner river from Lava Crk to its entrance into the Yellowstone river mainstem. Goldenstones, caddis, and terrestrials are what to toss.  Hopper/dropper rigs or anything resembling your favorite dry followed by a BH nymph of choice will get the job done.

Lamar river-  Dry fly fishing reigning supreme.  When doesn't it?  Why would you fish by other means here?  Fishing pressure still (& likely always will be-) concentrated at the easiest of pullouts up and down the valley.  Want relative peace and quiet?  Start Hiking!  Drakes,   Mr Terrestrial - that's Hopper to you-OK and Mr. Ant or Ms. Beetle is what to have on the end of your tippet.Look for Mstr Baetis to be in the mix as well.

Soda Butte Creek- See Lamar....

Slough Creek-  Did we say tough? Lots of folks love this place and the fish are not dumb.  Don't hesitate to go small (itty-bitty!) on flies or your tippet.  If you like a challenge, sight casting to rising fish is a blast and Slough Creek Cuttys are one of the epitomies of 'gettin it done' in the Park.

Stop by the shop on your way to the Park for licenses, flies, and gear.  Or feel free to call for up-to-the-minute reports 406-333-4401.




]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2816 http://montanaflyfishers.com/fishing-reports#2794 Recorded:  75 ° F Fishing: Good

Cooler mornings.  Heck, even a frost..... Definitely harbingers that Fall is (should) be here.  A small but nice cooling off period sure did help out. Can't say as that it's 'rocking' crazy great out there, but it's solid.  Especially if you put your time in. The hopper fishing has definitely started to subside.   Look to grass munchers in smaller sizes in tan, yellow, and olive, as well as flying ants, beetles, and large to medium sized drake patterns as well as our ol buddy purple haze are the go to patterns.  Both Green as well as Gray drakes are showing up with more and more regularity.  Given a really good overcast, cool day with the threat of rain showers and low wind, it could be a banner day!  Blue Wing Olives (baetis...) are most definitely out and about each day right now as well.  We haven't seen a WOW hatch of them yet, but I'd bet 'that kinda day' isn't far off.
Your Fly Box-
Chubby Tan, Golden, Olive-smaller sizes like 12
Paramore-ish Hopper
Morrish Hopper
Carnage Hopper
Neversink Trudes
Wilcox's JC Special both grey and olive (xxx!)
Paralime Variant
Purple Haze, Copper Haze
Parachute Adams- hi vis as well as 'guide chute'
Parachute Hare's Ear
Gray Drake cripples
Parawulff in Adams, Purple, as well as olive
PMXs in royal, orange, olive
RL Crystal Buggers- olive
Pat's Rubber Leg olv/blk, brown (turd), org/brown, tan
Mr. Rubberlegs- hare's ear, PT, Goldenstone
Mega Prince
Candy Apple Bugger
King, Queen prince
Lightning bug
Tungsten Soft hackle PT
Soft hackle Copper John
Delekta stones in smaller sizes
Ron Burgundy san juan
Home Invaders
Peanut Envy
G's S Dungeon
McCune Sculpins

Feel free to call us any time or stop by the fly shop to get up to the minute reports on where to go as well as the bugs and gear to get 'em.  We're here every day of the week. 

So you want to fish SW Montana??  Fall bookings are about like the fishing right now- going big.  Call us if you are even remotely thinking about a guide for any time left here in August and most certainly for Sept.  Guide calendars are about full.  It's going fast....




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