zoo city aquarium

Shirts On The Way Soon

2012-02-13T12:03:00.003-07:00

Ok, so I've said that a million times. But this time I really mean it. Did a small run of stickers too, with more to come. Will probably have them available at some of the local fly shops. Will let everyone know when I get it together. Trying to focus on the bar exam at the end of this month.

F3T Review

2012-02-11T13:22:00.005-07:00

Well, another Fly Fishing Film Tour has come and gone. Thought I'd share my thoughts on the evening. First of all, the crowd is getting crazy! Almost had a rock concert mentality up on the balcony, if you know what I mean;). I made the mistake of forgetting that I had to print my tickets. My brain somehow thought they were at will call. In my defense I bought a bunch of Wilma tickets that day and I always choose WC. Anyway the guys were kind enough to let me show them tickets on my email. Thanks!

The highlights as far as I'm concerned. My Hardcore Porn Award definitely goes to Riding High: A Season on the Fly for just pure pump-up value.

Great way to start the night off, with repeated insane shots of giant tarpon inhaling flies and going nuts. Can't ask for much more for adrenaline. I was totally stoked. Honorable mentions include The Kodiak Project and the Arctic.

My Best Story Award is a tie between Doc of the Drakes and Reverb: A Punk Rock Love Story. Loved that the Doc got his big fish at the end, and what an amazing guide, to stick with him through all his misses. Great piece. Reverb really touched me as a musician and a fly fisherman. All I could think about was Entztrix and I tramping around our small stream chillers. Reverb here.

Best Film for me is still Sipping Dry. Just my personal connection with the Mo' makes the wonderful footage all the more powerful and it speaks to what I'm all about as an angler. Hope y'all enjoyed it too. I loved all the movies, but more accolades will have to wait for another post. I gotta run!

Winter Steelhead Silliness

2012-02-06T11:22:00.010-07:00

Here at ZCA, we are not above nymphing for steelhead. Yet.

3 Days, 3 feet.

2012-01-20T20:02:00.008-07:00

Storm Update: Major Event Predicted

2012-01-16T10:17:00.003-07:00

Not much has changed in the overall forecast since last week but I've been waiting to say anything as it's been an unlucky winter thus far. NOAA has issued a Winter Storm watch for pretty much the entire northern Rockies. On Tuesday the first in a series of powerful storms is predicted to move across western Montana. An extremely strong upper level jet stream will move large amounts of moist air into the region. With the large cold air mass that's already here, we should see the potential for some serious mountain snowfall. As typically happens with these types of systems, there will be a very intense band of precipitation where the air mass border sets up. Right now NOAA is predicting this will occur somewhere between Kalispell and Missoula. My guess is, as usual, the Missions, Swans, and Seely valley will probably see the most snow, but with the amount of water coming in, it's going to be big everywhere for this winter.

Wednesday a second, even more powerful system is expected. Thursday, temperatures are predicted to rise, bringing snow levels up just below 4000 feet. Still, high confidence remains that we will be adding several FEET of snow to the mountain snowpack this week.

Steve Karkanan, of Missoula Avalanche, is predicting that while the snowpack has stabilized quite a bit over the past week, as soon as we get another load things could get VERY dangerous on slopes over 30 degrees. This means once about a foot of new snow falls, we're right back to considerable danger. Given these storm totals, it likely that Hollywood Bowl at LT and some areas at the Bowl could be closed as well, at least in the mornings for avy control. As the Snowbowl ski patrol has told me in the past, if it's closed, usually there's a good reason.

Snow on the Way!!!

2012-01-09T10:46:00.003-07:00

Looks like we have some good weather headed our way tonight and tomorrow. NOAA is predicting mountain accumulations of 5-8 inches, with snow levels dropping to the valley floors over night. I don't know about you, but as my buddy Bob Troutman said, I'm getting sick of looking at my grass (and all of the half-frozen dog poop) in my yard. Long term, the forecast models are still showing La Nina like conditions. It's gotta turn around sooner or later, right?

LT Update

2012-01-02T21:01:00.006-07:00

Good skiing. Gotta know where to look for it, but you knew that. Saw this awesome slide action too. There are some tracks leading up to the crown face if you zoom all the way in. Also, Granite County sheriffs reported yet another fatality in the Flint Creek Range due to an avalanche. It's just not a good year to be careless out there.

In-bounds was pretty fun today, though. All the wet snow really came around and is buttery and easy to ski. Very windy though and lots of snow blowing off the ridge tops. Chair 4 was closed until 1pm or so, but once it opened, the day got a lot more interesting. Anyway, due to real life concerns, I'm off the slopes for a few days so send me some reports!

Snowmobiler Killed Near Cooke City and Other Rumors

2012-01-01T16:19:00.005-07:00

The Helena IR is reporting that a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in the Fisher Creek area on a northeast aspect. Hope this isn't a harbinger for the rest of the season around the state. He was recovered within 12 minutes, but the slab was four feet thick and 300 feet wide. Not good. Sad and condolences to his family and friends.

Got a report yesterday that a skier set off a slide in Hollywood Bowl up at Lost Trail, causing a temporary closure. It's back open now, and very deep, from what I hear.

I also heard from the birds that in the Bitterroots below 6000 feet there is some great snow to be had and a lot more stability, due to the rain. The slopes above the rain line that were wind-loaded remain pretty sketchy. Also, we are now live on Twitter and Facebook, so please link up with us. Happy New Year and be safe!

New Years Update. Avalanche Warning Issued

2011-12-30T23:43:00.006-07:00

Photo courtesy of West Central Montana Avalanche Center.

There was a human-triggered avalanche on Point 6 yesterday. You can read the report here. The West Central Montana Avalanche Center has issued an avalanche warning above 6000 feet for the Bitterroots and the Rattlesnake. Heavy snow, combined with lots of wind on two separate buried surface hoar layers is creating scary conditions out there. The public observation board has several other reports of instability and avalanche activity from around the area. It's gonna take a while so stay safe folks.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-29T07:50:00.004-07:00

Boo to the rain. A series of warm, moist systems are making their way through NW Montana, meaning valley rain and some mountain snow. Lost Trail, as usual when we get the warm wet stuff, is the place to be today, with 16" in the past 24 hours. It's all about the elevation. The first cold front has now passed, with mountain top temps in the Rattlesnake dropping fast, 4 degrees in the past two hours or so. Temps are expected to rise again with next storm. Four inches fell on Stuart last night, with a few showers still on the radar. The next system is supposed to arrive Thursday evening, and while warm, it doesn't look to be as sloppy as the recent storm. Still going to be muddy and nasty in the valley.

Avalanche danger is pretty bad right now, so I wouldn't advise any backcountry trips, unless you are really confident in your abilities and you plan to avoid dangerous terrain. We have a few weak layers of surface hoar buried in the snowpack. Add a bunch of new loading with heavy wet snow and mid-elevation rain and you've got a recipe for trouble. Dudley's video from after the last storm is pretty telling. Not much has happened to strengthen the deep weak layer and we added another smaller surface hoar layer over the holiday before these storms. A 16+" slab will bury you pretty damn quick. Anyway, things are not safe out there.

There has been a lot of talk about the LaValle malfunction up at Snowbowl. For the record, I was rope evacuated, and I thought Patrol did a great job, considering how many young kids were solo on the lift. Apparently, the cable got derailed when a person somehow ran into a sign while trying to load, and the chair then hit the sign, bouncing it off. The idiocy factor is high at the Bowl right now, and this is just one example. Anyway, the lift was quickly fixed and I don't think safety is an issue up there, other than the morons and some of the high schoolers, who for some reason think that good skiers never make any turns. Go home and watch your movies, kids. It's about what you do when you're on the ground, not your outfit and your aerials.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T21:29:00.002-07:00

Mother Nature gave us a big present this year. Somehow, the storm that was supposed to miss us didn't, and we've got over a foot of fresh snow in the mountains. Today's cold temps sucked a lot of the moisture out and things are pretty soft. There are still lots of sleeper logs and rocks, so watch yourselves.

I haven't been out of bounds in a while, but I should be making an adventure at some point shortly. Inbounds has just been too much fun! Anyway, hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

Snowbowl Update 12/9/11

2011-12-09T17:56:00.004-07:00

Pretty simple. We need some snow. Bad.

Rob and I skied the Bowl today, and while we did managed to find some good snow in spots, we definitely hit a lot of rocks doing so. The wind seemed to mess the 'Snake up a lot more than the Bitterroots. There's also probably 10 more inches at altitude on that side of the valley.

Some areas up top are as thin as I've seen, with all kinds of rocks popping out, and tons of saplings. Most of the mountain, including half of the Lavalle area, is still closed. Just not enough coverage. I wouldn't suggest cutting under the lines either. Best run of the day was Paradise, honestly. Anyway, if we got a foot of fresh, it would be back on it's way. Let's hope this high pressure is out of here soon.

New Mo' Film Part of 2012 Fly Fishing Film Tour

2011-12-07T09:12:00.003-07:00

Sipping Dry trailer from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.

Can't wait to see this one. I love technical dry fly fishing. The Mo' is paradise for that and has kicked my ass more times than I'd care to admit. Sorry for jinxing the snow by talking about it on the blog! Keep your fingers crossed and watch some porn! Fish or ski porn, that is.

Sideman's Country

2011-12-05T09:02:00.003-07:00

My first short ski film shot the past few weeks. Music by Zoo City contributor Seagoat, aka Chrisopher Entz. This was all done with two iPhones and iMovie. Check it yo!

Zoo City's New Winter Focus

2011-12-04T11:51:00.006-07:00

Happy winter, everyone! Beautiful day out there with a few inches of fresh, dry snow in the valley. Hope everyone is ready for another La Nina.

I started Zoo City several years ago with the goal of providing high quality fly fishing info for Missoulians. Each winter, this blog has essentially been in hiatus, while the Zoo Crew switches into powder hunting mode. This year, in an effort to keep a continuous stream of posts, I'm adding ski and snow info to the blog for all those trout addicts who turn to Montana's cold smoke for winter therapy. Next to landing a 22-inch brown, nothing compares to a long, untouched powder glade to get my heart going.

In the sidebar on the left, I've shared all of my favorite snow nerd links for your cold weather pleasure. You'll find pin point weather reports for your favorite in-bounds and backcountry areas, plus Snotel information, climate info, satellite photos, weather radar and more. I hope you make Zoo City your first stop before planning your next tour or day on the chair lift. I'll also keep posting photos, videos and reports of all our winter adventures. Hope you enjoy and stay warm out there!

Fighting Through the Sufferfest

2011-10-20T11:17:00.005-06:00

So, a few days ago Jason B. and I exchanged a series of text messages debating whether or not we should float through some inclement weather, which he termed a "sufferfest." I ended up doing a solo walk and wade sufferfest, which included two browns over 20" and a lost opportunity on one pushing two feet.

However uncomfortable a sufferfest might be, the big fish usually come out to eat on the shittiest days. Here are a few pics I just received from my friend and photographer/videographer Austin Trayser from a sufferfest we enjoyed on the Blackfoot back in April. Thanks to Austin for sharing. The brown at the top was one of the biggest I've seen on the 'Foot. Yes, that is snow in the photos. It dumped on us all day.

The Browns Are Getting Ornery

2011-10-07T09:30:00.011-06:00

Great streamer action on the Mo yesterday. I have a new excellent streamer pattern that I may share with you all shortly. It was killing. Unfortunately, Brady, Josh and myself didn't land too many of the giants we moved or hooked. We did get this one in the net and one big hen (Missed the pic on that one). Probably saw 10 browns over 20 inches. Lots of nice 16-20" rainbows in the mix as well. I seem to have no problem sticking the 'bows but I've missed every big brown opportunity I've had for 4 weeks straight. I pretty much had a melt down after number 5 missed yesterday. I'm sticking with the junk though. Screw the risers!

Autumn Splendor

2011-10-03T12:03:00.002-06:00

Today appears to be the last of the late summer weather. This is good news for elk hunters and fishermen. The fall hatches have been slow to kick in with daytime temperatures in the 80s. The tricos have been the main show around town, and the cold nights and late warmups have spelled extended trico fishing through the afternoons, with duns hatching early and late, and spinners falling in the middle. That looks set to change with 50s and 60s and rain in the forecast. Our prime fall bugs, the mahogany and blue-winged olive mayflies should respond accordingly.

Mayflies don't love bad weather. Quite the contrary. Low temperatures and wet conditions make them much more vulnerable to the trout. The duns have a harder time transitioning out of the nymphal stage and they spend a much longer time on the water. This makes them an easy meal and creates the blanket hatch-rising trout conditions we all love on the Bitterroot and lower Clark Fork.

Spruce Moths and Butterflies Abound

2011-08-24T12:36:00.005-06:00

Spruce Moth

The spwuce moffs and butterflies are out in full effect so I thought I'd write a little bit about my experiences. Spruce moths are not aquatic, but for some reason they hang out by the water. I've heard all sorts of theories, including that they need to drink or they are attracted by the reflection. Who knows. They are locally abundant. One stretch they will be all over the place, then nothing. They've been all over the treed stretches of the Blackfoot and, of course, Rock Creek.

In some places, the fish have gotten pretty picky about the imitations. A few days ago, on a quiet small stream pool, Entzrix and I watched big cutthroats occasionally refuse real moths that were floating by. Needless to say, it was tough to fool them with an imitation. I'll have a video up for a pattern I've been tying that works pretty well.

Pine Butterfly

The spruce moth should not be confused with the larger pine butterfly, which is also all over the place, with a bumper hatch this summer. While the spruce moth is imitated with a #12-14, the butterfly is larger. Both can be important. A chubby chernoble is a pretty good butterfly imitation. Stay tuned for a video of BP's Foamy Spruce Moth later today.

Al Pils Nails A Clarky 'Bow on a Hopper

2011-08-15T12:01:00.018-06:00

Warning. There is some offensive language at the end of this video. It's also pretty damn funny. While Dixon Adventures has a policy of no swearing, this blog does not.

High Summer Fun

2011-08-15T11:40:00.004-06:00

Well, folks we still have great evening fishing going on, due to the delayed season. Pale evening duns were out and about last night on the Clarky. Caddis seem to be waning from their earlier blizzard levels. As usual, the hoppers and attractors are reining supreme during the daytime. PMDs are still important early on the Clark Fork and Bitterroot with lots of fish cruising the slow spots in the morning. Tricos are just starting. It should be a wonderful fall with these water levels.

Rock Creek was on fire last weekend and I don't see that changing this season. Millions of moths up there and a spruce moth pattern was effective. Also had good fishing with a purple haze and a pink hopper. It only took me about 2 hours to land 30 fish, with the largest a 16 inch brown. This time of year, I love concentrating on the riffled areas of the Creek. Anglers always crowd the holes, but those long riffled sections still hold fish and some good ones. I like to just wade up the middle and cast to both banks. The largest fish will often come up through heavy water to take a moth or hopper so don't neglect areas you wouldn't have thought about casting into during runoff.

Word on the street is the Blackfoot continues to produce occasional larger fish on big bugs. Just as with the Creek, when the banks are being pounded, don't hesitate to fish your big attractor right out in the middle of the river. It will bring up the big boys. The middle stretch is your best bet if you want to avoid the Missoula revelers. Good luck out there. I will have more updates forthcoming and Missoula specific fly fishing T-shirts are in the works!

Salmonflies in August?

2011-06-02T11:37:00.004-06:00

It's still going to be a while. Missoula is currently getting close to an inch of rain, with temperatures in the high seventies predicted for the weekend. The snow needs to start melting sooner or later. At this point, I'm really skeptical that there will be much fishing for at least three weeks. There is still a lot of snow above 6000 feet. Take a look at the North Fork of the Jocko and Stuart Peak and you'll see what I'm talking about. More than 40 inches of water up there is a ton. But it might come out really quick, which also might be really dangerous.

Odds are the big bugs will hatch long before we have fishable water levels in around the Zoo. In my experience, the hatch happens whether you want it to or not. This weekend will be the first warm days and it will be interesting to see when the bugs hatch. We've already hit the average start time, and levels are still pretty high. The hatch happens quick. It isn't like the goldens, which last for weeks. Typically, all the bugs hatch over the course of just a few days, lay their eggs and finis.

Anyway, I'm going to say no salmonfly awesomeness in our neck of the woods this year. However, lake fishing, the Mo, and certain other nameless areas remain viable options. Get out your Gazzeteer and do some homework. It won't be easy again for a while. Here's a vid from Valley of the Moon before this week's temporary drop.

'Sensational' Runoff Around the Corner

2011-05-08T10:44:00.002-06:00

It's gonna be big. So say all the scientists. Hope y'all get a few more days on the area rivers. Then it will be at least a month before salmonflies start flapping around, and I'll wager that a lot of the hatch won't even be fishable due to the water. It's gonna be an awesome year for golden stones though. Please be safe if you choose to take some recreational floats. There will definitely be a period this year where things will be too dangerous, even if you are an expert. Not much you can do when a 150 foot pondy trunk slams into your Sotar. Keep it real.

Skwala Update: Rain on Snow? Oh No!

2011-03-31T08:40:00.005-06:00

If you were hoping that flows would remain stable all spring, stop hoping. Looks like the first push of water is here. It appears we might be witnessing a rain-on-snow event. Basically, the rain goes right through the snow, hits the frost, and runs off. Couple that with warm winds and some snow melt and the rivers go up in a hurry. I was hoping to fish Superior tomorrow, but there's a bunch of snow down there and it's getting rained on. The Darby gauge on the 'Root is also up a couple hundred cfs in the past couple hours. This doesn't bode well for dry fly fishing. Things will balance out eventually as the low altitude snow dissipates, but don't expect much good until then.

Skwala Silliness Abounds

2011-03-29T08:41:00.005-06:00

Well, the "highly anticipated skwala hatch" has arrived with newspaper articles, winter weary rafts, and hoards of float-crazy anglers. Every year the crowding on the Bitterroot seems to get a little worse. The fish are currently still interested in the large bugs, but that is a trend that will likely change over the next week, as they keep getting #8 foamies slapped on their heads. Here are a few tips to make your skwala season more enjoyable.

1) Use smaller flies

As the fish get accustomed to the larger flies, smaller nemoras and mayflies begin to outproduce the popular big stonefly patterns. This is more a function of fishing pressure than anything else. As the fish get used to seeing them, they switch to smaller fair. There are also far more nemoura stones and mayflies on the water. In addition the skwalas tend to get smaller as the hatch progresses.

2) Don't fish the Bitterroot

This may be shocking, but there are skwala hatches on all of the area rivers. Rock Creek and the Blackfoot tend to be later hatches, as they are higher up and colder at this time of year. The Clark Fork, both above Milltown and below the Gorge, offers great action with more water and less crowding. Yes, there are some nice fish on the 'Root, but you will have a much more relaxing day if you seek quieter waters.

3) Be respectful.

If you're floating, avoid waders. If you are wading, understand that some people aren't that respectful. Also remember that in smaller water, it's difficult for boats to avoid your water. Sit down and wait for 10 minutes. The fish are used to the boats at this point and will start feeding again once they quiet down.

4) Get creative.

These high pressure situations are the best time to utilize your fly tying skills. Changing that shop pattern just a little bit can be dynamite. These fish are educated so putting a little bit of original spin on your pattern can make the fish less wary.

Good luck out there, and remember to enjoy it. The runoff will be here soon and we won't be fishing very much unless we truck out to the Missouri.

Salmon River NY Review 11/13-14

2010-11-16T12:59:00.013-07:00

Aaron Borow, Adam Page, Josh Sykes and I woke up Saturday morning @ 3:30 AM so we could arrive at the Lower Fly Zoo in Altmar at the butt crack of dawn. It didn't matter...there were like 5000 people there already. We wandered up to "the wire", our favorite run at the very top of the Lower Fly Zoo. We managed to fist fight our way through the crowd, and acquired the most coveted shore side chiller rock at the wire. There is a nice fast run above the rock. At the bottom of the run, the huge rock sends the river off on a crooked direction. This makes a killer resting seam just feet off shore. Despite butting our way into a favorable location, the fishing was slow, just steady enough to keep us interested. I saw very few hookups the whole day. Everybody in our group but me got a good hook set the first day. Josh landed the only fish. Picture #4, his very first steelhead! A remarkable fish!

Day 2 we decided to try the Upper Fly Zone. We arrived there an hour before sunrise but were still greeted by 20 cars. The shore was littered with anglers about every 20 feet. Right before first light we decided to ford the river at the tail out of the long productive run. It was a sketchy crossing and would be unsafe any higher than the 650 cfs the river was running. We then ran to the head of the run and declared scabby beach ours for the day, a perfect location for 4 anglers. It is a sandy little beach with the littlest trib trickling in, making a perfect fish landing zone. Not more than ten minutes of fishing went by and we heard a, "PRAISE JESUS!" come outta Josh's mouth. This caused quite a great uproar amongst us, as we had talked about replacing the "fish on!" with other things the night before. I believe Josh landed that fish, a nice probably 26 inch steelhead buck.

I had the hot hand the rest of the morning. I hooked up about 10 times and tried different flies every time I lost one. The pattern didn't seem to matter, and I lost quite a big ass fish with a large salmonfly nymph....probably a brown. The long run called for strike indicator fishing and with my new 10' 8" 8wt switch it made it a breeze. Aaron and I each built one specifically for this river. The rods have great action and helped us make 50 foot drifts with ease. I landed two nice hen steelies and a nice brown. Josh landed 2 buck steelies and Aaron landed one nice buck. We had a great time and it is quickly becoming an addiction, fueled by the loss of every single truly gargantuan fish we hooked. I'll add a couple more pics when I get them from Adam.

-Entztrix

Warm Spell Means A Longer T&T Season

2010-09-27T17:54:00.004-06:00

Tricos and terrestrials are late summer and early fall staples no matter where you fish, and here in western MT, it's no different. According to NOAA, the weather looks to stay sunny, with a large ridge of high pressure pushing most precipitation to the north into British Columbia. This means an extended grasshopper season and more time to hit the tricos in the mornings. It also might mean slower fishing with mahognies and BWOs.

Fish have been picky as usual with the trikes, although trout in the faster water have been more willing to eat small attractors. For those picky fish, exact imitations and 6x are a must. Double-wing or cluster patterns and 5x tippets were regularly rejected by selective fish on the lower 'Root this weekend. Good luck out there. I will be spending a large portion of the week working inside, although I hope to get down to the Big Hole on Thursday and Friday.

Fall is Here!

2010-09-16T12:42:00.003-06:00

I love autumn fishing in MT. The elk hunters take to the woods, the weather becomes a more formidable obstacle, and fewer and fewer anglers make the effort to get out on the stream. Some of the worst weather days are some of the best fishing days.

The Bitterroot is shifting into fall mode, with mayflies galore. Tricos, BWOs, mahoganies, and hecubas generate some of the most consistent dry fly fishing of the year. Coates and I have been developing a new style of purple mayflies that have thus far proved to be very effective. Why they like purple so much who knows, but the fly shop Purple Haze patterns have a variety of problems that we believe we have fixed. Streamers have been taking nice browns and rainbows alike.

The Blackfoot is still giving up some nice fish on big bugs during the warm afternoons and hoppers are still clicking in the sun on the grassy banks. The Upper Clarkie also continues to be hopper paradise, with mayflies filling in the gaps. Word on the street is that Kelly Island is starting to bounce back from the dam construction and it might behoove you to explore the braids for sipping rainbows.

Get out there while you still can. The browns are starting to get angry and the next 4 weeks will be some of the best fishing of the year, especially given the rain and great river flow levels we are seeing. Might be making some trips to the Mo' and the Big Hole in the near future and steelhead are starting to arrive in Idaho. Let's do this!

Land of Brookies and Waterfalls

2010-08-16T10:42:00.004-06:00

A few pics from a tiny mountain stream that I pray isn't wrecked by unregulated gas drilling. Ladies and gentlemen, Christopher Entz in action.

Big Hole Sickness

2010-08-13T09:03:00.005-06:00

Had a great float on the upper Big Hole last week with Brady, Josh and Jason. Early in the day we had success twitching hoppers on slow grassy banks. Later, after a heavy thunderstorm, the streamer fishing turned on.

Zoo City T-Shirts?

2010-08-07T17:37:00.003-06:00

Here's my sketch of the Zoo City Aquarium T-Shirt. Let me know what you think. I'll probably redraw it. This is also just a photo of the sketch, not a scan so it's not centered right.

Mid-Summer River Report

2010-08-03T10:54:00.004-06:00

The hopper plague begins! The relatively mild day time temps and the thunderstorms bringing rain that actually reaches the ground have been a blessing. Hopper fishing has been remaining good into the evening, without the characteristic hot water lull. Evening caddis action has been terrific as well on the Clark Fork, with numerous mayfly spinners also getting the sippers up right at dark.

The Creek has been it's usual self, although Jason B. and I saw it go from gin clear to mud in about 5 minutes on Sunday when the thunderstorm rain of the previous evening finally made it down to the lower end. It was only a brief blowout, but it did end the day's dry fly action.

Tricos have also started on the lower 'Root and the Clarkie. Look for the duns to come off early in the morning, with the spinners hitting the water just as the sun starts to get hot. Fishing to these picky eaters involves a nice long leader, 6x tippet, and a delicate downstream presentation.

As far as terrestrials go, don't forget about the spruce moths. They can be important and fish that have been stung a few times on hoppers usually don't think twice before munching a tan downwing pattern.

Should be a great August and September. I'll be giving you an East coast update, as I'm headed back next week. Get out there!

Another Moron Drives Car Into River

2010-07-19T14:54:00.004-06:00

So, when is FWP going to do something about the Blackfoot? Here's yet another example of the complete lawless ridiculousness that is the Johnsrud MTV Spring Break annual outbreak of idiocy. Can't we at least have $5 tuber permits or something? It could pay for enforcement of the law and basic common sense.

Summer in the Rockies

2010-07-17T15:05:00.003-06:00

The rain has finally abated and it's now time for our favorite season. This time of year I tend to leave the big rivers to the crowds during the afternoons and focus on two of my loves: small streams and mountain lakes. It's a great way to avoid the hoards and occasionally you whack a really nice trout somewhere you weren't expecting to.

In other news, I've begun sketching some t-shirt ideas, both for Zoo City and a river series I'd like to do. There just aren't any good-quality, cool fishing t's so I want to make it happen this month. The hopper fishing, which is predicted to be epic, hasn't turned on yet, but green drakes, PMDs and caddis have been keeping anglers happy.

You can also check out this letter to editor of the Missoulian from yours truly about the jet boating insanity on the lower Clark Fork and Bitterroot. Several guides I know were buzzed up past Lolo. Insane. Let's hope it gets regulated soon.

Rain Runoff v. Snow Runoff

2010-06-29T23:44:00.003-06:00

Could this be the reason the dry fly fishing has been so spotty? I think so. In the fall, this kind of weather gets the fish going, but not right now. The Blackfoot has been weirder than weird lately, which basically means it's being itself. While people are taking fish on top, I haven't heard any reports of gonzo fishing and I think the rain regiment is to blame. Even the streamer fishing has been streaky. All of sudden you whack a few, then it's back to being adrift on the high seas.

I'd be interested to know, how the temperature variation compares with high runoff years as well as water quality and turbidity. Just a thought.

The Rollercoaster Continues

2010-06-16T17:07:00.005-06:00

Well kids, all those prognostications about consistent fishing until the midsummer drought aren't coming true. Rain, rain, rain. The Blackfoot was just starting to turn on yesterday and the Creek was approaching summer dry fly bliss, but with 4-6 inches of snow predicted above 6,000 feet and an inch of rain expected in the mid-elevations, the river forecast features a big rise once again. Too bad we can't trap all this water and save for August when we need it.

The Creek is up 500 cfs in the last 24 hours, and it will likely go back above 3,000 tomorrow or Friday. The Blackfoot is also expected to jump considerably over the next few days, although it's currently level. It a little hydrological concept called "time of concentration." Thanks, Don Potts! Basically, it takes a little while for all the water in all the tributaries to get to the main river, but when it does, it all adds up.

Just a reminder that on the right side of this page, you can find links to all the Missoula-area river gauges, NOAA river forecasts, and pin-point weather forecasts for your favorite spots on local rivers. There are also links to fishing reports from all the local shops.

So What's Up With The Blackfoot? And other news...

2010-06-14T21:00:00.012-06:00

Ok, I'm back. I was just feeling terrible about being too busy during school to blog, so I was avoiding blogging. But Evan convinced me to get over it the other day. Here we go again.

There are currently salmonflies all over the 'Foot, but the fish just don't care. Not sure why, but I think the bright days have a lot to do with it. We've been seeing a variety of bugs. Tons of caddis, some PMD's, goldens of various sizes, drakes, and of course the big orange things. The dry fly action has been nonexistent since the last rainy day. The fish were real used to that pattern and it's been the exact opposite. Andy Simon smacked this nice 'bow the last rainy day:

In the sun, it's been tough. On Sunday, this bull was pretty much the only real action. That and some Mike's Hard Lemonade.

The Creek is Rockin'. (pun intended) Fish are eating a variety of dries, from salmonflies to goldens to drakes to whatever. The thing about the Creek for me this time of year, is after one or two great days, I want to do something different. It's like the Firehole. I can only catch millions of 8" browns for so long. Don't yell at me for saying that. It's just that, if you throw it out there they will eat it. Not that I don't enjoy the occasional 18 incher, but I just feel a little mean and cruel catching gullible trout day after day. I enjoy a challenge. That challenge would be the Blackfoot currently, since it's been hosing everybody.

Bitterroot? I've heard the upper stretches and the West Fork have been improving and it's going to drop like a rock in the near future, due to the piss poor snow pack down there. Nymph fishing is reportedly good all the way through the middle stretches.

The Clark Fork will probably start fishing with caddis by the end of this week, if it isn't already. They don't care about the mud down there usually. Let's hope things turn on somewhere soon.

Back For the Summer

2010-05-24T11:56:00.002-06:00

Yo folks I'm going to try keeping this thing going over the summer. Law school makes it a bit tough and that would explain the 6 month hiatus. But summer is upon us and with the break, I hope to begin writing again.

Blackfoot Restrictions Proposed

2009-10-15T00:00:00.005-06:00

It was only a matter of time, I suppose. FWP has proposed a draft management plan for the Blackfoot. I think some restrictions are overdue, but the question is are these the right ones?

Chet Crowser tells the Missoulian:

"We're trying to manage for larger volumes closer to Missoula, and as you go upriver, provide opportunities for lower volumes of use," Crowser said. "Some areas would look much like they do now, with tubing and all that continuing from Whitaker Bridge down to town. From Harry Morgan down to Russell Gates, that's where we've talked about a proposed permit system. That box-canyon section is tight, it's popular for fishing, and it's hard to pass in there."

Some folks I've talked to are flabbergasted that the lower river will still be left a tuber chaos zone. The tubers usually don't fish though. I definitely saw insane crowding on the Canyon when I did it this summer. I would estimate that there were 60 rigs at Harry Morgan when we put in and the river just isn't that big or wide through that reach. It was a zoo. I was trying to avoid 3 other boats and tie on a new fly for LaNette and accidentally dropped off that river wide shelf just before the canyon. I completely surprised the outfitter working the big swirly.

I'm wondering why they don't impose restrictions like those on the Big Hole, limiting outfitters to certain days, although we don't have as big an out-of-state angler issue as they do down there. At any rate, now's the time to speak up about the proposal. Don't be afraid to let the agency know how you feel. Check out one of the open houses or send them an email. You can read the plan here.

FWP will host two open houses to discuss the Blackfoot draft plan and environmental assessment. The public is invited to show up any time between 6 and 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, at the Ovando School gymnasium and on Nov. 5 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Missoula. Comments may be submitted in writing at the open houses, via e-mail to blackfootcomments@mt.gov, or online at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Blackfoot River Plan." Mail written comments to Blackfoot River Plan, Montana FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804.

Fall Arrives Tomorrow!

2009-09-29T14:59:00.004-06:00

So the forecast is finally looking promising. Sunday fishing was so-so on the 'Root and I'm still coughing up tar from the Kootenai Creek fire. Fish are starting to tire of the hoppers and the hatches haven't been kicking in like they will in the rain and cool fall air. Hang in their fish heads. Bad weather is good weather to us!

Stolen Raft Frame - Keep Your Eyes Open

2009-09-28T14:05:00.002-06:00

Joe Nickell has asked us to pass along this message:

Someone stole my NRS aluminum raft frame, including brass oarlocks, center rowing seat, gray front fishing seat w/ thigh bar and casting platform, gray back fishing seat, anchor system, blue/white anchor rope w/ large carabiner attached to end. Both front and back fishing seats have attached plastic cupholders.

Please keep your eye out. Since I've offered a no-questions-asked $350 reward for its return on Craigslist, I'll mention that here too.

Stolen from right outside my house at 1305 Howell St. (near Lowell St. / Scott St. Bridge) sometime between 9/24-9/27.

Will it ever be autumn?

2009-09-21T12:18:00.002-06:00

With the exception of yesterday and this morning, it looks like September and August switched places. Days in the 80s have delayed the terrific mayfly activity that so many of us are craving. Word on the street is that the fish have been getting slow after 2pm and with more highs above 80 this week, it looks like we're waiting for October for cool weather.

Tricos have been the name of the game in the morning on the lower 'Root, the Clarkie, and on the slower stretches of the upper 'Foot. Blue-wings are hatching, but the weather isn't keeping them on the water, where the fish can snack on them. A few October caddis are flying around, as well as some spruce moths and other terrestrials. Wasps have been an effective pattern for some of our friends as of late. Let's hope it gets colder soon.

Upper Clark Fork fisheries update

2009-09-19T13:59:00.009-06:00

Hi yall. I've spent the summer working for FWP as a fisheries technician this summer. In case you didn't know, there's a ton of fish up there. Although numbers in the main stem are a little low (around 300-400 fish per mile) they are hungry, big, and brown. Here's a pic of a hopper fish between gold creek and drummond. It was a better day hopper fishing than I've had on any other of the local big rivers. There are many floats on these streches that few people run with a raft. Galen-Racetrack - Sager Lane-Deer Lodge- khors bend- garrison-phosphate-gold creek-jens-drummond-BLM access. As some of you know, the fish numbers peter out below drummond and don't really pick up until Rock Cr.

Most recently we started a population estimate on the Little Blackfoot. One the stretch down from the new access site, we picked up over 400 fish. A good number of these fish were 18" or over. In most log jams, we'd pick up at least 5 fish in this class. Here's a couple of pics of some of the larger fish.
We'll probably estimate about 1000 fish per mile on much of the lower Little Blackfoot. Similarly, we've seen brown trout estimates on Warm Springs Creek at around 1000 fish/mile as well(upstream mile from the confluence and hospital). This estimate was taken twice in the last two years, so its probably very accurate. Several fish over 20" were found here and many in the 18" range. The willows are tough here, but once you're in the river channel, its easy to get a cast.

Just wanted to throw out some fall brown trout ideas for you dry fly, caddis pupae, and streamer chuckers. Enjoy!

Grasshopper Plague

2009-08-06T09:52:00.003-06:00

In case you missed the front page of the Missoulian yesterday, there is a hopper plague in western MT. This means good fishing through September.

Fish Terrorist

2009-08-02T21:39:00.001-06:00

Happy Angler Trilogy

2009-08-02T18:54:00.005-06:00

We love pink!

Hopper Season

2009-07-26T21:12:00.007-06:00

As many of you know, in late summer and early fall, as the hatches begin to dwindle, trout look more and more to terrestrial insects for their surface fare. Grasshoppers are a mythical insect among Western trout fishermen, known for bringing large trout up for slashing takes. The reality is more often a gentle slurp but I always think about those explosions when I'm laying in bed awake on a late summer evening.

Here in the high desert, we have localized grasshopper infestations and when an angler locates one, he can be sure the trout are used to lining up just off the bank during windy afternoons, picking off the hoppers that don't quite make it back to land. These fish can get as picky as a big brown sipping blue-wings sometimes, because they know what a hopper looks like and how it twitches. This profile, motion as well as the myriad of colors, make it a tough bug to match sometimes.

Here's a great example of prime hopper habitat, on Slough Creek in Yellowstone.

As far as colors go, hoppers can be anything from white to florescent green. I think my favorites for exact imitations are cream, tan, and yellow, but a lot of the guides I know swear by pink. I've had good luck with pink as well, but when I'm wading my favorite hopper banks, the fish sometimes get fussy. However, if you're in the boat searching water, pink can be productive.

Gary LaFontaine is my hero, if you didn't already know and I loved his scientific approach to fishing. In The Dry Fly: New Angles he recommends two alternative tactics for hopper eaters. First, fish a sunken or weighted hopper. Trout, especially big ones, are less suspicious of big patterns if they're underwater. Second, fish patterns that have a lot of motion built into them. He fished a jointed bug on a Flex-Hook, but rubber and foam help give a pattern motion as well.

Now is the time to start chucking hoppers. All it takes is walking the bank and finding those localized infestations. If you're really sadistic, you can catch a few hoppers and do a little chumming. It'll amaze you how many fish will ignore your imitation, but slurp the naturals without a second thought. Good luck. Hope this takes some of the randomness out of your hopper fishing.

And we're back...

2009-07-25T12:17:00.003-06:00

I'm back beeatches! Home internet is finally back up and running. July has been pretty fly, eh? In the next few days I want to touch on a few of the things that have been running through my head, among them water temperature, power boats on the lower Clark Fork :(, pink flies, and T&T season. That's Tricos and Terrestrials for the layman.

Hoping to hit a small stream today and then the big river this evening. Brin Mar's small stream article was right on. This is the time of year to explore. There are so many little tucked away gems that you can find with a little map work and 4 wheel drive.

From an unnamed mountain stream somewhere in the Northern Rockies....

2009-07-21T15:07:00.007-06:00

So, there is no doubt the temperatures have changed quite a bit over the past week, as Billy mentioned. This has had an effect on the feeding habits in most of the large streams due to rising water temperature and bright days. Most of the trout will be hiding under stream banks, shade from a willow or other brush, birch, etc. This also presents great opportunities for anglers throughout Montana: exploration of high mountain lakes within surrounding wilderness areas, tributaries, and small creeks.

This takes some motivation, but not much preparation if you're willing to dirtbag it for a couple of days and sleep under the stars, live off of PB&J and other snacks, and generally work for your fish. I decided to explore some areas in the Upper Blackfoot region. I've posted some pictures for the imagination, as well as to drop a hint to the fellas that are familiar with the region.

I had two of my best days of the season in terms of the scenery and solitude, the amount of trout landed (all on dries), and overall experiences. After the last couple of days I have now discovered one of my favorite small streams in western Montana, as well as my enduring appreciation for gin colored, cold, clear, wild streams. This, in combination with the simplicity required from the angler, as well as the selection of flies makes these trips memorable. For example, on the unnamed creek (you guys know how to find me and some of you already know where I'm referring to) I fished two bugs/patterns...for around six hours. A PMD #16 in the morning and a #12 or #14 Royal Wulff the remainder of the day. It was not unusual to pull multiple fish out of one hole at a time. One of the highlights was hooking into four trout ranging in size from 12-16 inches and landing three. The added bonus was that I spent the whole day fishing my 3 wt. wet-noodle, which made the fishing a bit more sporty.

So, get out there and trail blaze, work for some fish, avoid the crowds, and enjoy the numerous opportunities to explore our public land here in Montana.

Hot, much?

2009-07-20T18:32:00.002-06:00

So it's hot out there. On the creek recently the dry action is noticably slower once the sun gets up above the canyon wall. No reports of Tricos yet but we'll let you know. Still no home Internet. At Opp
updating on the iPod. Arrrgh! Damn autofill!

Internet Woes and Other Stuff

2009-07-13T09:25:00.002-06:00

Sorry, folks but the thunderstorms blew out our home modom and we are switching from Qworst to Bresnan, so I've got no home internet for at least another week, making posting very difficult. I've had a spate of bad luck with rods and just about everything else. Lost my summer fly box with all my July patterns, probably 10 dozen or so. Not good.

Fishing has been excellent with the cloudy days bringing the fish up to the mayflies. Caddis in the evening have been great as well. Rain in July??? Craziness. Enjoy it cause it will probably be a not so good winter. Hopper fishing has been picking up as well. If you want a little privacy try the small streams or the Creek. Everybody's on the 'Root. I'll try to get to a coffee shop this week and post some photos of my amazing 4th of July trip and other things. Later.

Independence Day Weekend

2009-07-01T18:07:00.004-06:00

Here's your update, folks. The Blackfoot has salmonflies flying all over the place but the fish are not real interested. Too many boats. Sooner or later we will see some regulation, hopefully sooner. Over 60 boats were on the water last Saturday between the Canyon and Sperry Grade. Nymphing was still decent, but not a lot of interest in the big bugs despite the plethora flying about and hitting the water. Great caddis hatch going on and I whacked some really nice fish at the takeout while I waited for the shuttle. Gary LaFontaine I love you!!!

Fished Rock Creek on Sunday and it was spectacular. Great dry fly action with too many kinds of bugs to count. Yellow sallies, mid-sized goldens, green drakes, PMDs, caddis. A yellow stimulator with a pupa dropper kept me busy.

Reports are that the 'Root is picking up. West Fork is giving up fish on top, although according to our guiding brethren, it is almost as crowded as the 'Foot. I'm sure the caddis are thick in the evenings on the main stem.

Speaking of which, the Clark Fork came a long way in a week. Tons more caddis, PMD spinners and the beginnings of the Pale Evening Duns. Good to see so many bugs with the dam coming out. Fish are still grouped up and far between, but hey, it is the Clark Fork.

Warning to anyone fishing the lower areas of the rivers. The mosquitoes are as bad as they have been in 10 years. Any exposed flesh will get nailed and if you are wearing thin clothing, they'll go right through it. I'm not a big fan of DEET, but I think it is a necessity right now. I've also been using a Buff bandito face mask to keep them out of my beard, although it is pretty thin. It is really bad. Two nights in a row on the lower river, I had to give up fishing a pod because we just couldn't stand sitting still any more. Be prepared and it isn't quite as bad. If you go in shorts and T-shirt you are insane. They will pick you up and fly away. I'd also recommend leaving the dog at home. He will thank you for it.

That's all I got for now. Have a good 4th. LaNette and I are hitting the back country for a few days. Hopefully the ice is off the high lakes. Peace out,

BP

"Give the Blackfoot Another Week"

2009-06-22T16:59:00.003-06:00

A certain fishing report said last week that the Blackfoot was a week out. Hiding the ball, much?

Dry fly action has been improving on the 'Foot everyday, with the fish really munching when the sun's behind the rain clouds. Bugs galore, and coincidentally, guides galore as well. Could this be the reason for the erroneous report? Hmmmm...

Happy Father's Day Dad and Thanks

2009-06-20T16:26:00.004-06:00

This is Father's Day Weekend and I really wanted to just thank my Dad for introducing me to fishing. The other night, I was floating the river with some law school buddies and I told them, "You know, the only thing that makes me feel like a normal person is fishing." It's true. And without Big Bill (as I affectionately refer to him), I would be miserable.

While my Dad isn't really into fly fishing, he loves to fish as much as anyone, and smallmouth bass are his favorite quarry. We've done some troutin' too. I'll never forget my first day of trout fishing in PA. I was 6 years old and Dad said he was taking me up to fishing camp for the first day. My mom made me wear a snowsuit and a PFD, even though we were fishing from the bank with worms. I guess a big brown could have pulled me in, in which case the life preserver would have kept me from drowning in the snowsuit. I caught a 13-inch stocker rainbow and a small brown, which made their way into our freezer, never to be eaten. I think Mom threw them out when I was 10.

Fishing camp was where I was introduced to fly fishing by my Dad's buddies. I learned how to play setback, tie a blood knot, and drink before 8am. Dad also started taking me to our lake in Canada when I was a little older. I fell in love with bass fishing and wanted to be on the Bassmasters. I always loved the scientific aspect of the sport and I think it naturally led me to fly fishing.

I know that without my Dad taking me to Canada or to trout camp, I wouldn't be catching the trout I do now. There's nothing like sitting on the "Gin & Tonic" deck with Big Bill, watching the sunset, after a day on the lake whacking smallies. Without my Dad and his friends I don't know where I'd be. I certainly wouldn't be much of a fisherman and probably not much of a man either. I love you Dad and miss you. Thanks for everything and get your ass out here so we can get you into some trout. Happy Father's Day!

Love,
Billy

P.S. If you any of you guys or girls out there have a great fishing story about your Dad, please post them in the comments. I know they'd appreciate it!

Rock Creek Madness

2009-06-14T22:54:00.005-06:00

Headed up to the Creek with my buddy Jim Napoli today. As many already know the lower section was congested with trailers and shuttle vehicles. To be quite honest, it has gotten ridiculous...as well as laughable at Rock Creek during this time of the season.

We opted for the Dalles and we were prepared to throw salmonfly patterns despite the fact that every yahoo being taken down the river was smacking their bug all over the place. All in all we were surprised by a few things: the complete absence of people wade fishing in most parts, the small number of boats that passed us over a five hour period (four), and the amazing bugs that were flying about in full force. Salmonflies, caddis, golden stones in small numbers, and the usual midges on the water.

I bailed on the salmonfly from the beginning and opted for an orange bar fly, while Jim fished an orange stimulater. Early on we fished with a prince dropped off of one rig and a copper John on the other, but these were abandoned quickly because the only thing fish were concerned about was what was on the surface. Turned out to be a hell of a day with a lot of success.

The words of the only wading angler we saw rang true throughout the day: the jokers on the boats are missing all of the pockets close to the creek's bank. This old timer had the same idea we had when we arrived. Take our time and keep the bug within 3 to 4 feet from the stream bank. Great success! I fished the same bug for five hours and brought close to a dozen fish to hand, as well as missing a few others. Highlights included sight fishing and landing a rising 14" 'bow a foot from the bank and bringing a nice sized brown to hand early on. In one pocket I pulled a cut-bow, a brown, and a rainbow from the same water. The fish are feasting, the rises and strikes are spectacular, and the bugs are beautiful. Enjoy it and get out and walk every once in a while. You may be surprised at what you find in the most unlikely spots.

Summer is finally here!!!

2009-06-14T16:47:00.008-06:00

It's been a pretty good week. I started my new job. The salmonflies started hatching, hitting the Creek in full force several days ago and now popping on the Blackfoot and Upper 'Root. The only downside was jumping over board to free a stuck anchor with my cell phone in my pocket. Damn.

Where was I? Oh yeah, that's right, I was talking about how much I love salmonflies. They are remarkable insects and the trout can't believe how much protein they can get per unit effort. LaNette was able to land her first big brown on a salmonfly dry today after tearing it up on the Madison last week. I'm a proud boyfriend, can you tell?

On our area rivers, it's a special time. All sorts of bugs are hatching. In addition to the salmonflies, we've also been seeing giant golden stones, several species of caddis, yellow sallies, green sallies, PMD's and Green Drakes. This is that magic moment when the rivers clear, the bugs hatch and the fish go crazy.

Entztrix is back east and should be hitting some spring creeks with our friend Aaron Barrow of E.Hille Co., so we're looking forward to that report. Out here, everything is shaping up. The Creek has been excellent, although busy. The Blackfoot is turning on and the Clark Fork and Bitterroot are on their way as well.

The Hydropsyche caddis have started coming off in the evenings, making for some incredible twilight fishing in the eddies on the lower Clarkie in the near future. However, the mosquitoes are also out in force. If you plan to be out early or late, make sure you got some bug dope, long sleeves, and pants.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I know I've been slacking, but it's hard not to just fish when it's good. Don't forget Zoo City is your one-stop shop for flows, reports, and links and it's free! Tight lines. I'll see you on the river.

Orange Magic on the Creek

2009-06-03T22:24:00.004-06:00

Salmonflies are out and about on the Creek and we are simply waiting for more fishable conditions. It's down over 1,000 cfs in the past 36 hours. Once we fall below 3000 look for the fishing to turn around in a hurry.

I'm not a big fan of floating the Creek but I highly recommend SLOWLY walking the banks dropping your big bugs into the tiny pockets. Places will hold fish that you wouldn't even think of fishing normally as the fish try to get out of the heavy water. This is a good time to creep and use the brush to your advantage as camo. Even though the water's high, the fish will be tucked right next to the bank. I mean inches not feet. Anywhere there's an overhanging bush, there's a fish waiting for a salmonfly to drop in the water.

Remember sound travels faster through water than the air, so don't stomp around and keep your shadow off the water you intend to fish. Don't overlook the nymphs either. Sometimes they outproduce the dries, especially if you're fishing the front end of the hatch. It's about to get silly! The other rivers are still probably a week out, but the Creek should be awesome this weekend. Get out there. The salmonflies are one of nature's spectacles and not to be missed as every animal in the woods munches on the orange monsters.

Josh Hooking Up on the Upper Madison

2009-05-29T15:53:00.003-06:00

We now have a YouTube Channel, Zoo City Aquarium TV. Didn't get a separate one cause I really don't use mine.

Browntown in Zootown? Go to Georgetown!

2009-05-27T11:38:00.008-06:00

Hit Georgetown yesterday and had a pretty good time all by my lonesome. I'd never fished it before, but was inspired by my friend Brady last weekend. He chose to fish Hebgen exclusively, instead of accompanying us to the Firehole. Hand twist retrieve with a Hare's Ear under an indicator. Sounds easy.

First, I learned that while tons of fish are congregated on the east shore it is closed to fishing until the end of June. Bummer. I would let them go but I guess other people don't. So I went to find a weedy bay somewhere else.

Stopped at the first spot that looked good and used some of the drifting techniques I developed for bass in Ontario. There was a good wind going so I rowed up to one end of the bay and drifted back down, mending and retrieving a #8 Olive Bugger with a Hare's Ear dropper. Hooked up a lot but nothing huge. Best was a 17 inch 'bow. But you can't beat the view of the Pintlers. Unreal.

Memorial Day Weekend '09: YNP and the Madison

2009-05-25T17:56:00.014-06:00

I think this weekend's trip to the Firehole and the Upper Madison was one of the best adventures I can remember in quite a while. Normally the Firehole on opening day provides the most memorable moments, but this time the Madison below Slide Inn will stick in my mind. It always amazes me how well the Maddy fishes when it appears to be blown out. The fish are tight to the banks and structure, munching nymphs and eggs and bold wading is rewarded with taught lines and jumping rainbows.

Brin Mar, Coates and I set out Friday morning from Missoula, bound for a camping spot on the south side of Hebgen Lake. We decided to stop and fish the Madison on our way, stopping in at Kelly Galloup's Slide Inn to chat first and buy our park licenses. I bought his streamer book and it's pretty good. I'll review it on the blog soon.

We hit the Raynolds Bridge area and did well nymphing. On the way back down to the car, we decided to streamer fish and every body hooked up big time. I landed some nice browns, including this monster after wading out onto an island and missed shots at several more.

Afterward we went to meet Josh and Zach Duchateau and our friend Brady, who generously saved our camp spot on the lake. After a meal and too much whiskey we passed out dreaming of the Firehole.

At 5 am Josh drove his Tahoe into camp honking his horn to rouse the troops and we were off to the Park. Needless to say, I had a not-so-good morning. I promptly caught the first fish, then proceeded to lose 6 of my 10 specialized Firehole Buggers and didn't catch a fish for an hour. Coates was on fire, whacking trout. I eventually got my bearings and caught some fish, but it got hot quickly and I hiked back to the car after catching 20 or so. As Brin Mar put it, you can only catch so many 8-14 inch trout before you need to eat and drink some water when it's blazing sun at 7,000 feet.

On Sunday, we hit Three Dollar Bridge on the Maddy with Josh. I hiked past everybody, planning on streamer fishing. I saw a great looking eddy near the bank and started dead drifting one of my Galloup-inspired articulated bugs. An enormous brown engulfed my bug and rolled on the surface. I thought I had him. I carefully stepped back around the bushes without falling and tried to steer him into the eddy. After 45 seconds or so, the hook pulled out.

Devastation on my third cast. After taking time to recover, I caught back up to the guys and we hit fish hard all day on eggs and stonefly nymphs. Back in Missoula before 9pm. What a great weekend! Here are some more shots from the Maddy:

Runoff Begins For Real

2009-05-17T15:50:00.005-06:00

So the brief window that was open is rapidly closing. Highs the 70s and 80s and warm nights are forecast, with a little cool down for a day during the week. Then it looks like more sunny 70s through next weekend.

I've been out of commission between studying for finals and nursing a pulled muscle in my right shoulder. Think I hurt it trying to pole my 13ft. raft through the bull rushes after pike. The Creek is up 200cfs in the past 24 hours and it is rising fast. Veterans of Don Potts will recall that we are about to witness an example of time of concentration, as the water makes it way down the watershed. If you are fishing, the Worm has been taking more fish than anything, right behind a big salmonfly nymph imitation of some kind. Think black brown and leggy. Lots of caddis, March Browns and a few remnant Skwalas around, but in two days it won't matter.

Next weekend, after I finish these tests, Brin Mar, Coates and I are going to the YNP for Opening Day on the Firehole. Should produce some excellent pics and stories galore. I'm also planning a mid-week pike trip so stay tuned. We will be back at full strength soon giving you something to do while the rivers rage!

Belated Mothers Day Caddis Hatch.

2009-05-12T17:08:00.005-06:00

Well not that the Yellowstone is any where close to the Zoo town, the caddis hatch over in this neck of the woods has held steady for the past few weeks. Not really truning on full blast until yesterday. We will see if it holds with the warmer weather this week and showers predicted.

Last Sunday I fell asleep on the couch from a long day of lifting and organizing rocks in our garden as part of my honey-do list. I awoke after about 20 minutes of a deep slumber to sun shine and Tyra Banks being her superficial self on a rerun of “Americas Next Top Model”. Thinking to myself I got to get the hell out of here and on the river I packed my gear a plain bagel some PBR and headed out the door.

While loading the truck, James Anderson a local guide for the Yellowstone Angler and fisherman extraordinaire gave me a call to accompany him on a float on the Stone. Gladly I said “Hell yeah!” and I picked him up at Springdale where we drove to our put in at ”East End” (exit 350 of I-90)

Picking off the few medium sized rainbows we saw rising along the banks we started off on a good note only to get better. After a couple of fish to the boat, I took my turn at the oars, while James grabbed his streamer rig. Within 2 minutes he had hooked himself a 24 & 2/8 inch monster brown trout. Yes we measured… All the while a perched Bald Eagle screeched the whole time we fought and landed this beauty.

After that James was content, and let me take many stabs at trying to hook into my own monster. I did have one on for a split second but it shook me on a tail walk and was off. Bummer…
I have never seen that big of a fish on the Stone and only have heard of them. Now the spark is on and I will land a few by the years end.

Here's a couple pike pics from Sunday

2009-05-11T22:15:00.009-06:00

Hi yall. After I heard Bill did alright, I went to get some pike on Sunday. Weather was partly cloudy and we didn't get out until about 12:30. Boated about a dozen pike, but no serious pigs. I did manage to fill up the freezer, though. Although they are slimy and smell like shit, they are quite delicious after they're cooked. Much better than trout, in my opinion.

Finals Week(s)

2009-05-11T17:48:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the lack of posting this week and (maybe) next week folks, but I'm in law school finals mode. We have two weeks of finals. Yippie. Not much time for fishing or writing.

Pike fishing was great on Saturday but we forgot to bring a camera. The old red-and-white bunny proved to be the winning fly, not a surprise. This time of year pike like the sun a little more because it raises the water temp and makes them more aggressive. They are moving into the shallow flooded areas so it might be good to have a pole in your boat for pushing around the reed flats. I use my spare oar but I think you could improve on that with a cheap trip to the lumber yard.

Oh, and the rivers are still pretty high but back on the drop, so keep on tying summer stuff, go pike fishing, or bang the banks with big weighted black stuff cause those salmonflies are in the drift and easy for fish to find. Risers in the quiet water are a possibility as well until the rollercoaster starts up again. Please be careful on the moving water. It's running hard.

As I knock these tests out I will probably post more. I've got four more left. Maybe the rest of the crew can help fill in for me?

Rafting Victim Identified

2009-05-07T18:53:00.005-06:00

Just a terrible tragedy in Hamilton. A well-known rod builder and fly shop owner, Dick Galli, 72, was identified as the sole victim in raft accident that occurred yesterday just below Angler's Roost. He and his family are in our prayers.

I can't say enough how easy it is to underestimate the Bitterroot. Those sweepers and snags are twice as dangerous as any big rock. Sounds like they just got stuck on a sweeper. If you get hit in the head by an oar on your way overboard, it's all over. After our accident in my raft, I bought several books on whitewater boating and rescue. While I've never taken a class, this certainly got me thinking about it again.

Honestly folks, the fishing just isn't any good when the water is high most of the time, so think about other options during the high water season. As this accident shows, no matter how much experience you have, it's easy to get into a bad situation. Be safe on the sticks during the coming month or stay on the bank and wade safely.

Tragedy on the 'Root

2009-05-06T22:11:00.004-06:00

Just got word that a man died on the Bitterroot today. Our thoughts are with his family. As someone who has had some close calls on the 'Root, I must say it is one of the most dangerous rivers in Montana. Please be careful during this high water season. This is not the time to teach anyone to row. I found out the hard way and managed to survive, so please stay safe out there and use caution.

Skwala Insanity!

2009-05-05T14:06:00.007-06:00

Yesterday, Kiel and I experienced an incredible egg laying flight of Skwalas on the Upper Clark Fork. At one point I counted at least 10 beating the water within a 30 foot radius of where I was standing. While the water clarity kept it from being totally crazy, we had a solid two-hour window from 3-5 where the cliff wall banks gave it up big time.

Things started out pretty slow before we found some fish sporadically munching Gray Drakes in a big eddy. The LaFontaine Gray Drake Wiggle Nymph whacked several nice 'bows. The Mother's Day Caddis were out and about all day, but we only got risers on the banks during the Skwala explosion.

The streamer action was also pretty slow, although I did miss one big brown in one of those cliff bank buckets. Kiel somehow managed to hook not just one, but two large suckers in the dorsal fin with his streamer! Super buzz kill. You always think this could be the big one and instead...

Anyway good luck out there this week. The window is closing rapidly.

New Issue of Catch Magazine Out Now!

2009-05-04T09:01:00.005-06:00

The latest issue of Catch Magazine
is out and it is totally awesome as usual. I recommend checking out the videos as well!

Blackfoot Update and Other Stuff

2009-05-03T20:24:00.011-06:00

On Friday, Trapper, Entztrix and I streamer fished the crap out of the lower Blackfoot. We each caught a bull trout, all around 14 inches (crazy!) and several mid-sized rainbows. The prize of the day was Trapper's 19-inch 'bow. No browns. I guess they took the day off. All in all the fishing was not quite as fast as we thought it would be, even though the water was still dropping and the temps were great. On the wildlife watch, we saw a confused flock of American Avocets who weren't accustomed to moving water.

Folks who fished on Saturday and today have reported that it's been picking up. Bryan was out today and caught this nice brown:

In other news, one of our guiding buddies reported that the Bitterroot was fishing lights out on top with Mother's Day caddis, gray drakes and skwalas, until an unknown washout muddied the water a bit. No word on whether that subsided today but if we hear what the cause is, we'll let you know. Not that you could do a damn thing about it, but it's nice to drop that kind of stuff in conversation. "Did you hear about the washout up Tin Cup?"

The Creek is also reportedly in full-effect with fish munching up top and underneath. We are in that danger zone. Things will be silly good until they go south quickly when the sun comes out in force again. Don't forget your caddis box!

Weekend Preview

2009-05-01T10:04:00.005-06:00

Get out there this weekend kids, cause you don't know how long this will last. All the area rivers, with the exception of the Clarkie near town are looking sweet for the weekend. I hit it up the lower Blackfoot last night with Kiel and we moved some nice fish and landed a few good ones. Dead drifting streamers and big stonefly nymphs proved to be most effective. Heading up today and anticipate it will be even better.

If you're going to the 'Root, sounds like there could still be some skwala madness yet, and Gray Drakes will also be a main item on the trout menu. Up on the Creek, stonefly nymphs will be the anchor for any good subsurface action and you could see some dry action up top as well during the heat of the day.

Dark mayflys in #12-14, BWOs #16-18 and smaller skwalas should be effective and keep your eyes peeled for those Grannom Caddis. Maybe it won't get blown out this year! Hope everyone has fun out there. Be safe wading and boating as the water is still ripping pretty good. I'll have a full Blackfoot update this evening.

Some Thoughts on Nymphs

2009-04-29T09:37:00.008-06:00

Dry fly fishing this time of year can be inconsistent. Well, let's face it, it can almost always be inconsistent. In the event you find yourself plumbing the depths and watching your Thingamabobber or Fish Pimp, here are few pattern recommendations.

First, nothing says T-Bone to a big trout like a big stonefly nymph. Here's the main pattern I use, Billy P's Improved Brooks Stone. It's a tribute to the godfather of western nymph fishing, Charlie Brooks. I leave the gills out to simplify and add some rubber legs. The fly is tied in the round so it looks the same to trout even if it's spinning in the current, an unnatural motion. This is one of my golden stone variations:

Hook: #4-12 3X long streamer hook
Thread: Brown
Tail: Brown or Yellow Goose Biots
Rib: Med Black Ultrawire
Body: Antique Gold Squirrel Dubbing
Legs: Yellow/Black Silicon
Hackle: Grizzly Dyed Yellow Saddle

Secondly, never doubt the old egg pattern. Rainbows are in the midst of spawning and cutthroats are right behind them. High water flushes eggs out of redds and the fish are aggressive. Browns will move in behind spawning fish as well. These patterns are effective throughout the year but especially in the spring and fall.

Finally, if you know me you know I love Gary LaFontaine and the cranefly larvae. This fly is easy to tie. Just put a bunch of translucent gray and olive dubbing on a weighted streamer hook in a sausage shape with some ribbing. Cranefly larvae burrow into the soft undercut banks common to the Upper Clark Fork, Upper Blackfoot, and Upper Rock Creek. The high water flushes these larvae out and I've had great success on the Little Blackfoot and the Upper Creek with this pattern. You can really weight it so it makes a terrific point fly.

Good luck and remember, set the hook on anything!

Bill and Entz's Top 10 Things to Do During Runoff

2009-04-27T23:24:00.005-06:00

10. Complain about the runoff.

9. Sit at the casino, drink vodka and watch the Lakers kick the crap out of the other crappy western teams.

8. Go mud boggin' and trail blazin'. If you've never done it, we can't explain it.

7. Teach your friend's children to tie San Juan Worms and pay them illegally low wages. "10¢ a dozen, kids!"

6. Shoot some gophers!

5. Go down to Brennan's wave with a PBR tallboy in a paper bag and make fun of the kayakers.

4. Stop by all the fly shops in town and ask them what flies they're taking on Rock Creek. Act astonished when they start to lose their patience.

3. Figure out new techniques for enlarging the fish in your pictures on Photoshop.

2. Spend extra time circling the oval at UM enjoying the view of the M. And other things.

1. Two words: bocce tournament!

We have our own domain name!

2009-04-27T15:59:00.002-06:00

I just bought it. www.zoocityaquarium.com. It will eventually redirect people I believe but you can also update your browser if you want. Easier to tell your friends about too!

This Week

2009-04-27T11:22:00.003-06:00

The water continues to drop in response to the cold weather in the mountains and it looks like we could be receiving some snow up high tomorrow. This is good news for the rivers. Both the Creek and the Upper 'Root look like they would fish today with nymphs and or streamers and the Upper Clarkie and the Blackfoot should be in shape in a few days for hucking junk. Get out there if you can because when it warms up we will be right back to the Mudfest. Larger stonefly nymphs will catch fish tight to the bank.

I would also be prepared for the Mother's Day caddis. Too many times in early May I've been caught without my caddis box while surrounded by slashing trout. Size 14 and 16 olive or peacock caddis emergers will keep you in business, although it could be a week or so before we see the bugs popping. It all depends on the water temps. It's always right on the verge or in the midst of the early runoff. March browns, gray drakes, Baetis, and skwalas will continue to be important as well once we get enough clarity for dry fly action to pick back up. The window is going to be short so get it while you can.

Missouri Report

2009-04-25T23:33:00.005-06:00

Just got back from the Mo Mo. I learned several things today. First, I am now totally convinced that trying to fish a streamer out of a one-man cata-raft is a waste of time. Second, the Mo in the spring exhibits a pattern: lots of bugs with very few risers. They're spoiled and if it isn't just right, they don't come up.

The weather looked perfect. Low 50's and cloudy with a slight wind. 6710 cfs, a little high for this time of year. Little Prickly Pear was dumping a bit of color in, but I've seen it way worse. I pulled in at Wolf Creek Bridge and the Baetis were already starting to pop with occasional scattered risers. I was optimistic.

I met a lovely couple, Dave and Stacy, who let me ride along with them for a shuttle. I gave them a couple beers in return. I love the Mo' hospitality. A bit different than some other places I fish. For the first two miles, I stayed committed to the streamer and failed to move a trout. The sinking line was tangling around every nut and bolt on the frame, I couldn't slow the boat enough with my fins, and my rod angle sucked. This was my first attempt and it was not going well. I caved and got out the nymph rod, rigged with a small Olive Hare's ear and a silver Lightning Bug. I immediately started whacking fish. The best of the day was this big hen brown from the end of an island that took the Hare's Ear. The seat of my boat is 21 inches across:

I finally did get a fish on a streamer in the evening. I was rowing out of an eddy with my rod between my legs and 15 feet of line out, when a 19-inch brown started jumping around the boat. I soon realized he was hooked on my streamer. This proves that if you're going to try and fish a streamer out of a cata-raft, you might as well just troll. Screw trying to strip it.

Weekend Preview

2009-04-24T16:26:00.005-06:00

Everything is still pretty much toast, but with the cold weather, things may improve early next week. Look for the Upper Creek to be your best option if you aren't working or in school. Or if you can skip school, which I cannot. The Missouri looks primed to turn on for Baetis and I will likely be going over there to scout tomorrow. It's supposed to be mostly cloudy with little wind which sounds pretty damn good to me. I'll let you know how it is. In the mean time keep tying bugs or go hit some pike spots. Hopefully this cold weather will stick around and do its thing so we can have a few more days before the main melt.

Billy's Baumer

2009-04-23T00:26:00.012-06:00

Here's the first try at this. Sorry some of the pictures are out of focus and the backdrop is super low-bagger. I promise to get better. Pause the slide show so you can see the steps. This fly is articulated and I use a #6 streamer hook for the rear hook and a larger salmon hook for the front. I use backing, not mono, to connect the hooks.

Tail section first...

1) Tie in a piece of barred yellow straight-cut rabbit strip, leaving enough tag to bring to the front of the hook.

2) Tie in some root beer cactus chenille and wrap a body up to the eye

4) Pull the rabbit forward over the back and tie it off. Whip it and glue the crap out of the head.

5) Thread a loop of backing through the hook eye from the top and loop it around the whole fly. See the pic.

6) Tie the backing onto the front hook starting at the back, then double it over and wrap back to the bend of the hook. Super glue it. It won't pull apart, I promise.

7) Tie on some dumbbell eyes. I put them on the bottom of the hook for this fly, although for most others I like the hook to ride upside down and put them on top.

8) Tie in two yellow grizzly marabou feathers as a rear wing.

9) Tie in some more root beer cactus chenille and wrap a body up to the eyes

10) Tie in 2 more grizzly marabou feathers and two drake side feathers dyed yellow on top of them for the front wing.

11) Spin a brown deer hair collar and head, trim it down, glue it.

Now catch a big trout and repeat.

One option for high water fishing

2009-04-22T07:56:00.005-06:00

Hi folks. Here's one cure for the high water blues. I fished the Bitterroot just outside of town yesterday. I was shooting for some pike and ran into a bunch of them on a couple of backwaters. After a long walk, I noticed that one of them was actually spring fed and held some big trout. Next time I'll bring a lighter trout rod and some scuds (and more sunscreen....ouch). I fished the two backwaters by the humane society parking lot about a mile up from Buckhouse. The closest one held trout, but you have to cross it upstream and walk it back down to get into the them. One trib is dumping mud into it, but upstream of that the water is crystal clear (so far) and low enough to cross in one spot.
This a good time to get out google earth and explore these backwaters, since everything else is shot. You will definitely see pike and may have a shot as some sweet trout.

--Bryan

The End Times have arrived

2009-04-21T09:39:00.010-06:00

Is runoff upon us already? I think so, although we might still get another window if it gets cold again. The Creek is over 1,000 cfs which is very big. Clarity or not these are very challenging conditions. By the looks of things, we are going to set some maximum flow records in the next few days.

Yesterday afternoon, my buddy Kiel and I made a valiant effort to streamer fish the Blackfoot before clarity and water levels made it impossible. We didn't make it in time. We moved three fish to our flies but all in all the float highlights were a few bighorn sheep and some kids walking a pet pig on the bank. There were no large trees passing us but we did ride some nice wave trains and we drank a bunch of beer. It was a beautiful float, even though the fishing was non-existent. For the record we tried a variety of sizes and colors, even dead drifting black buggers.

Our friend Chris Williams reported that the Creek was still fishing yesterday, which is surprising but not likely to last much longer. Things are going vertical quickly and we are going to see some serious water in the next few days. Time to tie bugs, go hiking, wash the truck, clean out the boat, or actually spend some time with your significant other before the fishing gets good again, which I'm thinking will be sometime in June, unless you want to go for a drive or hit up your favorite pike spot. However, I'm a pessimist and there is a chance we could get a week of some freak snowy weather. This is Montana after all, but don't bet on it.

It's coming! Run for your lives!

2009-04-20T01:59:00.014-06:00

A shot from Great Falls, a sign of things to come!

I'm just being a sensationalist, I know. Still, the flow forecast is looking pretty ugly folks. The hydrograph will soon look like the side of Trapper Peak with three straight days in the 70s predicted. This will bump things up quite a bit and it's likely to stay that way. Cool weather returns on Friday, but can it stop the deluge? I don't think so. This is the beginning of the end, folks.

Time to talk about the past. I hit the lower Blackfoot with Coates last evening and moved several nice fish on my articulated thing that I haven't yet named, until we lost it in some willows. Damn. Need to tie more of those. No fish to the boat, which was kind of a bummer, but after yesterday who cares. We saw some big guys though, which is always exciting and I got to drink a beer on the Blackfoot. Zang!

With all this high water soon to shut down the fishing, what shall we talk about? Flies of course! Over the runoff period, I will try to focus on some tying tips and patterns, with help from others hopefully. For all those who like me did not tie as much as you would have liked this winter, seize this moment. In the mean time, dust off your kayak if your into that sort of thing. The rest of us will tie up some more of those ridiculous nameless articulated streamers.

Here it comes

2009-04-19T09:59:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was a great day to be out on the river! March Browns galore although we fished a pretty riffle-heavy stretch of the Creek so not much in the way of risers, but friends on the Hog Back said it was kickin'. JB and I hit the Walquist Stretch around Mile 20 for the first time ever and it was a blast. Fishes kind of like the Madison, never more than 3 feet deep and trout just about everywhere. Productive bugs included Olive Double Bead Stones #10, the old Black Warbird #10, PTails, red Copper John's, worms and eggs. Some pockets were just silly and we caught 6 fish on our walk back to the car.

If you're headed out today, everything is on the rise although not too steep yet. The Creek will still fish lights out and the 'Root should be good as well with the afternoon March Brown blitz. Today and possibly tomorrow could be it until we get some crappy weather. If it doesn't cool down, it will be time to get prepped for Salmonflies. The Brooks was already producing well for me yesterday and it took several browns over 14 inches. Good luck and get out today if you can. It might be your last chance until the next cold spell, unless it stays hot, in which case we'll see you in June.

2009-04-17T00:47:00.000-06:00

I saw this Josh Keyes piece on This Is Fly. This month's issue just came out and you should dig it.

Weekend Preview

2009-04-16T23:42:00.002-06:00

The water's dropping. Holla! But it's going to be super sunny. :(

A mixed bag for us this weekend, although there should be some fast and furious bursts of good dry fly action. Often on sunny days, mayflys are able to get off the water too quickly and the hatches are shorter in duration, which means not much for Baetis. March Browns will still draw
fish especially on the Creek and Upper 'Root. I've been catching my largest fish right up in the inside bends right at the base of the riffle, provided they haven't been disturbed by another angler or a boat.

Should be decent stonefly fishing and the skwalas still around will be flying all over the place in the sun. Contrary to some belief, there are plenty of skwalas on the upper part of Rock, just not as many in the canyon stretch. We saw plenty crawling around on Sunday. This could produce some excellent late afternoon fishing once the sun angle drops on both the Bitterroot and the Creek.

The Blackfoot is still tetering and trying to decide if it wants to drop. I'm just dying to chuck some junk up there so I've got my fingers crossed. I really don't dry fly fish it much until the bigger stones start hatching in June. I'm looking for a big boy! Have fun out there and as my grand pa would say, leave some for the rest of us.

Rock Creek

2009-04-15T12:14:00.001-06:00

Heading up there tomorrow. I'll have a full update. I haven't decided yet whether I will head to the upper stretches, or somewhere between The Dalles and mile 5 (~mile 46 from the top). I will be on a time constraint due to other obligations in the evening. I would concur with Entz catching them in "puddles". It seems over the last week or so, beginning last Wednesday and Thursday, the best fishing has been close to the banks in holding water/eddies next to current, or at the tail of merging drifts. Most of the time I have found myself fishing from the bank or in ankle to calf deep water. I have found most of my success with #12-14 skwala patterns, #14-#16 march browns, eggs, San Juan's, pheasant tails, bright colored prince nymphs, double beaded stonefly (in green mostly), and the reliable Russian River Special.

Armstrong Spring Creek April 2009

2009-04-15T10:57:00.003-06:00

River Update

2009-04-15T09:25:00.001-06:00

With snow falling in the mountains today, river levels are starting to drop. The Clark Fork is still pretty much a non option due to the sediment coming down from Milltown and the high flows. Rock Creek is probably in the best shape as far as clarity goes, although the upper 'Root is also looking better. Water temps have crashed though, so even with the improving clarity the fish are going to be moving pretty slow. Always a good idea to check the temp before you tie on a fly. If it's below 40, streamers need to be rolled very slowly and nymphs need to scrape the bottom. Water levels will improve more quickly the higher up the drainage you go, but as you increase in elevation the weather and water temps can be more challenging. Look for springs and groundwater seeps. Entztrix caught several trout out of "puddles" on Upper Rock over the weekend.

As far as pattern choices, I'd recommend the old SJW, Princes and Double Bead Stones in #8-12, eggs, red Copper John's #14, darker Buggers and the like. As far as dry fly action goes, it's going to depend on the water temps. March Browns, Baetis, Skwalas, and Nemouras look to be your go to patterns, mayflys for the picky pods and stones for searching in the afternoon. I've been liking a pheasant tail halo emerger for the March Browns and a foamy ugly Skwala. I'll be getting out somewhere on Friday, and if the Blackfoot is in shape to streamer fish, that will be my first choice, which is probably the opposite of what you'd hear elsewhere.

So Long Milltown, Hello Bull Trout

2009-04-14T18:23:00.002-06:00

So long, old girl.

(stock photo taken on Blackfoot)

For anybody out there who needs a little proof that bulls are already loving the dam coming down, I caught my first big bull on the Upper Clark Fork near Clinton last week. He took my new articulated chew toy, which I will post some pics of sooner or later.

While I've talked to guides who've seen some bull trout in that stretch before, this big male was the first I'd seen in 8 years of fishing the Schwartz Stretch, and I chuck streamers up there A LOT. He was probably close to 25 inches. Took a swinging fly on sinking line right at the Junction Pool. On his way to spawn up the Rock I figure. So, if they manage to survive the chemical soup, they'll be reproducing for sure. BTW, the pic above is not the fish I caught, but from the Blackfoot a few years back.

If anybody else has seen promising signs let us know. Also in case you missed the Missoulian article today about the new fish ladder going in down at Thompson Falls, click the link.

Bitterroot trout distribution, ect.

2009-04-14T17:07:00.002-06:00

Hey Bill. Just thought I'd post my first little tid-bit.

I just looked at a lot of the population data for the Bitterroot with biologist Chris Clancy. Maybe you all know this, but the stretch by Darby has considerably higher fish densities than the rest of the river. On average, there are twice as many fish up there than in streches below Hamilton (Over 1,000 fish per mile).

As for Jason's post;

The East fork of Bitterroot has much lower densities than the west fork. It is also on a lot of private land until you get further up into national forest land, so access is more limited. I know a grad student at UM is looking at some of the few migratory bull trout up there.

If you're that far up, Skalkaho if worth a stick if you're into nice cutts.

More to come..

2009-04-14T13:08:00.000-06:00

Just trying out the photo option. A spring rainbow from the Bitterroot a few years back, courtesy of Jason Coates and the Micro Mayfly Nymph.

Water is Stabilizing

2009-04-14T11:35:00.000-06:00

You wouldn't know it by looking over the Higgins Bridge, but area rivers are beginning to stabilize thanks to the cooler weather. If this keeps up there could be really good fishing by the weekend. I have my eyes especially trained on the Blackfoot for some streamer action. I've added links to the hydrographs as well as NOAA River Flow Forecast page. Check em out and I will be putting more content up as the week progresses. Tight lines.

Well, here goes...

2009-04-14T01:16:00.000-06:00

So I've been lamenting the lack of blogs and good info on our area rivers for some time. I've taken action. My goal is to get all the bad ass anglers I know to contribute. We'll see how it goes.