A month by month guide to the hatches of Southwest Montana. Find your prime time to fish!

It’s no secret that Southwest Montana has endless options when it comes to fishing. Often the hardest part of planning a fishing trip is deciding what month to fish. However, with so many good hatches coming off each month, you can hardly go wrong. The following is a list of hatches and when we feel is the best time to fish them.

April (Skwalla Hatch on the Big Hole River)

During the month of April we normally start to see the first dry fly action of the season. On cloudy days there are Blue Winged Olives on both the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers, and by the middle of April you can bet that Skwallas have started on the Big Hole. This spring-time stone is one of the most rewarding hatches of the year, as you get to fish a size 10 dry fly on 2X to a fish that has not seen a fake fly since November.

Spring fishing is some of the best of the season as low boat traffic and hungry fish couple to bring you possibly the highest hook up rate of any month of the year. If you’re looking to get away for spring break, need a quick fishing trip to help shake the cob webs of old man winter, or just want to experience Montana fly fishing in a month many anglers do not get to see, then April is your time. Recommended Skwalla dates: April 10 – 30

May (Caddis and Season Opener)

The Mother’s Day Caddis hatch is legendary on many western rivers, and it is no different here in Southwest Montana.  The Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby Rivers produce Caddis hatches that make the water look as if it is boiling as fish rise to nab the protein packed flies off the surface. Caddis takes are often quick and violent making the fisherman’s heart quicken in pace and liven the spirit. Some of the best caddis action of the year happens before the third Saturday in May, which is Montana’s general fishing season opener. Some water that is off limits to guided fishing during the summer due to regulations, is open to fish and will produce some of the most memorable days ever spent on the water. Recommended Caddis dates: May 5 – May 18

When the third Saturday in May rolls around, the famed section of the Upper Beaverhead River will see plenty of pressure. Fishing the Upper Beav on opening day is like Christmas morning for a lot of anglers. After months of waiting, one is anxious to see what sort of monster Brown or Rainbow trout has manifested itself in the river this season. We do not recommend fishing opening weekend as the crowds are sometimes too much to take, but you can bet we will be there the Monday after the opener. Recommended Opener Dates: May 21 – 31

June (Salmon Flies and Golden Stones)

The most popular hatch in our area has got to be the Salmon Fly hatch. This larger than life stone fly starts to show itself around June 13 every year. Some years yield Salmon flies a little earlier, and some years they are a few days late, but on average the few days surrounding the 13^th is Salmon Fly time on the Big Hole River. The hatch sees a good bit of pressure from anglers all over the world, and can be one of the busiest times of the year on the Big Hole. However, as the hatch moves up river one can usually get a day or two of excellent dry fly fishing as we toss size 4 dry flies into the bank in search of violent takes and feisty fish. Golden Stones start to show up a week or so later, and will sometimes come off into the middle part of July. Golden Stone fishing after the main hatch can be better than the main Salmon Fly hatch at times, and you also avoid lower pressure once the “big bugs” are done with their bi-annual cycle. Recommend Salmon Fly and Golden Stone Dates: June 13-30

July (PMD’s and Sally’s)

When July rolls around you can almost bet that our yearly run off will be over and the longer lasting PMD and Yellow Sally hatches will start showing up. The Beaverhead River will see its highest pressure of the year, but for good reason. The upper stretches of the Beav will be loaded with fish stacking up in feeding lanes gorging on PMD and Sally nymphs like they have not eaten in years. Lots of flies are lost to these fish during the month of July, and the many landed are fish of a lifetime. July is the best all around month of fishing on the Beaverhead River. Recommended Beav Dates: July 10-31

The Big Hole is possibly the best pure dry fly fishery in the United Sates. For years anglers have come to fish the Big Hole in July to take advantage of the numerous hatches this amazing river produces. Caddis, PMD’s, Yellow Sally’s, Green and Brown Drakes, Golden Stones, BWO’s and a few early hoppers open up a treasure chest of possibility for the dry fly enthusiast. We spend numerous hours on the Big Hole in July, and wish there were more days than 31 in this month in which to fish. Recommended Big Hole Dates: July 1-31

 August (Terrestrials and Craneflies)

Maybe the hidden gem when it comes to fishing time in Montana. Many anglers have come and gone on their summer vacations and fishing trips, and water that is a little less crowded starts to yield the most visual fishing of the year. Hoppers, ants, beetles, and a few other Terrestrial life forms are out in force, and as the summer winds down and the meadow grasses dry up, you’ll start to see these exciting bugs right next to river. In result, hungry fish will be lurking below waiting to explode on any unlucky fly blown into the river. Violent takes, big flies, and fat fish are three qualities that come with hopper fishing. Recommended Hopper Dates:  August 7-31

Skating Craneflies can be the most exciting freshwater trout fishing an angler can do. It’s a combination of streamer fishing and dry fly fishing that produces the most violent take ever seen on a dry fly. These larger than life bugs (they look like a mosquito on steroids) come off at both dawn and dusk, and on cloudy conditioned days in late August. I can say for certain that Cranefly season is the most anticipated few weeks of the year for all of us at TLA. As a retired Outfitter said to me last year as we fished the Cranefly hatch, “As far as I’m concerned, this is the only way to ever fish for trout.”  If you’re a streamer junkie, or a dry fly enthusiast, Cranefly fly fishing is a step above anything you’ve ever experienced. Recommend Cranefly dates: August 15-31

September (Hoppers, Craneflies, BWO’s)

We call this our “mixer month.” As September rolls around we see our first few frosty mornings as temperatures begin to drop below freezing during the night, changing the colors of the leaves on the Cottonwood Trees. Most of the main hatches have come and gone, but a few Mayflies and small Stoneflies remain. With their summer food sources gone until next season, trout move into a feeding pattern that is characterized as “opportunistic.” During the month of September one can expect to fish nymphs, dry flies, and streamers as fish move between feeding patterns. On cloudy days the first hatches of fall Blue Winged Olives can be seen and fish tend to pod up and feed in great regularity on the last big hatch of the season. Brown Trout begin to prepare for their yearly spawn, and males tend to become very aggressive and will attack and chase any fly that gets too close to his personal space. September is a fantastic month to experience Montana in all her fall beauty while in search of wild Montana Trout. Recommended “Mixer” Dates:  September 8-30

October (Fall Spawn)

If you want a chance to truly tie into the biggest fish of the season, or perhaps the biggest fish of your career, October is your month. The Brown Trout spawn is in full force and the big males who lurk the depths all summer become vulnerable during this annual ritual. Two seasons ago during this last week of October, a guest of ours landed the two biggest trout of his life two days apart. Both Brown Trout, one male and one female, were taken on a streamer pattern two days apart. The female measured out at 26” and 8 lbs, while the male stretched the tape to just over 28” and over 10 lbs. If you’re looking for the opportunity to land the biggest fish of the season, love to fish streamers, enjoy less crowded rivers, and wish to fish in some of the most beautiful country you’ll find in the lower 48, October is your month. Recommended October Dates:  October 15-31

To book your 2012 Montana Fishing Adventure, or to learn more about the fishing in our area, please visit us online at www.tightlinemontana.com

Be sure to check out our Hatch Chart for a more detailed look into the hatches mentioned above, and as always feel free to contact Justin directly with any questions you may have.

Hope to see you on the river this season.

Tight Lines,

Justin

With the general rifle deer and elk seasons upon us, I thought I’d share Montana’s hunting season schedule. Some of you have this information memorized, while others are just learning the ropes.

Although he doesn’t guide big game hunters, Justin is busy preparing for a full weekend of waterfowl hunting and fly fishing with clients from across the country. So as a “hunting widow” I’ll leave you with a little humor:

Happy Hunting & Tight Lines, Sarah

SEASONS:                     START:                       END:

Antelope                                August 15                            November 13

   Archery                                  September 3                      October 7

   General                                   October 8                            November 13

Bighorn Sheep

    Archery                                 September 5                      September 14

    General                                  September 15                    November 27

Bison                                         November 15                    February 15, 2012

Black Bear                          

    Archery                                 September 3                      September 14

    Fall                                          September 15                    November 27

Deer & Elk                         

    Archery                                   September 3                      October 16

Youth (Deer Only)           October 20                          October 21

    General                                   October 22                          November 27

Backcountry HD’s 150, 151, 280, 316

    Archery                                    September 3                     September 14

    General                                     September 15                   November 27

Moose                                          September 15                   November 27

Mountain Goat                     September 15                   November 27

Mountain Lion                 

    Archery                                     September 3                      October 16

    Fall                                               October 22                          November 27

    Winter                                        December 1                        April 14, 2012

Wolf     

    Archery                                      September 3                      October 16

    General                                       October 22                          December 31

Fall Fishing Update

Each year we wait patiently, well maybe not so patiently, for the fall fishing season. Cool mornings, comfortable days, foliage changing colors, rutting elk & moose, and big brown trout chasing streamers. After having above average temperatures for the latter part of September and the beginning of October, the cool air has settled in making for fantastic days on the rivers.

Beaverhead River Fishing Report

There isn’t a better fishery in the state of Montana right now than the Beaverhead River. The Beav is lit up with hard-charging brown trout ready to nail any streamer ripped through their zone. As the spawn continues to move along, the aggressive nature of brown trout come into view as they chase small minnows and leaches out of their spawning area.

Incredible Fall Brown on the Beaverhead

Even though we do not promote disturbing the beds when the fish are spawning, pulling a streamer across a wide area will more than likely pass an aggressive spawning trout. Depending on the day and how the weather has been, natural colors have been the most productive. On days when those do not work, we’ve found success on bright yellow buggers and JJ Specials. With the water dropping almost every day, the fish are going nuts spawning and feeding on numerous scuds, sow bugs, blue winged olives, midges, and grubs.

If you’re planning to fish in Montana this fall, do yourself a favor and spend a day on the Beaverhead River. We had a guest stop in to fish the Beaverhead for a half day in the early part of last week. After having a banner day ripping streamers, he stayed for another two because the fishing was so good.

Big Hole River Fishing Report

While we have spent a good while on the Beaverhead River in the past few weeks, the Big Hole has been holding its own as well. Later starts have been important as cooler water temps prevent early activity.  Once the water warms up enough for big fish activity to begin, we’ve been getting into some nice fish on one of the most beautiful rivers you’ll find – especially in fall. 

Beautiful Autumn Big Hole Brown

Nymphing has been the best bet with big stoneflies, san juan worms, princes, pheasant tails, eggs, and various midges being the big ticket items. Streamer fishing picks up toward the evening hours, but on cloudy days we’ve seen excellent streamer fishing all day. Natural zonkers, egg sucking leaches, olive/black buggers, and JJ Specials have been the bugs of choice. On cloudy days we’ve had some great blue winged olive fishing on top as rainbows pod up in slick pools and feed on the beatis as they drift down river.

Here’s to Red Hot Fall Fishing

Even though the fall season does not last as long as the summer season, the quality of fishing is unmatched and you can bet we will be chasing fish until the snow is too deep to launch a boat.

Have a great fall season and as always we love to see your pictures of success! Check out our online photo gallery or email your own big trout pics to me at justin@tightlinemontana.com or share them on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/tightlinemontana

Tight Lines,

Justin

The ninety degree temperatures on October 1 had us wondering if the Fall weather would ever arrive. But this week brought cooler temperatures, some light rain, and the excitement of Fall.

Don’t let the cooler temps fool you, there is still plenty to do in our area this time of year. This weekend come check out the Beaverhead Business Builders’ Oktoberfest in downtown Dillon - Saturday, October 8th from 10am – 3pm! Come enjoy music, locally grown produce for sale, sidewalk sales, food, pumpkin bowling, photo booth, and much more. 

While most folks’ minds are turning toward hunting season, trout fishing is still red-hot, so give Justin a holler at (406) 925-1684 or shoot him an email at justin@tightlinemontana.com for tips on fishing this time of year.

Our Grandma Laura sent us a copy of Helen Hunt Jackson’s poem “October’s Bright Blue Weather” and we thought it appropriate to share this time of year.

Happy Fall & Tight Lines,

Justin & Sarah

October’s Bright Blue Weather 

O suns and skies and clouds of June,
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour
October’s bright blue weather;

When loud the bumblebee makes haste,
Belated, thriftless vagrant,
And goldenrod is dying fast,
And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When gentians roll their fingers tight
To save them for the morning,
And chestnuts fall from satin burrs
Without a sound of warning;

When on the ground red apples lie
In piles like jewels shining,
And redder still on old stone walls
Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things
Their white-winged seeds are sowing,
And in the fields still green and fair,
Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks,
In idle golden freighting,
Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush
Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunts,
By twos and twos together,
And count like misers, hour by hour,
October’s bright blue weather.

O sun and skies and flowers of June,
Count all your boasts together,
Love loveth best of all the year
October’s bright blue weather.

Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)

Summer driving in Montana will almost always bring you upon some road construction, but a recent cruise through Dillon has more than its fair share of work zones.

New Hospital – Coming Spring 2012

Our new Barrett Hospital and HealthCare is quickly taking shape. On the south edge of town, just off Highway 91, the construction crews and heavy equipment operators have been busy (much to the delight of our 3 year-old son) and it is looking good!

Carpita Demolition – July 27, 2011

Just as the new 72,000 square foot hospital is being added to our community, downtown is saying goodbye to an old structure. The Carpita Building on Montana Street is in the process of being torn down.

Word is that the space (just across Montana Street from Womack’s Printing) will be turned into a parking lot, a much-needed addition to our bustling downtown.

FISHING UPDATE

Big Hole River

Average flows on the Big Hole River continue to be well above average for this time of year, providing cold water and steady hatches for the 2,500 fish per mile that inhabit this river. Dry fly fishing has been good throughout the river as early morning hatches of Mayflies and Caddis begin to get the fish’s attention. PMD and Green Drake Cripples along with Summer Stones and various Attractors have worked well mid-day. Late evening hatches of Caddis and PMDs round out the day.

Hands Full of Brown Trout

Cooler temperatures in the evenings are keeping more water in the river, and this bodes well for late summer and early fall fishing, as fish retain their strength and pack on much needed weight for the upcoming spawn.

In the next few weeks, we hope to see the first few Spruce Moths, and we’ll keep you up to date when the hatch really gets good, as this can be one of the most fun times to fish the Big Hole River.

Beaverhead River

Water levels on the Beaverhead River have crested at over 1,000 CFS as the Army Corp of Engineers try to drain Clark Canyon Reservoir in preparation for next season’s runoff. Flows may continue to increase as the reservoir needs to drop nine feet just to get back down to 100% capacity.

While wade fishing may be a little tougher than normal, access by drift boat has been fantastic. Fish are eagerly eating PMD and Yellow Sally Nymphs throughout the river and the afternoons have seen good dry fly action on both the upper and lower river. Size 18 olive, brown, and yellow colored PMD Nymphs have worked well on the upper river, while various Yellow Sally Nymphs are the ticket on the lower sections. As flows increase make sure to increase the amount of weight on your nymph rig as well. For the ideal Beaverhead River set-up, check out our Double Dropper Leader, available online or at Rocky Mountain Supply in Dillon. Click HERE for more information.

Beaverhead Rainbow

Side Note: Most of our high mountain streams and smaller tributaries are running clean after a long run-off season. We can report first-hand that they are fishing very well. So, if you have a day to venture out into one of our many area mountain ranges, bring a few different dry flies, a sack lunch, sunscreen and bug spray, and enjoy some off-the-beaten-path wild trout fishing.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Summer Sizzler – Downtown Dillon: Saturday July, 30^th

Festival fun opens early Saturday with local vendors, sidewalk sales, live music and entertainment, kids carnival activities and crafts, and festival food including cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn, bratwursts, and pulled pork. Early evening activities include a BBQ and street dance with live music. All brought to you by The Beaverhead Business Builders “Buy Local” campaign.

Incredible Montana Sunset

Vote for IR-125

We need your help in collecting signatures for IR-125, the initiative to repeal the eminent domain law (HB 198) that facilitates MSTI (Mountain States Transmission Intertie). If you are interested in helping out, please go to the web site http://votefor125.com/ and go to “You Can Help” and then “Circulate Petitions.” From this point, download the “Signature Gathering Instructions,” and multiple copies of the “Affidavit of Signature Gatherer” forms and the “IR-125 Petition” forms.

Monday, October 5, 2009

As we dive into the fall season even further, there are some things to keep in mind when fishing during this fun filled month.  We all know that the Brown Trout spawn during this time and that fishing for them on their beds can produce great numbers of fish.  Remember that this is the time when our rivers begin their replenishment and ensure furture generations the chance to experience great fishing on Blue Ribbon Streams, so be careful and avoid stepping on the beds and bothering the fish too much and risk a lull in spawning activity.

With that in mind, you can experience some of the funnest and most memorable fishing of the year during October.  Brown trout tend to become very aggressive this time of year and will often hammer a streamer or swinging nymph as a sign of dominance in his/her area.  Some days fish will key in on bright colored bugs like a Yellow Yummy or a JJ Special.  Other days will be more productive stripping a darker streamer or bugger pattern.  Keep switching colors until you find one they seem or prefer, or I guess it would be dislike, and alternate between ripping it across the water column and swinging it the length of the run.

Nymphing egg patterns, worms, and October Caddis patterns is also a great way to pick up fish.  Most of the Brown trout will take an egg drifted along a bed, at the tail end, or in a deep run while they wait and conserve energy to run up in the shallows and spawn.  The highest percentage of Rainbows will be laying at the tail end of runs and beds waiting for the eggs to slip past the rock and drift into their mouths.  Swinging October caddis nymphs is also a great way to get some great trout as they eat these bugs with authority gaining precious calories needed for this time of year.

BWO fishing on the surface will take fish when the spawn is slow or inactive.  Slow pools and eddy’s are great places to concentrate your efforts as the bugs are easy for the fish to see as they lazily take the drifting fly.

I hope you have a great fall season and feel free to E-mail or contact me any time with questions or stories of your days on the water.

Tight Lines,

Justin Hartman

Outfitter

Tight Line Adventures

Friday, June 5, 2009

As fishing season hits full stride, we hope your rod looks like this often!

Beaverhead River

One of the biggest keys to success on the Beaverhead River this time of year is how much lead you are using when nymph fishing.  The amount of bug life in the river is astounding, and fish will not put a lot of energy into chasing bugs that are drifting faster (dragging) than every other nymph going down stream.  While some fish will take bugs on the swing, your best bet is to slow down your presentation by adding more lead and getting a nice drag free drift.  By slowing your presentation down you’ll increase your success!  3X fluorocarbon tippet is just fine for now as the fish are feeding hard.  Go to 4X if they seem a little tippet shy.

Big Hole

The feel of success.

This time of year on the Big Hole you’ll need to get your nymphs, and dry flies soon, as close to the deep cut banks and shallow shelves as possible.  Fish are pushing up along the banks in search of Salmon Fly nymphs and Golden Stone nymphs.  Fish different sizes and colors as fish tend to key in on a certain bug they’re looking for and will eat them in higher regularity over stones of different colors/sizes.  Don’t be afraid to fish your nymphs on heavier tippet as you’ll need to play a game of “cat and mouse” with the overhanging brush.  2X is just fine in a lot of situations.  3X will work basically all year…until later in the year when you’ll need to go smaller for trico’s etc.

Madison River

Stonefly nymphs are beginning to move in the Madison as well.  Fishing big princes and any assortment of rubber leg stones trailed by a san juan worm or zonker pattern should produce fish.  Just as on the Big Hole, concentrate your fishing along banks and boulder pockets as fish search for stones looking to burrow under rocks in preparation for hatching.

Jefferson River

After a big run off, it’s time to throw some streamers on the Jeff!  The fish have been holding in the slack water to conserve energy while the flows have been at a higher level.  Big streamers in yellow, tan, and black will be your best bet.  Also fish stones and sjw’s as the fish are eager to eat and need the quick burst of energy.  The next week will be a great time to get on the Jeff as it’s not been fished in quite a while.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Enjoying some long awaited time on the water!

Today officially marks the opening of the 2009 Montana fishing season!  All regulated rivers, streams, and lakes are now open to the pubic to fish, allowing everyone to enjoy Montana’s beautiful spring weather.  We are headed to the Big Hole today and will provide an updated report on our time on the water, as well as the other rivers in our area.  Good luck and Tight Lines!

May 9, 2007

What a great day to be on the river!  Beautiful spring day in Southwest

Nice Beaverhead River Brown

Montana, great water clarity, and lots of caddis coming off.  Much to my dismay however, it was a struggle to get a fish to look up for a dry fly.  The fish were more interested in taking an emerger or san juan on the drift, rather than chase a streamer or poke their nose through to nab a spent caddis.  Fishing was better during the later part of the day, and we nymphed up this nice brown around 4:00 pm.