Happy New Year from Tight Line Adventures!

If you’re anything like us, you’re working on getting the last of the Christmas decorations put away while enjoying some college bowl games on TV, and avoiding New Year’s Resolutions. After all the holiday fun, it is hard to think about getting back to work, but that’s the great part – Montana’s fly fishing season is just around the corner!

TLA at a Glance

Things have been eventful with Expedition Lodge full of folks holding Christmas parties as well as accommodating overnight guests.

Expedition Lodge spiffed up for a Christmas Party

Justin is busy tying flies and continues to remodel the on-site fly shop at the lodge in preparation for the 2012 season. We are excited to announce that we will carry Scott fly rods and Seaguar fluorocarbon tippet and leader material. These two companies offer high-end products that come in handy when pursuing Montana trout or wherever your adventures take you.  

Salt Water Fishing in The Bahamas

Outfitter, Justin Hartman, and TLA Guide, Cory Streett, have their passports ready and are headed to Andros Island, the largest island of The Bahamas at the end of January. With an invitation from local outfitter, Al Lefor, who spends his winters in Andros Town, Justin and Cory are excited to fish the salt for the first time.

Incredible salt water fishing awaits Justin & Cory on Andros Island

Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon are high on the list, but anything that puts a bend in their rod will suit just fine. Cory and Justin will keep you updated via this Tight Line Adventures blog (bottom right column of the home page) during their trip.

International Sportsmen’s Expo – Salt Lake City, March 15-18

Ready to shop, have fun, compete, learn, share or pass on the outdoors tradition to family or friends? International Sportsmen’s Expo is the place to do all of these things, and more! Justin will represent Tight Line Adventures among more than 400 companies in a single 250,000 square foot hall March 15-18, 2012. If you are going to be in the area or know folks who are, swing by the South Towne Exposition Center at 9575 S. State Street in Sandy, UT.

Spring Fly Fishing in Dillon, Montana

As crazy as it seems we are less than 90 days away from getting back on the river. Early spring trips down the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers tend to produce some of the best fishing of the year because trout are hungry and haven’t seen a fly all winter.

We invite you to join us this spring as we head northwest to fish the Bitterroot River during the famed Skwalla Hatch from mid-March through April. If the winter months have left you dreaming of dry fly fishing, Skwallas on the Bitterroot can offer some of the best of the season, and you can bet we will take full advantage of this springtime stonefly.

Looking for a great spring break getaway or need an early season fishing retreat? Come see what Southwest Montana has to offer – no crowds and pre-runoff fly fishing that can’t be beat!

Book your trip online by clicking HERE or shoot Justin a call or email at (406) 925-1684 or justin@tightlinemontana.com

Tight Lines in 2012!

Justin & Sarah Hartman

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

Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but in Southwest Montana it marks the official beginning of the best fishing of the year. Along with “Montana’s Biggest Weekend” (more on that later) Dillon hosts trophy trout fishing like nowhere else in the country.

We wish everyone participating in the Beaverhead County Fair and Rodeo much luck and hope that wherever you are spending the holiday weekend you can get some casts in before heading back to work or school.

Cheers to a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend — Justin & Sarah Hartman

FISHING UPDATE

Big Hole River

Water flows on the Big Hole River have dropped off drastically in the last few weeks, but water temperatures remain cool as we head into the fall fishing season. Tricos have been seen throughout the river and mid-morning spinner falls bring pods of rising fish to the surface.

When fishing a spinner fall remember that fish tend to gravitate towards clusters of bugs rather than single flies on many occasions. Don’t be afraid to throw a Renegade to help you track a smaller trailing fly and to bring a more aggressive eat. Light tippet is a must and as always be sure to have a drag-free drift.  As the day wears on hoppers are a good bet, not only along the banks, but also fished down the center of the river.

Beaverhead River

The end of August brings extremely exciting fishing to the Beaverhead River with the arrival of the Crane Fly. These giant bugs are readily seen in the morning and evening hours and on any day when cloud cover blankets the sky. As the Cranes skim across the surface looking for a place to lay their eggs, fish can be seen slurping, pounding, and back flipping through the air in response.

Over the last week, the epic hatch has gained momentum and it seems that every fish in the river during the morning and evening hours are keying in specifically on Crane Flies. The hatch should last another two weeks and is something every dry fly or streamer enthusiast should experience. 

Water flows on the Beaverhead continue to hover around 1,000 CFS as Clark Canyon Reservoir is still above 100% capacity. As we near the end of summer, we also near the end of irrigation season, which should mean a drop in flows here in the next few weeks. However, flows will remain above normal for this time of year, as room in the reservoir will need to be generated for next spring’s runoff. Before floating or wade fishing, be sure to check the flows HERE.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

“Montana’s Biggest Weekend” – Labor Day in Dillon, Montana

Our community comes alive for the annual Labor Day celebration known state-wide as “Montana’s Biggest Weekend.” So whether it is the Beaverhead County Fair, the Patagonia Outlet sale, PRCA Rodeo action, or country superstar Craig Morgan, you won’t be disappointed with all that Dillon has to offer this weekend.

For more information about Labor Day activities, schedules, or tickets, check out www.dillonjaycees.com and remember you can book your Montana fly fishing adventure online anytime HERE.

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE ONLINE — CLICK HERE

August 26, 2011

Big Hole River

Over the past month we have seen some tremendous dry fly fishing on the Big Hole River from the upper portion around East Bank all the way down to the confluence of the Jefferson River.  The spruce moth hatch came off about three weeks ago and we are still seeing some flying around in the canyon areas on the upper river, but the game now is all about the hopper.  The lower Big Hole has been fishing lights out with hoppers from start to finish on most days as the fish are eagerly coming to get these highly packed protein terrestrials.  Patterns of choice have been Chernobyl’s and big rubber leg imitations, while on some days slender body bugs like the Morrish Hopper have been particularly hot.  Try a few and see what the fish are looking for that day, and don’t be afraid to change sizes and colors regularly.  Just because one didn’t work in the morning doesn’t mean it won’t be the hot ticket in the afternoon.

The upper Big Hole has fished well with bigger spruce moth imitations and cripples late in the day.  Various caddis patterns and smaller hoppers have worked will as the day progresses.  Old time patterns like the parachute adams, royal wulff, parachute hopper, and elk hair caddis have been our stand by bugs of late.  Ants, beetles, and small hoppers are picking up fish as well, and are especially effective on hot windy days.  Look for the majority of fish on the upper river to hold in structure laden areas, while the bigger brown trout to start occupying the light shallows digging for sculpins and grabbing hoppers as they are blown into the river. 

September will remain a great month for dry fly fishing, and as the weather begins to turn the streamer fishing will get better by the day.

Beaverhead River

We are still experiencing higher than normal flows on the Beaverhead River as Clark Canyon Reservoir is still about 3 feet above normal capacity.  The high amount of water has done nothing but help the fishing as more water means greater fish displacement in the river.  More fish are able to eat and pack on the calories needed for a slow winter season.  We’ve seen some of the fattest fish is recent memory on the ‘Beav this year, and have lost more flies as these hefty brutes scream through the water with a size 20 hook on 5X tippet becomes easily dislodged by the force of the water and the fish.  This however is a small price to pay as most of these big fish provide at least one great jump allowing us a short look at what’s on the end of our line. 

Craneflies have begun to pop and we’ve had a few excellent mornings and evening skating these giant bugs in the dim light hours.  I always get a kick out of fishing these ‘cranes as the thrill and excitement of the violent attract the trout place on these flies brings me back to when I was a kid and every fish was a tremendous rush of excitement.  If you’ve never fished a cranefly you owe it to yourself to try this style of fish.  Dry fly enthusiasts and streamer enthusiasts alike become easily addicted to the aggressive nature of the fish and the pure visual enjoyment of the strike.  You can be we will be putting in some early morning and late evening hours skating ‘cranes for the next month.

Tricos have also been seen on the upper Beaverhead as well as the fall lime midge.  The fish are seemingly turning towards midging subsurface as the pmd and sally hatches are starting to taper off.  The other day we caught a few fish on pmd nymphs, but found that the majority of the fish were taking a copper zebra midge.  Don’t be afraid to go small, and mess with the weight of your nymph rig as certain areas are starting to see a little more moss this time of year.

Tight Lines and Happy Fishing

Justin

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.

Beaverhead River Fishing Update:

For the first time all season the outflow of the Beaverhead River is greater than the inflows of Clark Canyon Reservoir. The river has seen an increase of around 100 CFS a day for the past 4 days topping out at around 1,000 CFS currently.

Buffalo Corner Lineup on the Beaverhead

Plans are to increase the flows gradually over the next week, so we advise waders to take caution as the tight channel of the Beaverhead can be stronger than it looks.

Fishing during higher flows produces vast feeding areas for the fish as great amounts of grub larva, aquatic sow bugs, and worms get pushed through the system.

Along with the grubs, good hatches of PMDs and Sallies are coming off daily. Caddis have been seen regularly in the evenings as well. Dry fly fishing on the upper river has picked up substantially and many sippers can be found and fished to along the famed “Slick” section.

Lower Beaverhead Brown

Nymph fishing as usual is always a good option. Be sure to include enough weight in your set-up to ensure proper presentation as fast water moves bugs quickly through the feeding column and fish tend to eat a lazily presented nymph over a fast moving one. Various PMD Emergers such as split-backs, case emergers, half-backs, and bubble-backs have been the most productive. The best Sally imitations have been the Psycho Prince, Micro Stone & Iron Sally.

Big Hole River Fishing Update:

With the cloud cover hanging in the Big Hole Valley over the past 4 days, the dry fly fishing on the upper Big Hole River has been superb. Dropping flows have allowed flies to be presented in soft pockets and beautiful riffles as fish are now out of the willows and into normal feeding lanes.

The early morning hours have been fantastic with big Golden Stones and Black Magics, while PMD and Green Drake Cripples have fished well through mid-day stretches. Clouds of Caddis have been coming off in the evenings and various Caddis Emergers have worked well. A few Golden Stones have been spotted and on super cloudy days, Golden Stones can be fished from start to finish with great success. 

Guide, Nic Jovanovich, displays a beauty he caught on a PMD Cripple on the Big Hole River

Even though the flows are higher than normal for this time of year, the quality of fishing has improved substantially as water temperatures remain cool during the summer heat. The fish are in great shape having eaten very well in the early summer and are eager to take a well-presented dry fly. Anglers who are looking to have some fantastic dry fly fishing need to fish the Big Hole from now until the hatches taper off this fall. You can rest assured that if we could, we would live on the Big Hole for the rest of the season – it is just that good right now.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS:

GREAT HARVEST BAKE DAY: Friday, July 22^nd from 10am – 4pm

The Great Harvest Bread Co. franchising headquarters is located in Dillon, MT

Great Harvest Bread Company is “Raising Dough” for the Dillon Backpack Program. Stop by Great Harvest at 25 E. Glendale Street (next door to the Dilmart) in Dillon to purchase Honey Whole Wheat, Nine Grain, Red White and Blueberry, Cracked Pepper Swiss, Blue Ribbon Blueberry Batter Bread, Snickerdoodle, and Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. 100% of everything you spend goes directly to the Dillon Backpack Program.

SOUTHWEST MONTANA RELAY FOR LIFE:

Friday, July 22^nd & Saturday, July 23^rd  – Dillon Middle School Track

Last-minute team registrations can be made by calling Diana Brown at (406) 660-1125 or showing up to the Dillon Middle School Track before 7pm Friday

A fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and a community-wide event that celebrates the lives of folks fighting cancer, remembers lost loved ones, and fights back against this terrible disease. Relay teams work through the night because cancer never sleeps.

Take part in the community hamburger and hot dog BBQ starting at 5:30pm at the Dillon Middle School Track and participate in numerous activities including music, games, and raffles.

Dillon, Montana Hay Field

The sunshine has decided to stick around, and after all the rainfall we had in June, Beaverhead County is the greenest it has been in years. A sure sign of July in this area is seeing the first hay cutting taking place.

According to the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce, Dillon forms the center of Montana’s largest cattle and hay producing areas, and is one of Montana’s top agricultural centers.

Just as 4th of July festivities were getting underway, farmers and ranchers were busy putting up hay

Fishing Update

Dry fly fishing has hit its stride on both the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers. Both rivers are at their prime points in the hatch cycle as numerous types of bugs are coming off daily. Golden Stones are still a good option on the Big Hole along with various Green Drake Imitations, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, and Caddis.

Beaverhead Brown

The Beaverhead is seeing good Yellow Sally hatches along with PMDs and Caddis in the evenings. These hatches will continue for the next few weeks, and we will continue to update you on the hottest flies and sections of river.

The past week has seen extraordinary dry fly fishing as late afternoon storms have supplied cloud cover and ideal top water feeding conditions.

Southwest Montana Thunderhead

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

If you find yourself in the Dillon area this weekend here are a few local events you won’t want to miss!

BANNACK DAYS:

Saturday, July 16^th &

Sunday, July 17^th 

Bannack State Park

As the first territorial capital of Montana, Bannack has a colorful history full of road agents and vigilantes. See this ghost town come to life and enjoy a day full of period demonstrations including shoot-outs in front of Skinner’s Saloon, gold panning, and blacksmithing – all free to the public – as well as wagon and Model AA rides throughout Main Street.

Enjoy food vendors like the ice cold watermelon stand and don’t forget to join along with the Slightly Soiled Doves as they dance their way around town.

For More Information and the Schedule of Events CLICK HERE 

BIG HOLE RIVER DAY: Saturday, July 16^th – Melrose MT, 9am-5pm

The Big Hole River Foundation’s annual fundraiser features vendors and activities, including casting, fly tying and rowing demonstrations, tours of the newly constructed diversion dam at Divide, their new river fencing project, and much more!

Help support the Big Hole River Foundation, the town of Melrose, and raise money and awareness in support of the Big Hole River. Enter to win the NRS 13’ Otter Raft or for more information call (866) 533-2473.

DILLON FARMER’S MARKET: Every Saturday through September 24^th

Wells Fargo Parking Lot, Dillon

Featuring the products of local gardeners, bakers, artists, and craftsmen, the Dillon Farmer’s Market is a great stop for fresh roasted and brewed coffee, delicious baked goods, fresh produce, jams, jellies, and a variety of handmade items for sale. Open from 9am-1pm at 20 N. Montana Street, Dillon.

Last week's season opener for the Dillon Farmer’s Market saw a great turnout

With the Independence Day Holiday Weekend fast approaching, we’re taking this opportunity to wish you all a Happy 4th of July! We count ourselves fortunate to live, work, and play in this incredible country and hope this finds you enjoying the company of family and friends – maybe even with a fly rod in hand.

Beaverhead River Fishing Report

The Beav continues to fish well. Considered a tail-water, the flow of this river is regulated by Clark Canyon Dam, and is unaffected by seasonal run-off.

The picturesque Upper Beaverhead River - June 2011

The Clark Canyon Recreation Area is almost completely under water in this photo taken on June 26, 2011. Notice the shelter house rooftops are just barely out of the rising water.

 A float on the lower river a few days ago saw numerous Golden Stones pushed against the banks, making us think that the Lower Beaverhead River Gold Stone hatch is only a few days away.

With the increased water flows, water temperatures have increased, energizing the fish and creating a consistent feeding pattern. Look for the Beaverhead River to fish very well over the remaining months of the year.

Big Hole River Fishing Report

The Big Hole continues to flow at a higher than normal rate due to the tremendous amount of moisture in the Upper Big Hole Basin. Salmon Flies and Golden Stones have been flying for over a week and various hatches of Mayflies, Caddis, and Yellow Sallies are also coming off.

A full moon over the mountains of Southwest Montana

Due to the high water, we advise caution; and access by boat should only be under the control of an experienced oarsman. This classic freestone river has proved to be powerful and should not be underestimated.

Fish are pushed way into the banks of the Big Hole River as they avoid high water flows and seek refuge while they pick Stonefly Nymphs off the rocks moving out of the river to hatch. Backwater Eddies, slow banks, and soft inside seams are the best places to find fish. Various Stonefly Nymphs, San Juan Worms, Streamers, and Mayfly Imitations have been the most effective patterns.

With 80-degree weather forecasted for the remainder of the holiday weekend, be sure to check stream flows here before heading out.

Tight Lines & God Bless America — Justin & Sarah Hartman

Have questions? Want to book your trip online? 

Need information about a Hatch Chart or Moon Phases?

Visit us at www.tightlinemontana.com or call Justin at (406) 925-1684

Montana Mixer Fishing Reports

Beaverhead River

A classic upper Beaverhead Rainbow Trout.

As the majority of Montana’s rivers are flowing at or above flood stage, the Beaverhead River from the Dam down to Barretts is clean, flowing at a below average rate, and fishing extremely well.  The upper two miles from the Dam to High Bridge is gin clear, and loaded with big healthy brown and rainbow trout.  With the low flows, a drop in tippet size and bug size is required to consistently hook these feisty fish.  A long 5x leader with two size 20 to 22 midges, bwo nymphs, size 16 to 18 sow bugs, and a few size 18 to 20 pmd nymphs have been the best bugs of choice.  The changing weather has an effect on when the fish feed, what they feed upon, and where they feed.  During this past week we found that one day the fish wanted a size 18 black pheasant tail in heavy water, the next day required a size 20 brown pmd nymph fished at the head end of larger pools, and yesterday saw us sneaking a size 22 olive split back along shady banks.  Don’t be afraid to change flies regularly as the amount of food and variety is astounding, and the fish will change their feeding patterns on a daily basis.  Be sure to bring a lot of flies, plenty of tippet, and a patient rod once hooked up as these big fish are sure to test the best angler.  We are looking forward to fishing the ‘Beav’ for the remainder of the year, and can’t wait to get back out there on Monday.

Big Hole River

Although high flows limited access on the Big Hole last week, the river levels are dropping and boats have been floating the upper portion near Mudd Creek and Wise River.  Streamers and large stonefly nymphs are the name of the game and the fish are being pushed out into the grassy hay meadows due to high flows.  Once there, the fish find themselves amongst a food buffet and are feeding hard.  Worms, maggots, mice, and other prairie grubs are being gobbled by trout as they survive the high flows in the grassy confines of the upper Big Hole.  Brightly colored streamer patterns such as the JJ Special and Yellow Yummy, along with various sculpin patterns are working well.  Big salmonfly and golden stone nymphs are crawling all over the banks and the first live salmonfly is expected any day.  With water levels dropping just in time for this hatch, you can be we will live on this river for the next few weeks as we may see some of the best fishing is years on this classic freestone stream!

Bighorn River

Two nice Montana tailwater trout.

Flows are huge but holding steady at 15,500 CFS.  Afterbay, 3 Mile, Big Horn, and Mallards are the only open access sites at present. The water out of the dam is still a little murky but clearing since the heavy rains and has noticeably less sediment near 3 mile access. Fish are absolutely stacked up in the soft water and anglers are pulling plenty of fish out of each hole.  With the turbulent water churning up the riverbed, worms and sow bugs are the name of the game.  San Juan worms in red, wine, tan, and brown are working very well, as are a variety of sow bug patterns.  Pink firebead soft hackles in a #16 or #18 seem to be favored but don’t shy away from tan and gray variations either. As far as surface action, beatis and small midge are ever present and the warming water has initiated a caddis hatch.  A #14 or #16 Henryville Special or a dark olive or black bodied Elk Hair caddis with gray wings is a good choice. Water up into the trees means pounding the banks with an olive bugger, Big Horn bugger, JJ Special, or Gray Zonker isn’t a bad choice either and can produce some big fish.

Montana’s Opening Weekend was a Success!

Beaverhead River

A great way to start the 2011 Season.

Montana’s general fishing season opened last Saturday, and like a kid at Christmas we couldn’t wait to see what was concealed by the crystal clear waters of the upper Beaverhead River.  We had been fishing the lower Beaverhead from Pipe Organ Bridge downstream to Barretts for over a month with great success, and hoped that the success would continue on the famed upper portion as well.  We launched two boats at Buffalo Bridge just below the dam, and connected with the first fish of the season a mere 10 yards down river.  A beautiful healthy rainbow trout came flying out of the water and smiles were plastered on the anglers and guides faces as the first fish of the season was slipped into the net.  As with traditional spring fishing on the Beaverhead River, pink sow bugs (sz 16),

 pink ray charles (sz 14, 16, 18), and pink pheasant tails (sz 16, 18) were the hot items early on in our float.  Other bugs that saw a good deal of activity were an orange scud (sz 14, 16), bwo split back (sz 18, 20), grey ray charles (sz 14, 16),  bh wd40 (sz 18, 20), and a rainbow tailwater sow bug (sz 16, 18, 20).  Over the next 5 days we frequented the upper river and were happy to see a healthy assortment of brown and rainbow trout ranging from 14″ to 23″.  I believe that we tied into a few fish that were in the 24″ class, but never got them close enough to the net to tell as they jumped, spun, and raced downstream eventually coming off after a few thrilling seconds of angling bliss.

A trophy Beaverhead Brown taken just below High Bridge.

Downstream below High Bridge saw much better fishing in the first weekend this year that it did last season.  Clark Canyon creek, while slightly muddy, was no were near the problem it had been over the past two seasons.  The water was clean all the way downstream to Pipe Organ Bridge, and the quality and quantity of fish caught in this section is impressive to say the least.  We spoke with FWP officials the day before the opener and were told that they shocked “a pile of fish” in the Hildreth section.  They were not lying.  We had a ball throwing psycho princes in purple, dirty pink, and purple (sizes 12, 14, 16), wine sjw’s (14, 16), various caddis nymphs (16, 18), micro mayflies in brown and green (14, 1, 18), pink and grey soft hackle sow bugs (14, 16), and pheasant tails (14, 16, 18) to fish holding and feeding in great looking riffles and pools.  The fish are in great shape and were eagerly feeding throughout the day.

With the amount of food in the river, how big will this brown be by August?

If the start to the 2011 fishing season is an indication of how well our rivers are going to fish this season, then we are in for an unforgettable year here in SW Montana.  The flows on the Big Hole river almost hit 8,000 cfs last week, and with more rain and possibly snow (it did snow in Dillon today) the flows could remain high for a while.  The great thing about having a tailwater in your arsenal is that regardless of weather, there will always be clean water to fish and hookups to be had.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend, and Tight Lines from all of us here at TLA!

Justin