Andros Island Part 3

A successful day on the Andros Island sand flats.

Day 3 of our adventure in Fresh Creek; Ed and George pursued the elusive bonefish with Herman, (local guide of 15 years) while Justin and myself decide to explore a local flat. The weather was slightly more cooperative today; low to mid 70′s partly cloudy, and about a 10 mph wind in Summerset Bay. Low tide was at 11 am, so we set ourselves up in what we thought to be a tactical position to intercept any remaining bones in the bay as they moved out with the receding tide. We were met with minimal success and only had one or two sightings. I patrolled a sandbar for about a hour in search of a tailing Bonefish but did not have any luck. I must confess that Justin has developed a keener talent for spotting the glass-like fish than myself. Spotting them proved quite difficult with the sun shining from the west and the wind blowing from the east. I decided to battle the wind over the sun. After a while of searching, I finally came across a large bonefish of about 5lb 20′ away directly into the wind. Not a difficult cast, but in my haste and excitement that I had built up during the hour and a half of searching, I bungled it, completely over-shooting the bone and alerting him to my presence. With a sigh of disappointment, I moved on in search of others.

Starfish

Justin had moved off about 300 yds with Al to explore a blue hole, a mysterious occurrence common to this area in which a foot deep flat can suddenly drop off into an aquatic singularity that can be anywhere from 10′ deep to 100′ and even connect into a cave system deep underground. Al and Justin noticed a few “Mutton Snappers” residing in the hole, targeted them, and were successful and coaxing two to take a shrimp pattern. Justin found out quickly how sharp the spines of these ugly fish can be as he sliced his finger open trying to release the fish.

George getting instruction while fishing a Bonefish.

We continued looking for Bonefish for another hour or two. By now the tide had begun its 6 hour trek back into the bay, and with it, various types of fishes. The three of us stalked a few large bones across the sandy flat, spotting and losing them with the rolling cloud cover. As I was crossing the nearly waist-deep channel to the flat on the other side, I jumped a pair of sting rays lying mostly covered with sand on the bottom not 4 feet away. They exploded out of their cover with a flash of black and cloud of sand that I’m quite certain scared a year or two off my life.

Justin and the first Barracuda of the day.

Our hunt for bonefish was not as successful as we had hoped, but we were not deterred and had decided to try our luck for a Barracuda. We made our way back to ”Hank’s Place” and set out with the boat up “Fresh Creek”. It didn’t take more than 5 minutes before a pair of small cuda tagged both mine and Justin’s lines. I felt the bump on my line again, and then a third time, but it was Justin’s line that suddenly exploded out of the water. We watched and hollered in excitement as the young cuda flipped through the air.

Cory with his hefty Barracuda.

We continued up and down fresh creek, catching a few ”Jacks” here and there as well a snapper and missing one or two more Barracudas before I caught my first which was nearly identical to Justin’s. To our excitement, not 2 minutes after my first fish on my very next cast, I nearly had the fly rod ripped out of my hands by a monster cuda twice the size of our first two. I couldn’t believe how hard he hit the fly. He immediately took me the rest of the way into my backing and then some. Just when I thought he was done he made another run, impressing us further with his power. Now tiring out, he presented us with a broadside view of him right along the boat and Justin quickly heaved him over the side. We kept all three that we landed, as requested by the locals who consider Barracuda to very desirable. All in all it was a very exciting day, and we can’t wait to make the most of tomorrow.

Barracuda, my what big teeth you have.

Tight Lines,

Cory

 Andros Island Part 2

George loading up for a feeding Bonefish

Today started out with our three trusty guides, Tommy, Hermon, and “Bonefish” Bradley meeting us at Hanks Place around 8 am EST.  The weather forecast called for partly cloudy skies and a chance of rain showers in the afternoon, with winds in the 10-15 mph range.  After a quick bite to eat we packed out lunches, loaded our gear, launched the boats, and headed out into the rough seas.  Our guide Tommy told us that where we were heading today, an ocean side sand flat, would lend to some great wade fishing opportunities, and the small bays would break the wind enough to hopefully spot some Bonefish.  After about a 20 minute ride in rough water, we arrived at our sand flat, rigged up, and set foot onto the white sandy bottoms of the Bahamas Bonefishing flats.

Cory and Tommy looking for Bonefish on the sand flats.

Cory and I split up with Tommy sticking by my side at first as we slowly walked across the flat looking for feeding Bonefish in the falling tide.  We were only about 5 minutes into our walk when Tommy spotted some fish behind us and told me to make a 40 foot backhand cast directly into the teeth of a 15 mph wind.  I did what he asked, but the result was less than effective as I piled the line on top of the feeding fish and spooked the whole school.  “Dis may be hard today mon” said Tommy as I regrouped and began looking for the next opportunity.  Luckily for me it didn’t take long for us to find two tailing Bonefish and after a decent 30 foot cast and a few strips later I was tied into the first Bonefish of the day.

Ed and Hermon with a fine Bonefish

With the heavy winds Cory elected to run back to the boat and grab his 10 wt fly rod in replacement for the 8 wt he started the day with.  While he was going back to the boat, I landed two more fish, one of which was a dandy 5 lb Bone that took me into my backing two times.  What a rush!  Cory rejoined Tommy and I and it was not long until his reel was singing as he too was hooked into one of the strong fighting Bonefish on Andros Island.  We fished this first flat walking back and forth with the tide for most of the morning with enjoyed success by both of us, and we finished the day on a tear after locating an inlet bay out of the wind that was loaded with Bonefish.  As the afternoon wore on we were chased off the flat by a big rainstorm and returned to Hanks just in time to get out of the rain, grab a world famous Hanky Panky, and recount our memorable day of Bonefishing.

Conch and Kalik

Our other boats had success today as well, with every member of our crew hooking and landing a handful of Bonefish a piece.  The weather was a little uncooperative most of the day for our other fisherman as the clouds and wind made it hard to see the fish, but any time you can be in Andros Island Bonefishing and catch a few Bonefish is a good day.

We rounded out the day with a great dinner of Mahi-Mahi, Stone Crab, Lobster Stuffed Chicken, great wine and good conversation.  We will be back out again tomorrow in what looks to be similar conditions.  After today I believe that all three boats will head to the ocean side flats to garner as much sunlight as possible in hopes of seeing Bonefish.  It has been a fantastic first few days, and we are looking forward to the remainder of our trip.

Tight Lines

Justin

Andros Island

After counting down the days for the past few months, we arrived at Hank’s Place on Andros Island yesterday, February 1. We got settled in after a good meal of fresh fish, lobster, and conch. We unpacked our bags and retired early after a long day of travel, eager to get a good night’s rest for the fishing trip in the morning.

Cory with his first ever Bonefish

At 7 am EST our guides arrived and loaded up our gear. Then we headed out and drove down the Queens Highway toward our launching point. We decided to send our three boats into three different sections of the flats in hopes of covering a little more ground. Needless to say all three boats saw success on day 1. For four of us it was our very first time saltwater fly fishing, while our fifth member had only been one time prior. We all needed a little coaching on how to approach the fish, where to place the fly, how to set the hook, and a host of other pointers that do not coincide with trout fishing in Montana. Tight Line Adventures guide Cory Streett made the most of his first Bonefishing experience by landing a beautiful 6lb Bone on his very first turn on the stand. This fish proved to be the biggest of the day by any of the boats, and was sure fun to watch as the fish ripped deep into the backing two times and took a few minutes to land. What a way to start the day! Between the other boats there were a few Barracuda caught, one Jack, a Grouper, and a handful of other Bonefish.

Tonight after another great dinner, Cory and I went down to the port to look for Tarpon that were feeding on shrimp in the moonlight. We had been fishing for about 15 minutes when I made a cast just below a bridge abutment and began swinging my shrimp pattern into the approaching tide. From the bottom of the black sea and into the moonlight rose a 50lb Tarpon toward my fly.  The fish rolled toward my fly as I began to cry out excitedly, “Oh, Tarpon! Oh, Tarpon!” I felt a slight nudge on the end of my rod and strip set with my left hand as hard as I could. To my utter disappointment I had struck a little too early and the big fish slowly sunk back into the depth of the channel. Even though I did not land that fish, that will be a memory I carry for the rest of my life: my first Tarpon sighting.

Justin with one of his Bonefish

We will be back out chasing Bonefish and Tarpon tomorrow, and with the help of the good Lord we will have a little more sun, as the clouds hurt our visibility this afternoon.  The scenery is beautiful, the guides were great, and the fishing is awesome. We will update you tomorrow on Day 2 in Andros Island.

Tight Lines,

Justin

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

With Thanksgiving comes talk of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. A friend passed some interesting information on to us a few weeks ago, and I thought it was worth sharing. We hope you “Think Small” this Saturday and support local, family-owned businesses in your area this holiday season — we’re talking gift certificates to your local chiropractor, gifts from your local AVON or Scentsy consultant, or stopping by your local antique mall to find that unique gift this year!
 
Happy Thanksgiving & Tight Lines,
 
Justin & Sarah Hartman

Birth of a New Tradition – Author Unknown
 
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods –merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
 
It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in foreign produced wrapping paper? Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
 
Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
 
Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
 
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a foreign made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
 
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember folks, this isn’t about big national chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
 
How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
 
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
 
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
 
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
 
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
 
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
 
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.
 
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
 
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion groups — throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city — send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

Montana Fishing Outfitter Justin Hartman was excited to learn that his name was drawn this year for one of two Bull Moose permits for Montana Moose Unit 340. After much scouting, a lot of information gathering, a skeptical wife, and a few missed opportunities, he was successful on October 11, 2011. This is his story:

At 1:30pm I headed toward the Big Hole to a piece of state land that borders the river, just south of where I’d seen a big bull moose roaming on private land earlier that week. I thought maybe he would bring a cow over the state land because of the heavy cover, or I could try and call one onto the state property as I imitated a cow and bull moose in rut.

While driving I realized I didn’t have my cow/bull moose call with me. Knowing I would need a call to get a bull’s attention, I searched my truck for anything that would amplify my sound. I grabbed the empty diet coke bottle from my passenger seat, cut the bottom off, took off the cap, and called a few times in the truck. Perfect. It wasn’t fancy but it sounded good.

Custom Moose Call

As I arrived at the hunting area the rain was falling. I parked on a bluff overlooking the state land along the river, the private property where I had seen the big bull earlier in the week, as well as the two pieces of private property where before season I was denied access due to lease obligations by the landowner. The private property was full of fresh cut alfalfa, willow bottoms, and low pressure — perfect for moose. As I looked over the state land the rain stopped and I glassed the private property for game. Almost immediately I picked up a moose moving through the willows. As it walked into a clearing I saw a massive set of antlers and my heart jumped. 

He was working his way fairly quickly down river with his nose down, almost certainly on the trail of a hot cow moose. When he was out of view I fired the truck up and tore off down the road knowing that the road would dead end close to where I thought he may be headed, albeit on the opposite side of the river. As I reached the end of the road I looked across the river hoping to see him working his way through the trees. Seeing nothing I threw on the hunters orange, grabbed my pack and rifle, picked up my custom moose call and started quickly working my way down the river hoping I may catch a break.

Moose Country

As I walked I let out long cow calls knowing he was in the area and may respond with a few grunts. After a few hundred yards I decided to cut to the river to get a better look, cow calling as I went. As I neared the river I looked on the private side and saw a black mass moving through the trees. It was him! He didn’t respond to further cow calling so I began grunting like a bull moose issuing a challenge. After hearing my first few grunts he picked his head up and looked in the direction of my sound. Not seeing anything he put his nose down and kept walking down river. Knowing he responded to the grunts, I began grunting louder and with more frequency. Again he heard these grunts and started to angle towards me. 

Still about 400 yards away and on private property, I had a few more hurdles to jump before he became legal, the biggest of which was the Big Hole River that was the dividing line between the private property he was standing on and the state land where I was — I had to really get his attention. I grabbed a downed willow branch and began smashing a small pine bush imitating a bull moose tearing up a tree in full rut. Hearing the grunts in combo with the smashing of the tree, the bull moose trotted toward the edge of the river, his eyes dead locked on the sounds of the grunts and tree mangling. I decided to give a cow call, then go back to the grunting and tree smashing to mix it up a little bit, in hopes he would decide that there was a hot cow on the other side and that there was a bull trying to breed her in his territory.

Big Hole River Crossing

After making the cow call I started grunting again and really got after smashing the trees. That did the trick. The big bull started walking toward me, feet now wet in the river, and swayed his massive rack back and forth displaying his impressive antlers to the imposing bull. I kept grunting and pounding away at the tree as I watched in awe as the bull made his way across the river. He angled slightly down stream as the straight line path between us was too deep to cross. I lost view of him for almost a minute as he waded the 6 foot deep section of Big Hole River which was blocked by tall cottonwoods and willow brush. 

When he got out of sight I quickly took off my hunting pack, binoculars, and anything that would possibly get in my way if I had to move or take a quick shot. All of a sudden I heard him downstream of me about 70 yards climbing up on the bank and crashing through the brush. My heart was racing but I felt surprisingly calm as I was now the one looking in the direction of moose sounds. For a large animal, moose are surprisingly tough to see, even at close range. Almost like a black ghost he appeared out of the brush about 50 yards away. Once in the clearing he stopped and looked for the moose he heard tearing up the tree, and the cow that was in heat.

Scenic Final Resting Place

I had dropped my moose call as he waded across the river and was kneeling next to a bushy pine shrub with my Winchester model 70 pre 64 300 H&H shouldered with a round ready to go in the chamber.  Hands tied, I gave a grunt without the call and watched as the bull laid his head back and began walking towards me grunting the entire time. I was faced with a unique situation as I could very easily shoot the bull where he was, now at only 40 yards, but didn’t know what a straight on chest shot would do to a 900 lb animal.

I followed him in my scope as he got closer and took a few steps up river opening up his vitals for a shot. At only 20 yards I grunted as he stopped broadside looking right at me. I squeezed trigger and the sound of the gun shot echoed through the cottonwood bottom of the Big Hole River. As I came back down on the gun from the recoil, I was shocked to see the bull still standing in the same spot he was before I took the shot. I could not believe it, but it looked as though I had missed. I worked the bolt and chambered another round and fired again. For the second time I came back down on my scope and the bull was still standing, looking like nothing had happened. Worried he may try to run, I chambered a third round, but as I was about to pull the trigger I saw him stagger and the massive bull tumbled to the ground.

A Family Affair

Still kicking I left him to expire and ran back to my truck and grabbed my phone to call my wife. She answered, but had just laid down to take a nap after a long morning of taking care of our two small kids, all the while trying to grow our third due in May. I told her I had just killed my moose. Her tone changed as she voiced her excitement. I asked to speak to my 3 1/2 year old son who had been grilling me of late why daddy hadn’t shot his big moose yet. He screamed with delight at the news .

My wife, knowing how important it was for me to have my family share in this experience, loaded the kids up and met my friend Matt in town where they all headed to the kill site. I called my taxidermist Steve Rhodes and good friend Ed Wilson to help share in the experience as well. After making the calls, I unloaded my game cart and brought the game bags, knife sharpener, and rope from the truck.

As I approached my bull I was in awe of both the size of his antlers and the size of his body. I circled him as he lay on the leafy covered rivers edge, listened to the river flow, smiling with accomplishment and replayed the previous 30 minutes in my mind. As I reached down to grab the antlers for the first time, I was blown away by the mass of his rack, and was even more amazed how hard it was to move his head as I leveled his rack for a better look.

Chance of a Lifetime

I found a good limb, stuck it under this antler and began taking photos and then began working on caping the animal. Once again the sheer weight of the legs and cape were astounding and I was grateful to know that in less than an hour I would have help.

Ed was first on the scene. We gave a few high fives and I ran through the story.  A few minutes after Ed arrived, Steve showed up with a buddy. After telling the story again, I heard my son calling for me so I raced to the road and found them walking down the path. He ran over and gave me a big hug and asked to see the moose. Matt had brought our friend Mike along as well, and along with my wife and daughter we all walked down to the moose.

Justin & Steve

It was incredibly special to have my children there and to hear them ask questions about everything they saw. The first animal my wife and kids have seen fresh on the ground was a bull moose in Montana.

We took a lot of pictures with the members of the party and watched as Steve masterfully began caping the rest of the animal. As soon as the cape was off we loaded the quarters into game bags and piled them onto my custom game cart. We made a total of three trips from the kill site to the truck with that game cart and barely broke a sweat. With the combination of good help, good equipment, and good location, we made quick work of the moose.

A Great Crew

Everyone arrived at around 4:30pm and we were all out and loaded in the trucks at 6:30pm. We headed into Dillon and had celebratory drinks and pizza at the Lion’s Den. Lots of phone calls and text messages later, we had spread the word throughout our family and friends and were enjoying the celebration.

I will remember every moment of every day I spent moose hunting during the 2011 season, and am anxiously waiting for 2019 when I can start applying again. Until then, you can bet that my name will be in the hat for moose permits in the surrounding states as I am now completely addicted to hunting these unique and amazing animals.

An Incredible Moose Tenderloin Dinner

I took the meat to Beaverhead Smoked Fish and Meat Company to be made into steaks, roasts, burger, and dogs. Steve Rhodes will do a full shoulder pedestal mount, and before long, my trophy bull will hang at Expedition Lodge in Dillon, Montana.

Justin’s moose taped out at 42.5 inches wide and held some of the heaviest antlers seen on a Shiras Moose in the state of Montana.

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

Bighorn River Report

Report by Tight Line Adventures Bighorn Guide Nic Jovanovich

Nic and Scott with a nice Bighorn River Rainbow. Great fishing on the 'horn right now with all this water!

USBR says 10,400 CFS out of Afterbay dam and the river looks all of it, maybe more.  High water this late is unusual but the fishing remains hot.  Nymphing is still the best bet, and with flows still churning up the river bed San Juans and sow bugs are still rocking.   Worms will pick up fish all over the river but the sows begin to taper off before Bighorn access.  PMD nymphs and emergers are a working well so don’t be afraid to tie on a Downey’s Wonder PMD, Micro May, or pheasant tail pattern.  Yellow Sallies, PMDs, and caddis will get fish on the surface, and….oh yeah, HOPPERS!!!!  The hot weather is bringing out the grasshoppers but don’t go too big yet.  Smaller tan sizes in a Rainey’s Grand Hopper or MFC’s Bullethead are a good bet.  Even though the days are long, hot, and sunny, the streamer fishing is still good.  Pounding the banks will get fish but we’ve had A LOT of action stripping across shallower gravel too.