Wednesday, August 26, 2009
We made a late afternoon trip to the Ruby River on August 23rd. Parked at the public fishing access below the dam and fished from the foot bridge downstream for a half mile or so. It rained all day and the rain gear got a good test. Temperature was in the 50’s and the water was pretty murky and high. We always seem to have good fishing on the Ruby regardless of conditions and this day was no exception. On about the third cast we got hooked up on a nice brown trout just downstream from the foot bridge and continued to pick up really nice fish all afternoon. Would not describe the action as fast or furious but it was certainly steady. The fish were taking small nymphs size 18 and 20. The reliable split back seemed to be the best producer but we also caught fish on scuds, pheasant tails, and San Juan worms. Largest fish was slightly over 20 inches; this bad boy was hanging out below a well defined shelf; he absolutely hammered the fly and put up a sporty battle using the fast water to his advantage and showing off some acrobatics. We only caught one rainbow; the rest were thick and healthy brown trout. Once again we fished this great river alone; not another fisherman sighted all afternoon. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and a quiet reminder of how blessed we are to be able to enjoy Montana’s natural and well preserved beauty.
