June 20, 2008 Montana Fishing Roundup
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state. For more detailed information, contact a fly shop, bait store, or boat marina for the particular water. For detailed information on river flows, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow
The bugs are out . For fly fishers in Montana, hearing that statement in June usually means one thing: the annual hatch of giant salmonflies has begun. Salmonfly is the common term for a large specie of stonefly, an aquatic insect common in Montana streams. Most stoneflies spend from one to three years of their life underwater in a nymphal stage, grazing on algae and underwater plants & detritus. When a combination of daylight and water temperatures is correct, the salmonfly nymphs move towards the shore, where they emerge from the water on grass or rocks. After climbing from the water, their exoskeleton splits, and a winged adult salmonfly emerges. After resting and drying their wings, the adults take to the air to mate, and then deposit their eggs back into the water. For fish, the entire process of the salmonfly hatch is like a giant buffet table, and they gorge themselves on the insects. For anglers—following the salmonfly hatch as it moves upstream in Montana rivers is a sport in itself, and when they are lucky enough to find themselves in the midst of hatching flies with a rod in hand, the fishing can be spectacular.
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Bighole River – Recent reports indicate the salmonfly hatch has begun, meaning its time to fish the Bighole.
Bitterroot River – Fishing has been slowly improving on the upper river, but new trees and obstructions in the river mean extra caution is needed.
Cooney Reservoir – Lots of boating pressure during the heat of the day, but worth trying your luck after dark for walleyes and rainbows.
Dearborn River – As flows drop and the water clears, watch for fishing to get steadily better.
Flathead Lake – Lake trout fishing has been improving, and some larger fish have been showing up as well.
Holter Lake – Still providing good fishing for trout, although the walleye action has slowed down a bit.
Lake Mary Ronan – Work the weedbeds with flies or spinning tackle for trout.
Madison River – Salmonflies on the lower river, and fishing is decent on the upper river.
Nelson Reservoir – Very good walleye fishing, and northern pike action is starting to improve.
Yellowstone River – If a catfish dinner is on the menu, the lower Yellowstone is the place to find your main ingredient right now.
Recent News
