Southwestern Montana 10-10-2009
Best brown trout action will be found on the Madison River above Hebgen Lake and between Hebgen and Quake lakes. On the Beaverhead River browns are active throughout. Have those streamer patterns ready!
October 2009
Yellowstone Park 10-10-2009
Big action here are brown trout runs in the Lewis, Madison, Gibbon and lower Firehole (below the falls) rivers. Other than that, the BWOs are active on the Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon rivers. Be prepared for winter conditions throughout the Park. That means have proper clothing and driving habits.
Still Waters 10-10-2009
That Chesterfield and Daniels reservoirs are now filling is good news for next year. Using midge pupa patterns under an indicator is producing well in both places provided one can find the taking depth. Weeds are starting to break up on Springfield Reservoir, so more open water is available there. Midge pupa and small leech patterns will work there.
Small Streams 10-10-2009
The cold weather will slow activity on several of these, but some remain very fishable. Hoppers are gone from most, but BWOS and caddis remain active. Small bead head nymphs, BWO life cycle patterns, and small leech patterns remain effective on such as the Blackfoot, Portneuf, Warm and Teton rivers and Birch, Crow, Stump, Tincup, Robinson, and Palisades creeks.
Salmon River Steelhead 10-10-2009
Looks like the best run of steelhead in years is on its way up the river. Already some folks have tales of success, but the best days lay ahead. Visit us for up to date information and to acquire the best equipment for encountering these great fish.
Mainstem Snake River 10-10-2009
Flow throughout the river is about normal for this time of year, and brown trout are migrating. There are numerous walk-in locations as well as a great selection of reaches to float. Visit the shop to get info for making a selection of places to fish and to see the streamer patterns we stock for the river.
Big Lost River 10-10-2009
With flows out of Mackay Dam just below 200 cfs and BWOs and midges active, this is one of the places to be fishing. Look for these good conditions to hold into November.
Henry’s Lake 10-10-2009
Fishing the shallows is really picking up if you can stand the weather. Snow/rain and wind has been the norm for days, but for the warmly dressed person, this is the time to be here.
Henry’s Fork 10-10-2009
Take your pick from two extremes: BWO life cycle patterns or streamers! This cool, unsettled weather we are having makes both the best way to fish up and down the river. For streamers, any low light conditions will make for best fishing. For the BWOs, PMs and overcast conditions will make for the best success.
South Fork 10-10-09
Flows on the South Fork have dropped down to 3000 cfs out of the dam. The river is very acessable for wading right now. You can also float the river at these flows, but with the decrease in flows shorter floats will make for a full day of fishing. Floating the entire canyon from Conant to Byington is no longer an option for a day float unless you have a motor or prefer rowing a lot.
Blue WIng Olives have been hatching in good numbers and fish have been up eating them. Rubberlegs with a beadhead dropper presented 18-24 inches below the rubberleg have also done well. Streamers will produce fish on cloudy days and in the mornings and evenings. As the nights get colder look for the fish to start rising to midges as well.