Bruce_Staples, Author at Fly Fish Food Jimmy's

Southwestern Montana 8-3-09

August 31, 2009

Hopper and ant action on most streams goes on. As we cool off and gulper action and that from spruce moths begins to decrease, begin thinking BWOs and streamers.

As we cool during September some of these will see less insect activity, but the larger ones such as the Teton, Blackfoot, Greys, Portneuf, Warm and Fall rivers, creeks including Robinson, Big Elk, the Salt River tribs and Palisades will remain good choices because of BWO, mahogany dun, caddis, cranefly, and terrestrial insect activity. On any of these streams hosting brown trout, streamers will become important.

Big Lost River 8-31-09

August 31, 2009

Big Lost River

With 350 cfs coming out of Mackay Dam, the river is wadeable with caution. Trico and midge activity is present, and terrestrial patterns will produce. As we go through September look for flow out of the dam to decrease and for BWOs to become important.

Mainstem Snake River 8-31-09

August 31, 2009

Main Stem Snake River

The Snake River should now be considered a destination during through November. With dropping flows and seasonal cooling fish are not only more active, but more approachable. The river from Blackfoot to American Falls Reservoir is hosting record sized rainbows coming out of the reservoir. Streamers, wooly bugger and San Juan types fished deeply as possible give the best chance to encounter them. Within the next few days, if not already, the snowflake dun hatch will attract trout in the same reach of river. Look for BWO activity throughout on overcast days, and terrestrial patterns will be effective for several weeks to come. We have word of a 29-inch cutthroat being caught just below Am. Falls Dam on a fly. So don’t overlook that part of the river! To get more information on this great seasonal fishery get in touch with us or stop in.

Henry’s Lake 8-31-09

August 31, 2009

Henry's Lake

Fishing has been really spotty here, but as we cool during September action will pick up. As we hear of improvements, we will post them here.

Henry’s Fork 8-31-09

August 31, 2009

Henry's Fork

Kiss August, 2009 good-bye, and look for the river to host more action as we begin to cool off through September. Evenings and early mornings remain the best times to be on the river until later in September. Streamers will become increasingly important on the lower river when looking for action. So will BWO life cycle patterns. Also for the next month terrestrial patterns will be good choices anywhere on the river.

South Fork 8-31-09

August 31, 2009

South Fork

This is the time of year when cloudy and stormy days will begin producing BWO hatches up & down the river. The flow out of Palisades Dam dropped 800 cfs last Thursday evening. This means riffles will get more light which along with good water temperature will promote insect activity there. With a good chance of cloudy weather for Labor Day weekend, be ready for BWOs emerging from riffles, especially if we have rainy weather. So make sure BWO life cycle patterns are in your fly box. Meanwhile chernobyl and hopper patterns pitched back towards banks and the same done with streamers during evenings will bring action.

Yellowstone Park 8-26-09

August 26, 2009

Yellowstone Park

Generally best action is found through presenting terrestrial patterns on streams and presenting patterns for gulpers on still waters. Days are shortening and we are beginning to cool in the high country. These are signals to begin thinking about presenting streamers.