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South Western Montana

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / South Western Montana (Page 6)

Southwestern Montana 8-2-16

Big draw here is Hebgen Lake gulper activity. The Madison Arm seems to offer the best action. All you need is wind-free periods. Mornings and evenings provide the best chances for these. Only “fly in the ointment” in getting there is the U. S. Highway 20 construction ongoing (into September) from Elk Creek Conoco to Island Park Village. Delays can be up to an hour, so plan accordingly.

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Southwestern Montana 7-2-16

Here’s a notice recently given by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Montana FW&P) of interest to all anglers. Hoot Owl closures are in effect from 2 PM to midnight on certain areas of the following Montana Rivers:

Beaverhead

Big Hole

Gallatin

Jefferson

Madison

Ruby

For details go to the Montana FW&P web site.

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Southwestern Montana 4-30-16

We have more reports about good fishing between Hebgen and Quake Lakes. This time it is from folks using streamer patterns. Fishing should be good there until tributaries draining high country pour discolored water into the river.

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Southwestern Montana 4-26-16

We have word that the Madison River between Quake and Hebgen Lakes is currently a great place for nymphing, and that the river around Reynolds Junction is producing in the same manner. So if the South Fork and the Henry’s Fork are not to your present liking, here is an alternative.

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Southwestern Montana 7-25-15

There are now 13 “hoot owl” closures (no fishing 2PM to midnight) on western Montana streams. This closure is applied when in stream temperatures reach levels considered to be dangerous to resident salmonids.  To view closures, go to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks official web site.  Then go to Fishing and Waterbody Restrictions and Closures.

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Southwestern Montana 7-11-15

We have word that Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has restricted daytime fishing on the Big Hole and Clark’s Fork of the Columbia and Jefferson Rivers. There are also restrictions on the lower Gallatin (mouth to Logan) and lower Madison(Black’s Ford downstream) because of warming waters. Check the Montana FWP Dept. web site for details.

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Southwestern Montana 5-22-15

North shore of Hebgen Lake is fishing well for those presenting streamer and big woolly bugger patterns.  Try big stonefly nymphs and rubber leg patterns below Hebgen Dam. Some rainbows remain in the South Fork of the Madison River estuary, and they will take any streamer pattern you present.

Beaverhead River is low, but fishing is good. Try cranefly larva patterns, streamers and woolly buggers in deeper waters.

Red Rock Creek in Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Management Area is closed to fishing through June 15th in order to allow grayling to spawn with minimal human interference.

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Southwestern Montana 8-16-14

Big happening on a lot of streams is appearance of spruce moths. The Gallatin and the Big Hole have famous hatches, but any stream flowing through fir or jackpine forests will have significant hatches of these insect that we are not fortunate to have, except that they attract trout. Best fishing for them is after morning sun warms them enough to fly and mate.  Hebgen Lake gulper action has been a bit spotty as of late, but late in the day fishing on the river below has been good when spinner falls or caddis swarms take over.  Want a treat with a lightweight system? try the West Fork of the Madison River. You can drive for miles up this stream to catch eager browns, bows and  cutts. Nothing big, for sure, but great action in the riffles, runs and pools.  It’s another great choice for taking an entry level or physically challenged person.

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