Current weather:
Other Waters
Shuttle Services:
Frontier Anglers - 683-5276
Uncle Bob's - 683-5565
Henry's Fork - Henry's Fork Anglers - 208-558-7525
Missoula Area - Kingfisher - 721-6141
Missoula Area - Grizzly Hackle - 721-8996
The 411 on what's going on around the area from the reliable sources...
Missoula Area - Rock Creek and the Bitterroot have finally slowed up and they are fishing really well now as usual. Golden stones, PMDs, Green Drakes and Caddis in the evening have been the ticket on both. On Rock creek FWP removed the large log jam in the middle of the river that has been there for years so the float is a little less technical but there are always tight tricky sections on any float so be prepared. Also, the river is now closed to float fishing so its all wading from here on out. The Clark Fork has leveled off a little but its still flowing hard so its really hard to call. If you want you could pound the banks were tributaries come in and have some luck on the fish holding escaping the dirty water. The Blackfoot is now clear and fishing well and we have heard good reports on the same attractor dries as the Bitterroot and Rock Creek. Even though the rivers are back in shape dont forget other areas or lakes in the region such as Georgetown which has been fishing pretty well with damsels and caddis. Expect the fishing to stay really good for the next few weeks. This is usually some of the best fishing all year.
Beaverhead - The Beav is in good shape right now. Grasshopper is dumping alot of mud into the lower river but with the upper sections flowing pretty low right now there is still a lot of very good clear water to fish. Nymphing continues to be the ticket but there is now some really good top water action to go with. Below the dam scuds are a good choice, Midge Clusters, and basic attractor nymphs are currently some of the most productive patterns. Up top Yellow Sallies, PMDs, and Spinners in the evening have been sticking fish. The crowds are also starting to die down a lot as other rivers clear and people continue to chase salmonflies elsewhere so it might be a good time to get on the Beaverhead and hopefully escape some summer crowds.
Season opener is now here and all of the small creeks everyones been waiting to fish are now open - with that being said, opener unless you are below a dam is usually an excersise in finding clean water and this years runoff may make things a challenge for a while. There will be a few things around the state that won't be dirty that are now open and maybe worth a poke, time to get a map... Spring is here, there are a lot of options now around the area as ice begins to come off nearly all of the lakes and open creeks so now is a great time to try a new area. Look for some off the wall places around the area to fish well. Typically we might check out the Dailey, Ruby, Shields (not this week it's dirty), Big Spring Creek, some other stuff in Eastern Montana and maybe head up toward the Hi Line, but hey, it's Montana and gas is cheap right now, so if you've got a lot of time on your hands just pick a new body of water and check it out - hell between Willy and I we've probably fished a fair share of the nooks and crannies and might have some suggestions for you...
If you have something else in mind, then shoot us an email, we're always willing to tap a few resources and make a few phone calls. It's about being your friendly local information resource!
Last Updated: 7/3/09
Willy's Lake Report: (Disclaimer these are Willy's Words not Kris's...)
Ruby Reservoir
The Ruby is fishing well and there are no people around! Fish the south end for Damsels and the north end around the dam with Buggers and crayfish.
Canyon Ferry
We have been doing great with the carp harassment up here on nymphs and leechs. Trout are in the deeper water- use nymphs and Buggers. Lots of room to fish. Call for more details. Walleys at the silos.
Hauser/Holter
The inlets on both lakes are fishing well. Calibeatis are starting to come off- Walleys at the cosway in the evening- cool.
Dailey Lake
Daily Lake with the weather has been tuff. Fish the weed beds on the south end and east side. Move out for Perch.
Hyalite
Its full to the brim and fishing can be good down deep with princes and soft hackles. They are eating on the surface beatles and ant patterns works well. Weekends are busy but a great place during the week after work.
Cliff/Wade Lakes
Both lakes are fishing well. There are other lakes near by and hidden lake just opened up but take bear spray with you..
Quake Lake
The lake is fishing well with nymphs and streamers. The inlet will be busy but the lake is a good place also. west sideby the rocks, look for stone flies and terrestrials.
Clark Canyon
The lake is dirty right now and the fishing is fair on the south end. The deeper 25ft is slow- needs to clean up a bit. When it does I will put it on the report.
Hebgen
This is still the hot spot. call for info
Harrison Lake
Weekends are tough with all the boats. So fish during the week with damsels and leeches.
Ennis Lake
Fishing has not been easy with the weather. When it clams down, nymphs and streamers are best. Dry fly action on the south end great!
Ponds Around Town
The ponds are doing fine around town. Three forks and Belgrade and bozeman have all kinds of different fish. Great just to get out between rain storms.
A Note from Willy
The high mountain lakes are opening up, give us a call. Also, many of our lakes around the state simply fishing great! The best I can say is get out and try something new. We also have some private lakes for our guided trips and others that not many people know about hmm..interesting- Please call and ask before you go out because we can help with your fly selection and make suggestions on where to fish such as lava lake up the canyon, golden trout lake and hidden lake also. Come join us for our BBQ on thursday the 18th at 5:30pm.
Tie Bugs, Live Long, Fish Hard
Willy
Last Updated: 6/16/2009
