Statewide Montana Fishing Report Compilation 8.3.22

Statewide Montana Fishing Report Compilation 8.3.22
By angelamontana

Posted: August 3, 2022

Please let us know if you would like to see your weekly fishing report included in this Montana fishing report compilation by emailing your report to us before the end of the day on Tuesday of each week here along with your business website/email address.

Please check the fishing regulations before fishing.

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Flathead Lake Fishing Report by Flathead Fishfinders & Captain Mike’s Fish-n-Fun (August 3, 2022)

What’s happening on the lake? Fishing is hot! Give us a call at 406.250.6246 to book your trip.

Georgetown Lake Fishing via Montana Fishing Addicts 2.0 (July 29, 2022)

D. Humphrey: I would probably hang under a bobber just over weed beds, otherwise try different depths till you find out where the fish are wanting to hang out; Leeches and midges usually consistent

Hell Creek Recreation Information (August 3, 2022)

Click here: www.HellCreekRecreation.com

Cooney State Park Information via FWP (August 3, 2022)

Click here: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/cooney

Hauser Fishing Report by FWP (August 1, 2022)

A few rainbows are being caught at Riverside below Canyon Ferry Dam and from the Causeway Bridge while using crawlers and a marshmallow or a floating jig. Trolling cowbells and spinner combinations between Black Sandy and the Powerlines during the early morning hours is producing a few rainbows as well. A few Walleyes are being picked up in 15-30 feet of water mostly during the late evening hours around Eldorado Bar, in the Causeway Arm and around Dana’s Point. Most walleye anglers are using various jigs, slip bobber setups with leeches, or trolling bottom bouncers with white or orange spinner blades and crawler harnesses. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Missouri River Fly Fishing Report by Headhunters Fly Shop (August 2, 2022)

Missouri River August Fly Fishing Forecast

Missouri River August Weather

Hot. Super hot. Abnormally hot this past week. Will it continue? The forecasters state that the temps will fall into the 80’s ad 90’s for the next 10 days. The daily historic average air temps hover around 95F. Lows come in the hi 60’s Average rainfall for the month is 1.57inches. Third behind May and June. June being the wettest. So afternoon thunderstorms will keep you guessing with rain totals enough to remind you to keep the raingear nearby in August.

Be ready for anything. Cooler mornings have you donning your puffball shedding it mid morning for a HH logo’d sun shirt. Headhunters is your local sun gear store. More selection, styles, and better pricing than the rest! Stop in for a full selection of gloves, Buff’s, sun shirts, SUNBUM sunscreen and more!

Missouri River Flows and Water Temps

Flows are hovering around 4400cfs. And hopefully will stay at this level for he remainder of the summer. That is the projected summer Missouri River Flows. Water temps today at 68F. They will fall gently throughout the month. Not too much lower at the completion of August, but we should not see them rise above where they currently are. Let’s hope. Rumors of course about closures, Hoot Owl stuff, but no word from our local officials about this yet.

Weeds? Yes. Always have weeds here on the Mo in the late summer and early fall. This year is no different. They are developing rapidly now and will continue to grow toward the surface. Let’s hope we do not have too much of that river goo this season. Call us for the updates you need.

Last year the weeds on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being god-awful…they registered a 5. This summer? At let a 5 right now. Increasing too. As you head downstream they gather in big floating islands. Mother Nature is typically very difficult to predict.

Missouri River August Hatches

Trico’s continue through the month well into September. Strong hatches in late July as the bugs seemed to gain speed and intensity. Great Trico Missouri River spinner falls daily @ 845am. Fish them until noon or 1pm.

PMD’s still a factor. Could go for anther couple weeks. If wee are lucky.

Caddis flies can get you through the afternoons. Toss one blind and see what happens. Get on the caddis train and catch those night fish! Downwinged patterns as well as spent caddis need to be in your possession. How about one of our favorites the Translucent Pupa and the Translucent Emerger. Come find your caddis fly love on the Mo in August. They will be around through the end of the year. Do not go out there with out the caddis fly in your front pocket.

Terrestrials. August is the month for ants and hoppers. Fish the am Trico, the Buzzball! Then switch to the ant for a blind fishing afternoon all the way home. Or your favorite hopper pattern. Try one you can see!

August Nymphing Forecast

Pretty good. The big fly will spend some time on the upper end of your nymph rig. Weight flies, brown mayfly nymphs, Crayfish and worms and ZIrdles and junk like that. Big flies up top and small flies on the bottom.

You can go deep in the morning or short too. Or you can rig it up without split and 2′ from bobber to fly right out of the gate. Choose the depth you want to fish and get after it.

Be creative. You can also rig a dry-dropper outfit. A big fluffy floater, an Adams, or a caddis fly up top, or an ant and attach one of the killer tungsten beaded patterns like the Two-Bit Hooker or similar and have a ball fishing the Missouri River this August.

Headhunters Fly Shop Guide Trips

Guide available for the 3 months ahead including August.

You want to hunt heads in the morning? Cool. How about a half day. You want to continue on after the dry fly bite has waned? Toss hoppers and ants? Then book the full day. You want to toss the Craiyfish and see what lurks in the depths of the Mighty MO! We do too!

Call the for fall today on the Guide Hotline @ 406-235-3447 for any question about guid trips, rental boats, or general fishing questions. We love to talk about trout!

Fly Shop Hours, Izaak’s, River Hub, Joe’s Bar

Open daily early 6-isham. Open late til 8pm. We may curtail the late shop hours as we move through this month.

Izaak’s open Wednesday thru Sunday 3-9pm. Get in early for bite and fish til dark. Izaak’s closes at 9pm. Plan accordingly.

The River Hub Cafe is closed.

Montana Red’s Burger Truck open daily 2pm onwards except Wednesday.

Shotgun Annies nightly in WC.

Coffee Cart in WC open mornings with smoothies, coffee, breakfast burritos, etc.

Missouri River Inn open daily noon at Prewitt Creek.

Joe’s Bar open daily sort of. Don’t know the daily hours. But about noonish. Not open early and not open late. The place where fishing guides and locals fight. And then dance. And then trade shots. And then forget.

CraigTroutCamp.com and CraigLodging.com are your lodging connections!

Want to stay here in Craig or the nearby vicinity? Check out www.CraigTroutCamp.com for the best in Craig cabins. Starting at $195/nt why not stay in downtown Craig Montana. Close to Izaak’s, Joe’s Bar, and fly shop row.

www.CraigLodging.com is where you will find the balance of the rental properties on the Missouri River. Rooms starting at $110/nt up to larger houses for $1000/nt

Fishing August on Montana’s Missouri River

Questions? More? We have more answers. 406-235-3447 for any additional questions about local lodging, guides, rental boats, shuttles, fly patterns, the right rain gear to buy in Craig, or you just want to plan your fall 2022 fly fishing trip, give us a shout.

Gallatin River Fishing Report via Fins and Feathers (August 2, 2022)

4/5

Hootowl in Effect on the Gallatin from Cameron Bridge to Headwaters. Check out other closures and restrictions here.

The Gallatin is fishing well. The water is running very cold and clear up in the canyon. Bugs are scattered throughout the river. Caddis, sallys, and mayflies can be found in abundance. Have some spinner patterns and standard mayfly imitations. Additionally, spruce moths are starting to show and the fish have noticed. Make sure to have a few of those in your back pocket. Fish it like an attractor dry and even skitter it across the water. Chubbies, beetles, and ants can get the job done too. Add a dropper, PMD, Caddis, or attractor nymphs. Fish faster water later in the afternoon as the quicker water holds more oxygen.

Gallatin River Webcam – Located at Karst, which is about 1/2 way between Bozeman and Big Sky on HWY 191.

The upper madison has been fishing great. Chubby droppers have been working well; try orange pink and copper chubby colors (size 8-16), wooly buggers and small attractor nymphs have been working great as a dropper. Lots of caddis out as well, try missing link, x caddis or elk hair caddis size 14-16. Goldenstones, Yellow Sallies and PMD’s will be your other options throughout the river. If the fish arn’t looking up streamers can also be a good option right now especially if you are looking for the larger fish. Try a yellow mini dungeon, or sparkle minnow can also be working well when the sun is out.

Chancy and Dave’s Fish Camp Fishing Report (July 28, 2022)

Flathead River- (main stream)-Excellent trout action- try little cleo’s in gold or silver, panther martins in gold/yellow. Flies- try hoppers and purple haze.

Thompson River- Trout doing well. Try small rooster tails and Thomas spoons. Flies, royal wulff or small elk hairs.

McGregor Lake- good lake trout trolling early morning 60-80’ water. Try small trolling spoons or dodger with flies and cut bait.

Flathead Lake- South end white fish reports near Elmo, Big Arm, Wildhorse Island. Great perch action also south end. Lake trout doing well north and south end troll silver or green flasher with Brad’s super bait or FLC flies 80-120’ water.

Ashley Lake- Good salmon trolling early morning, also good perch.

Bitterroot Lake- good salmon trolling early.

Middle Thompson- Big salmon deep trolling 60 -80’ of water west end.

Whitefish Lake- good numbers of lake trout trolling small spoons or Brads super baits.

Lake Francis- Lots of good walleye trolling near campground or lighthouse area.

Hot temperatures are forecasted

stay hydrated and have fun!

Flathead Valley Fishing Report by Snappy’s Sport Senter (August 2, 2022)

Flathead Lake – Trolling FLC spinners has been producing good fish around the delta, along with jigging white tubes on the edges. Small resident populations of whitefish pods have been found. Get an early stock of Zimmer RattledZastors and KB jigs.
Flathead River – River has been fishing well. For flies try Purple Haze and Hoppers. Rooster tail spinners have been a solid choice as well. Single Hook regulations are in effect north of Tea Kettle launch including North, Middle and South fork branches of the river.
Echo Lake – Bass fishing is still consistent. Look for deeper structure around 15′. Using drop shots and Ned rigs has produced a good bite.
Ashley Lake – Salmon fishing is still consistent. Best options have been Hali’s and Swedish Pimples paired with maggots or shoe peg corn.
Thompson Chain – Pike fishing has been good, using smelt under a pike rig or throwing spinner baits along the shore. Salmon trolling with Hoochie rigs and sling blades around 40′ using Pautzke fire corn has been decent also.
Lake Mary Ronan – State park launch is currently closed. No access to public boat launches.
Hungry Horse Reservoir – West side road expected to remain closed from 29 mile marker to 37 mile marker for another couple of weeks. East side road has construction activities Monday – Thursday from 7am-6pm, expect delays of up to an hour.

Fishing Reports by Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing (July 16, 2022)

–No New Report–

This Montana fishing report is valid from July 16 through about July 25.

The Yellowstone River is still running high and murky. We think all the places the river “ate” hillsides are still weeping murky water since the river is still washing these areas. The river is clearing day by day, but it’s still just barely green rather than the deep blue-green color it usually is when it reaches its current level. That said, there’s a foot of visibility and that’s enough. Sculpins and PMD and Yellow Sally nymphs have been the top flies lately. Expect caddis pupae to turn on any day. Some dry fly action on stoneflies, Yellow Sallies, and caddis is possible, but it has been far less common than usual by this point in the season. Our best rig on guided trips has been some sort of Sparkle Minnow in sculpin colors with a PMD nymph on the dropper.

The Madison River is very crowded. The lower river below Ennis Dam is now on 2:00 mandatory closures and is really too warm to fish unless you are more interested in the bikini hatch than the trout. The upper river will be very crowded, but it’s fishing well on caddis and a variety of mayflies. We won’t guide again on the Madison until fall with options just as good closer to home.

The Boulder River is in prime shape and fishing pretty well. A few epic days have been interspersed with solid but not spectacular days. Some dry fly fishing on Chubby Chernobyls and other large stonefly/attractor dries is possible, particularly if there are any clouds. PMD and caddis hatches are also possible but not especially likely. The bread & butter rig has been a small-ish tan/black Girdle Bug with a smaller attractor nymph dropper. We have been guiding a lot on the Boulder, but so have lots of others, so being first or WAY last down the river is best. The Boulder is just getting low enough to wade-fish without a boat for transportation. Stick to areas above Boulder Forks boat ramp (including in the National Forest above Natural Bridge Falls) for less boat crowds.

The Stillwater River turned on last week. It’s still running high above the Rosebud. Above it, fish stonefly and attractor nymphs as well as Chubby Chernobyls and similar dries with attractor nymph droppers. Below the Rosebud should drop into play within a week (we stay away until flows are below 2000cfs). The Stillwater will improve in the next couple weeks as the Boulder starts to get too low to float. We’ll spend more and more attention on the Stillwater as a result.

Other Montana Waters that are fishing well include the Gallatin River and mountain creeks that are low enough to wade, such as Hyalite near Bozeman. Other small streams will drop into good shape over the next week or so.

Yellowstone Park fishing is limited from our operations area this year due to historic flooding. Walk-in travel is allowed into the northern part of the park via Gardiner. The Gardner River is fishing well on attractor nymphs in the lower reaches, and attractor dry/dropper combos up high if you have vehicle access. Guided access via car is now available in a very limited fashion from the north entrance. No access this year to the Lamar Valley or Soda Butte Creek.

Kootenai River Fishing Report by Linehan Outfitting (July 18, 2022)

–No New Report–

This Kootenai River Montana fishing report is being brought to you by Orvis Endorsed Linehan Outfitting. This report will be updated weekly to provide current conditions, weather, hatches, patterns, and flows to our local waters and across the state.

Flows from Libby Dam: 4000cfs

Water temperature at Libby Dam: 42 degrees

Hatches: midge, baetis

patterns: zebra midge, parachute Adams, parachute pmd, Rosenbauer’s olive rabbit foot emerger, purple haze, purple chubby, red chubby, olive sparkle dun,bh prince, soft SJ worm, bh pheasant tail, bh rubber legged stonefly, big streamers in white, pink and olive, circus peanut, black conehead buggers

It’s not quite spring up here in Kootenai River country but we have good news. Flows from Libby Dam have been reduced and will be stable at 4000cfs through the end of March for now. That means there’s some great early season fishing available right now.

Expect more clammy cloudy weather through the weekend and into next week. March continues to come in like a lion and we’ve yet to see the lamb. Rain and snow mix will dominate forecast. Fortunately daytime temps will ooch into the forties which is at least a small sign of spring around here.

At the moment the river is clear and in good shape. Don’t expect much in the way of dry fly fishing and insect activity until we get some substantially warmer daytime temperatures. The water is still cold but trout will start to feed a bit in the coming weeks.

This is always a good time of year for nymphing. With low flows you don’t need a heavy rig. You just need to get the flies down in softer runs and pools where trout are most likely to be holding this time of year. Don’t spend a ton of time fishing fast riffles.

Streamer fishing is also productive this time of year especially since bigger fish will be hungry after laying low for a couple months during the dead of winter. Keep in mind they will not necessarily want to move too fast or too far to get a meal. Get your streamers down and fish them slowly and erratically. Nothing like a wounded minnow to get a big rainbow interested in at least a sniff.

In Boston Red Sox news, it’s PLAY BALL! After several weeks of a lockout the players union owners have finally come to an agreement. Spring training will start immediately and while opening day was and remains delayed until April 7, the season will still be 162 games. For now the Sox have managed to keep essentially the same playoff roster they had last season. Infielders Dalbec, Arroyo, Bogaerts, and Devers are key players. In the outfield Jackie Bradley Jr. has returned to Boston and Kike Hernandez and Verdugo will anchor the deep green. Ace Chris Sale will hopefully be healthy and other starters from last year will hopefully pick up where they left off in October. Go Sox!!!

Give a call anytime if you need more Kootenai River details or information on any of our hunting or fishing adventures. And please check out our e-commerce site for all Linehan Outfitting branded swag and Orvis gear. https://linehan-outfitting.myshopify.com/

We look forward to hearing from you. 406-295-4872

Yellowstone River Fishing Report by Bozeman Fly Supply (July 30, 2022)

The Yellowstone is starting to shape up after the recent flooding, it is still running a little high and dirty so do be cautious. If you plan to fish the Yellowstone, be sure to check FWP’s Restrictions and Closures page for up-to-date information regarding closures.

Suggested Fly Patterns

Dry Fly

Missing Link Caddis (14-18), Corn Fed Caddis (14-18), Peacock Caddis (14-16), Parawulf Dennis BWO (16-20), Thorax BWO (18-20), Parachute Adams (14-20), Purple Haze (16-20), Film Critic BWO (16-20), Smoke Jumper (16-20), Extended Body BWO (16-20), Griffith’s Gnat (16-20), UV Sparkle Midge (18-20), Chubby Chernobyl Olive/Royal/Purple (8-12)
Streamer

Woolly Bugger (4-12), Articulated Goldie (6), Mini Dungeon, Complex Twist Bugger (2), Kreelex Minnow (4), Sparkle Minnow (4-8), Double Gonga, Urchin Bugger (4), El Sculpito (2), Sculpzilla (4-8), Sculpinator (4-6)
Nymph

Pat’s Rubber Legs (6-12), Zirdle Bug (6-12), Woolly Bugger (4-12), Perdigon (14-18), Pheasant Tail (14-20), Jigster Baetis (14-18), Prince Nymph (10-18), BH Hare’s Ear (12-18), Sisslin’ Hot Spot Squirrel (14-16), Zebra Midge (16-22), San Juan Worm, Matt’s Shagadelic Mop, Hare’s Ear (14-18), Dirty Bird (12-16)

Holter Reservoir Fishing Report by FWP (August 1, 2022)

A few rainbows continue to be caught on the lower end of the reservoir during the early morning hours while trolling cowbells with a spinner combination and a crawler around 25 feet down in the water column. Walleye and perch fishing has been good in 20 to 30 feet of water during the morning or late evening hours around weed beds and points throughout the reservoir. Most anglers are using various jigs, slip bobber setups with leeches, or trolling bottom bouncers with white, chartreuse, or orange spinner blades. Some nice kokanee are being picked up on the lower end of the reservoir while trolling Dodgers or flashers tipped with a spinner and shoepeg corn in deep water during the early morning hours. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Rock Creek Fishing Report by Grizzly Hackle (August 1, 2022)

Grizzly Hackle scores Rock Creek fishing a 4/5

Rock Creek is fishing well and although the water temps are getting up there they are getting much colder at night. That means morning to early afternoon fishing has been good, evening fishing not so much. We should start seeing colder nights as we get into August. There are Spruce Moth’s out in spots. Be ready with Miller’s Moth, MFC Moth and Andy’s Moth. Other terrestrials to have if you don’t see spruce moth’s are small hoppers, ants and beatles. Galloup’s Ant Acid, Fat Angies, Amy’s Ant and Fat Alberts. Drop a sz 16-18 Jig PT, Jig Prince, dark Perdigon or Spanish Bullet if they aren’t coming up to the dry.

Yellowstone River and Livingston Area Fly Fishing Report by Dan Bailey’s (August 1, 2022)

Happy August everyone! Seems like summer just flies by faster and faster every year. Especially this year since we are about a month late getting on the Yellowstone! Things are shaping up to be a great August here in Livingston!

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

The Yellowstone River is flowing at just above 4,000 cfs at the town gauge as of this writing. It has been on a steady decline and is slightly below average for this time of year. It’s getting to a point where, while it’s still a lot of water, it’s certainly manageable for recreational floating. Just be mindful of new currents, eddies, obstructions and channels after the flood earlier this year. We are getting a lot of reports of debris in the water, and that will keep up as things continue to drop.

Water temp is something to keep an eye on. The river has reached 70 degrees in the afternoon every day since the 29th. A look at the forecast ensures that this upward trend will continue at least for a while. Daytime highs in the 90s make a float sound like a great option, but keep in mind that these higher water temps do put a lot of stress on the fish. We wrote a blog about keeping fish safe in high water temps last summer, it’s a good time to revisit the principles. Read it here.

The fishing has been best in the mornings until about 10:30 or 11, and then again in the evening. We’re seeing a ton of nocturnal stone shucks on the banks, and fishing a big chubby or stonefly pattern first thing can be very productive. Hang a rubber legs off the back of it and hold on. There have been scattered Yellow Sallies around, and caddis in the afternoon as well. If that’s not working, terrestrials will bring fish to hand. While hoppers are immediately what everyone thinks of, ants and beetles can be even more productive.

Nymphing has been more productive than dries, as it always is this time of year. Stonefly patterns or dead drifted streamers as a point fly can attract bigger fish, and draw eyes to a smaller dropper. Try something like a copper john, pheasant tail, caddis pupa, lightning bug, or something similar. You’ll find a lot of whitefish subsurface but a decent amount of trout too.

Lots of people are trying hoppers these days, and there are a ton of them out and around. The fish haven’t really keyed into them yet, but you can definitely give it a shot! It should be any day now. They make a great indicator fly for a smaller nymph if you want to fish two zones at once. We’ve got some great patterns available at the shop this year. They always sell out fast, don’t wait!

August is usually a month when things slow down pretty drastically on the Yellowstone River. This year it’s going to be really good.

MADISON RIVER

The Lower Madison remains under a Hoot Owl Closure and will be until the end of summer. Given the amount of tubers and recreationalists on this stretch, give it a rest. There are lots of other great options around.

The Upper Madison is still fishing really well. There are options for floats and wading, but keep in mind that it’s very busy this time of year. Fish early or fish late. The stoneflies are done, but there are enough caddis, a few yellow sallies, and terrestrials to keep you plenty busy. If you don’t feel like messing with the river go try to find gulpers on Ennis Lake.

***UPDATE*** As of 8/1/22, FWP has enacted a Hoot Owl closure from 8 Mile fishing access to Ennis Lake. No fishing from 2pm to midnight!

GALLATIN RIVER

The Gallatin River is a lot closer than the Madison and it’s continuing to fish well. We wouldn’t fish anywhere below Axtel Bridge, and anywhere in the Canyon would be our go to spot. From the Canyon mouth to Big Sky is quite busy, as it always is in the summer. Not only is the river pretty small with lots of easy car access (pros and cons for sure), but it’s a popular whitewater rafting float.

If you want some solitude, keep driving toward West Yellowstone. Fishing pressure on the Gallatin River immediately drops off past the Big Sky Meadow and once you cross over into Yellowstone Park it goes down even more. Please keep in mind that you’ll need a Yellowstone fishing license if you’re up that high.

This time of year is usually all about spruce moths, but they haven’t really been around this year. The salmonflies have come and gone, but you’ll find caddis in the afternoon as the main hatch. Given the faster nature of this river, general attractors such as Humpies, Royal Wulffs, Purple Haze, etc. work well. Terrestrials are in play up here too…

Keep an eye on water temps and fish early or fish late. Not only is this better on the fish, but you’ll beat the crowds too. Win win all around!

BOULDER RIVER AND EASTWARD

We’ve had a lot of people in the store recently heading for the Boulder River or waters eastward. The Boulder can be a good choice in the summer, and is a great spot for dry flies and attractors. There is still a decent amount of water in it right now and wading can be a bit tricky, especially in the lower stretches. Be mindful of property boundaries and stay below the high water mark. If you drive upriver, be ready for some bumpy driving, but beating up your car could be well rewarded.

For other waters in our region, a lot of them are warming up past a point we feel comfortable recommending fishing. Pay attention to water temps and flow. Irrigation is kicking in across the state and waters are getting drawn down with that. With all the great options closer to home, we’d recommend sticking with that.

SMALL WATERS

Late summer is the time to be in the mountains. Trails are dry, the small streams and high country lakes are still ice cold, and the trout are hungry. As we’ve written in previous reports, there are hundreds of lakes and hundreds of miles of small streams in our region that hold trout. Go exploring. Don’t get too wrapped up in finding the “perfect spot”. Look at a map, bring a few flies, and go have some fun.

One of the joys of small water is in packing light. Really all you need is what you see below. If you’ve ever wondered why you might need a 3wt rod, this is it.

STORE AND LIVINGSTON

August is a great month to visit Southwest Montana and Livingston. This is the time of year when hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking are in full swing and the fishing is going to be lights out this August. There is a lot going on around Livingston as well – live music, community gatherings, farmer’s markets… Always something to do!

Our store has everything you need to stay hydrated, comfortable, and safe out on the river and in the woods. It’s hot so don’t forget to bring a water bottle and UV blocking clothing. Sun shirts are a great choice this time of year – for any outdoor activity. Come shop our selection of late summer bugs and hoppers while we’re still well stocked.

Thanks for reading and see you on the water!

Cooney Reservoir via Montana Fishing Addicts 2.0 (August 2, 2022)

T. Bohannon: Was there 2 weeks back going 10-15 feet. With purple or yellow flickers and perch colored crank

D. Humphrey: No need to go that deep, I would start where the creeks come in around the weedbeds in 10-15 feet

J. Mueller: We knockem dead trolling cowbells. Silver are my go to. Although, the neon colors work too. Rainbow is good. You need to make sure you’re going fast enough. 1.5 to 2 mph. Any slower, we don’t get anything.

Clark Fork River Fishing Report by Blackfoot River Outfitters (July 29, 2022)

BRO’s Tips of the Week:As of today, the Clark Fork from Warm Springs/Silver Bow Creek to the confluence of Flint Creek is under a Hoot Owl restriction. Fishing is only allowed between 12am and 2pm.

The Clark Fork continues to fish well, but your window will be limited from early mornings to early afternoons. Keep an eye out for PMD spinners/Rusty Spinners in the mornings – cast to pods of rising fish with a long drift and bring them up to eat. Otherwise, foam hoppers with the longest dropper you can use are the best technique for finding fish on hot, bright days.

*Two trees down between Clinton-Turah that are blocking an entire channel. We do not recommend floating this section until we have more intel and learn how they’ll look as water levels drop.

7 Day Outlook:

This is the hottest weekend of summer so far. Highs above 100 will heat up the water and stress fish after midday. Fishing has been best in the mornings and early afternoons, and we recommend knocking off before 3 or 4pm to give the fish a break. Size up your tippet, land them quickly, and forego the grip-and-grin photos so those fish will still be there for you to net in the fall. Water temps on the Clark Fork hit 74 degrees yesterday – don’t fish if they’re higher than 68.

Need a stream thermometer? Come see us in the shop!

Our Recommendations for the Best Techniques and Patterns:

It’s finally hopper-dropper time! We like the More or Less Hopper and Donkey Kong Hopper #12-16 in pink alongside Parachute Ants for terrestrials. A foam dry with a long dropper will hunt this time of year. Try Brillon’s Mean Machine, Jig MT Sallies, Yellow Spot Jig PT’s, Hot Bead San Juan worm, and Psycho Princes for dropper patterns.

When smaller bugs are around, try the On Point Para Wulff – PMD #14-18 and Flash Cripple PMD #14-18 alongside your favorite PED and Rusty Spinner patterns.

Nymphing can produce when fish are holding deeper on warm, bright days. Try Girdle/Zirdle Bugs, TJ Hookers, Double Bead Stones, and San Juans in #6-8. The Lightning Bug, Jig PT, 2-Bit Hooker, Prince Nymph, Duracell, Spanish Bullet or Perdigon nymphs in #12-14 should be productive as well.

Streamer prospecting is still good in deeper water on the Clark Fork. Throw Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Mini Dungeons, and Thin Mints/Buggers in deeper, cold currents to get them down to fish.

Goings on at World Headquarters in Missoula:

The new Online Store is live! Check it out!

Sunny days are ahead, and we’re ready for them with new BRO logo sun hoodies.

Call or email us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in- WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR BRAND NEW LOCATION AT 275 N. RUSSELL STREET IN MISSOULA- for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.

Fort Peck Fishing via Montana Fishing Addicts 2.0 (July 31, 2022)

Sportsman’s Paradise in Fort Peck: Salmon fishing is really picking up here in Fort Peck and I know a lot of fishermen either camp or stay in the cabins at the lakeridge, but I just wanted to throw out that I have a 5 bedroom Airbnb and have some openings in august and September so if anyone is looking for a place you can check that out, or if you have any questions about other lodging, dining, or things to do let me know!

https://abnb.me/keKmNLTM7rb

Yellowstone Park Waters Fishing Report by Jimmy’s Fly Shop (July 30, 2022)

The Park has opened the road from Tower Junction to Slough Creek to auto traffic. The road from the Northeast Entrance ( Silver Gate) to Slough Creek remains closed to auto traffic.

Beula Lake

Right now Beula Lake offers some of the fastest still water fishing in the park with speckled dun and damsel fly activities bringing on big time cutthroat trout responses.

Bighorn River Fishing Report by Fins and Feathers (August 2, 2022)

4/5

The general tailwater fare of scuds, sowbugs, and aquatic worms are doing well on the Bighorn. But more importantly, fish are starting to move up into shallower water and feeding on the surface. Caddis and PMDs are starting to appear and some fish are being taken off the top. Nymphing will be the most productive but keep an eye out for heads in the riffles. Terrestrial action is inconsistent but the reward can be good as large fish are taking hoppers.

Canyon Ferry Fishing Report via FWP (August 1, 2022)

Walleyes continue to be the fish of choice for most anglers and they are being rewarded with great catches. Walleye, perch and rainbows are all being caught on bottom bouncers, Slow Death rigs or crankbaits. Most action has been mid-reservoir around White Earth and Goose Bay or between Ponds 3 and 4 in the river channel. Pink, yellow and chartreuse are the best colors with worms or leeches working equally well with the fish going deeper during the day. Shore fishing has been slow for all species. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena