Fishing Roundup for August 4, 2005

Fishing Report for August 4 - August 10, 2005

This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state.   For more detailed information, contact a fly shop, bait store, or boat marina for the particular water. 

Late July and early August make up the traditional "dog days" of fishing.  With hot temperatures and little or no precipitation, the phrase is a good description for this time of the fishing season this year.  Still, there is some excellent fishing out there for knowledgeable anglers.   Terrestrial patterns, especially hoppers, are often the "hot fly" right now, although there are still plenty of other insects hatching, so don’t be afraid to experiment.  A good way to cover water and get a feel for the best fly is to use a multiple fly rig.  Add a monofilament dropper to the back of a larger hopper or attractant fly, and attach a smaller nymph or dry fly to it.  You’ll soon find out which fly the fish prefer.

Some of the best fishing bets right now include:

Bighorn River :   The long-awaited evening black caddis hatch is going strong, providing some great fishing.

Big Spring Creek:   Terrestrial patterns will produce fish during the day, with smaller mayfly patterns once temperatures drop a bit in the evening. 

Blackfoot River: Decent fishing can be found on the Blackfoot, but avoid the lower river unless you enjoy fishing amongst a flotilla of inner tubes.  

Clark Fork River :   The river is starting to be affected by warm water, so concentrate your fishing in the early hours.  Small PMD patterns and nymphs should produce some fish.

Fort Peck Reservoir: As walleye fishing has begun to slow down, the bass and lake trout fishing are starting to pick up.

Gallatin River:   Now is the time to break out the hopper and ant patterns; watch for other caddis hatches like mayflies and caddis up in the canyon.

High Mountain Lakes:   They are coming into their prime right now.  Terrestrial patterns, leeches, mayfly patterns and beadhead nymphs; all of them can be an excellent choice at this time of year.  Do a little experimenting and let the fish tell you what they like best.

Yellowstone River: The middle stretches of the river between Livingston and Columbus are providing decent fishing, and the upper river outside the park remains good as well.

Upper Missouri River:   Heavy trico hatches in the morning provide a challenging, technical fishing experience for some nice fish.

Upper Madison River: Stay clear of the lower river, as the water is too warm for the fish right now.  The upper river remains a good bet, however, and can be fished by either wading or floating.  For those choosing to wade, be sure to understand and follow Montana’s stream access laws.

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