Fishing Roundup for August 11, 2005

Fishing Report for August 11th - 17th, 2005

Although not as hot as the past few summers have been, summer in Montana still means dry, hot weather, and this year is no exception.   While the conditions can provide for some good fishing with terrestrial flies on the state’s coldwater rivers and streams, it can also mean tough times for coldwater fish being released.   With that in mind, conscientious anglers begin to limit their fishing hours to times when fish will be least-stressed by warm water temperatures.  



Keep in mind though, that while air temperatures cool late in the day, water temperatures often reach a peak in the early evening hours.   It may seem cool and comfortable to go fishing for an hour or two before sunset, but water temperatures during that time may be lethal for fish.   Limit your fishing to early in the day, after the water has cooled overnight.   And be glad for every cool summer night and drop of rain, since it carries the rivers a bit closer to the end of summer, the return of normal water temperatures, and better fishing.



Some of the best bets this week:



Bighole River – Sporadic rains have maintained flows, and fishing is good with attractor patterns.

Bighorn River – Almost like a broken record, the bighorn continues to provide good fishing.   Nymphs are a good bet anytime, with hoppers during the day and caddis in the evening.

Blackfoot River – The Blackfoot is suffering from high water temperatures, so limit your fishing to early morning hours.

Clark Fork River – Fish early with tricos and hoppers while the water is cool, then enjoy an afternoon siesta or hike into a mountain lake once the temperature begins to climb.

Fort Peck Reservoir – Walleye fishing is spotty across the reservoir, although good catches are still being made.  

Gallatin River – A morning pale morning dun hatch is providing good fishing.

Georgetown Lake – A great option for late day fishing from a float tube or small boat.

Kootenai River – Water temperatures have remained cool, making for some good fishing.

Madison River – Great terrestrial action with hoppers and beadheads.   Stick to the upper river, as the lower stretches are too warm for to release fish.

Upper Missouri River – Evening caddis activity has slowed, but morning trico hatches are still going strong.

Small Streams – Although water levels may be low, this is the time of year to concentrate on small streams, where less-finicky fish will be your reward.   Stay clear of bull trout waters and tributaries in Western Montana however.

Yellowstone River – A strong caddis hatch is providing good evening fishing, while hoppers, terrestrials and beadheads produce during the day.   Watch the water temperatures though, and give the fish a break when water temperatures hit 70 degrees.

More Information

 

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.

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page