June 13, 2008 Montana Fishing Roundup
June 13, 2008
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. For detailed information on river flows, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow
With more rain and yes, even snow over the past week—rivers and streams in Montana are not much closer to being in prime fishing shape than they were a week ago. Lakes and reservoirs are still the preferred option for now, but if your desire is to catch a trout in moving water, your options are limited to a limited number of tailwater fisheries, or a very few smaller streams which are clear enough to fish. If you fish one of these locations, don’t expect solitude right now, and good fishing etiquette is important to making the fishing experience a good one for all. Some basic rules to keep in mind include:
Do your best not to crowd other anglers, but also, don’t go to one of these tailwaters or smaller streams if you cannot stand to fish near other anglers.
After fishing in a good hole for a while, step aside and let another angler have a chance at the spot.
Realize that both wading anglers and boating anglers will be present, and do your best to make it easier for the other.
Finally, just a simple acknowledgement of another angler nearby can go a long ways towards easing tensions. Fishing is about having fun, so ease up, relax a little bit, and just be glad that you get to be out on the water instead of home mowing the lawn.
Enough preaching—now go fishing.
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Bighorn River – If you have a high tolerance for crowds, the river is a good bet. Increased flows have made wading tricky, so use caution.
Canyon Ferry – Anglers are eagerly awaiting the development of the walleye bite, but fishing for rainbows from both shore and boats remains very good.
Dailey Lake – South of Livingston, Daily lake is a local favorite for both trout and perch.
Fort Peck Lake – Warmer, stable weather on tap for the upcoming week should improve the fishing even more.
Hauser Lake – A very good option for trout right now, with some walleyes and perch also being caught in the causeway arm near Lake Helena.
Lake Frances – Water levels are coming up, and the walleye bite is improving also.
Missouri River – Flows are high on the upper river, but if you have access to a boat or raft and are a competent rower, the fish are starting to cooperate.
Noxon Rapids Reservoir – If catching a bass sounds appealing, this could be the place for you. Be aware of special regulations during the spring spawning period.
Pishkun Reservoir – Some nice trout along with northern pike are on the menu at this reservoir along with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain Front.
Tongue River Reservoir – Still producing lots of nice crappies.
Related posts
June 6, 2008 Montana Fishing Roundup
June 6, 2008
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. For detailed information on river flows, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow
What makes for a “normal” year of river flows and fishing? If you go back over the past 25 years or so, conditions for spring of 2008 are not out of the ordinary. Compared to the past eight to ten years though, this has been a cold, wet spring, and there is no end in sight to the high water. Rivers are high and muddy, and many reservoirs are either filling fast, or have already filled and are still muddy and full of floating debris. Conventional wisdom says this is the time of year to concentrate on lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and wait to fish the rivers until the waters have cleared, dropped and warmed up. No matter where you choose to fish though, be extra cautious. There is no substitute for safety, and no safety rule is more important than this one: wear your life jacket!
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Beaverhead River – This tailwater fishery has escaped the high flows plaguing many of the other nearby waters. Either flies or spinning tackle are a good option
Fort Peck Reservoir – There is always something biting on this huge reservoir, and right now, the fishing is good for some big walleyes.
Lake Koocanusa - Worth a try if your looking for kokanee salmon.
Nelson Reservoir – A wet year means the mosquitoes will soon be a force to reckon with along the Hi-Line, so bring your insect repellent when you head to Nelson to enjoy the good walleye fishing.
Rock Creek – The bigger rivers around Missoula are not in good shape right now, but Rock Creek is probably your best option if cabin fever has set in. Salmonflies will be starting soon—but BE CAREFUL!
Swan Lake – Cool water temps may keep the pike in shallower water, and more active. Flyrodders are learning to enjoy catching toothy pike on large streamer patterns, but a smelt fished below a bobber is always a good bet too.
Tiber Reservoir – Both the walleye and northern pike bite are starting to pick up.
Tongue River Reservoir – Spring in southeast Montana means its time to head for Tongue River Reservoir. There are few places in the state better suited to catching lots of fish- especially hungry crappies than here.
Wadsworth Pond – While normally not considered blue ribbon water, Wadsworth Pond, located just outside Great Falls will once again host the largest kids fishing clinic in the state this weekend (Saturday June 7). It’s a great chance to learn about fish and fishing in Montana, and an opportunity for the entire family to spend a little time fishing together.
Willow Creek Reservoir: Good fishing either from shore or from a boat, casting or trolling lures, or just still fishing with nightcrawlers.
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