The final three-day holiday weekend is ahead of us and it’s going to be a great time for people who love the outdoors.

With Labor Day upon us, Fishing restrictions have been lifted on most of the local rivers, however there are still some in effect on the Blackfoot River. Your best bet is to go to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks web site to get a updated list.

River fishing has been very good and this weekend should see much of the same.

Rock Creek is your best bet for wading. Blue Winged Olives and Hopper patterns are working well depending on the weather conditions.

“Caddis are still working in the evening but not the big orange ones,” adds Doug Persico from Rock Creek Fisherman’s Mercantile. “Use brown-bodied patterns in size 14.”

When fishing hoppers, you can fish them solo or drop a nymph off them like a Prince, Copper John, or a San Juan Worm.

The Clark Fork River and Bitterroot River are now open 24 hours a day. Fishing on the lower Clark Fork River is nothing short of fantastic. Check with your local fly fishing shop or sporting goods store for the best fly patterns to use.

It depends mostly on the weather much as the same with Rock Creek. If the sun is out, Tricos and Hoppers are your best bet. If it is overcast, then lean towards more of a mayfly offering.

Lake Mary Ronan is still producing kokanee salmon. Angler reports indicate that boaters fishing in 35 feet of water seem to be doing the best. Jigging corn and maggots on the end of Glo Hook are working well.

The Flathead River is fishing well for smallmouth bass. Also there have been reports of good northern pike catches. Use smelt with a bobber for best results on the pike.

Another area that has been getting a lot of attention from area anglers is Trout Creek and Noxon Reservoir. Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass anglers have been doing very well.

The Helena area Reservoirs are still slow for walleye. Canyon Ferry is producing some nice trout and boaters are trolling by White Earth Campground.

As the weather turns cooler, watch for the September trout fishing to be very good on Canyon Ferry Lake.

Night fishing on Holter Reservoir seems to be the best bet these days for trout. In the daytime, troll 25 to 35 feet deep using a orange bodied and white-bellied jointed Rapala.

Flathead Lake lake trout fishing is excellent. “Last week we caught 8 fish over 36 inches,” said Matt McComb, from Mo Fisch Charters (755-4414).

Most of their lake trout were caught in the mid-lake bar area, which runs from the mouth of the Flathead River by the River Delta south to Angel Point in about 100 feet of water.

Lake superior whitefish are still on the bite. Fish Woods Bay and the River Delta.

Last Sunday, anglers were doing very well on the west side of Bird Island in about 49 feet of water.

Grouse hunting season opens Friday, September 1. Please be fire-safe when you are out as it is still extremely dry.

Remember, wherever you venture outdoors, try and take a kid along with you to enjoy fishing and hunting. And, make it a safe Labor Day Weekend.