(photo courtesy of bozemanangler.com)
Bozeman Fishing
The anglers are reporting faster waters and more color from the snow melt stirring things up.
The Upper Madison is getting good reports with using a stone fly nymph trailing a midge larva or bead head nymphs. Don’t forget we’re still in the beginning of the Blue Winged Olives hatch; they might be your default for good action on the Madi.
The Lower Madison is a bit blustery but when it calms there have been some good reports of fish eating Blue Wing dries. There are plenty of midges out there too so keep that in mind.
The Yellowstone River has been good dry fly fishing with midges and a few baetis when wind permits on cloudy days.
On the Gallatin River, Stonefly-beadhead dropper rigs are always a good bet, but worms and even a few streamers in the evenings have been producing. There are still a good number midges on the water now being joined by some Blue Wings.
We have it on good authority Ennis lake is rocking when the wind dies down. Use streamers of any color for best results.
Butte Fishing
The ice is completely gone at Clark Canyon Reservoir and the bank fishing has been good for the past few weeks. Nightcrawlers fished about a foot off the bottom is great for a spinning rig. Big Buggers and Streamers weighted down have been good for the fly guys.
The Beaverhead has been temperamental. The water clarity is very good; however, the fish have been very sensitive to temperatures. Again, blue winged olives, or emergers have been the fly of choice and sizes 12 or 14 have been ideal. Surface action has been best on warm sunny days, on the rare occasion that has happened this week.
The Big Hole has been a little muddy the past few weeks. Those rare warm sunny days have been good surface fishing. Streamers fished under the bank have netted some nice brown trout. Beadheads and weighted buggers are showing slight improvement.
Georgetown has been good fishing for Brook trout. Corn has been working well for the bait fisherman.
Heads up gear heads, the annual Fly Gear Swap will be held on April 20 to 21st at the Butte Plaza Mall between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. While Bob Ward’s is the best place to find new gear, the swap will get you some gently used stuff so the other guy can come in and get new. It’s a win-win and is sponsored by the Big Hole River Foundation. Call 866-533-2473 for more information.
Hunting Butte and Bozeman
photo: theoutdoorsguy.com
Regulations have arrived for Moose/Sheep/Goat and Deer/Elk/Antelope. We also have special permit applications. Don’t forget May first is the deadline for Moose/Sheep/Goat.
Turkey Season is starting up with April 13th opening day. You need new decoys and calls from Bob Ward’s, trust me.
Black Bear season starts April 15th. Be prepared! Even if you aren’t hunting black bears but are going to be trekking out in the woods don’t forget your bear spray!!
Thanks everyone, and have a great weekend outside!
(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward and Sons)
