Bob Wards Bozeman/Butte Recreation Report
By angelamontana

Posted: June 14, 2013
(photo courtesy of blog.chavanga.com)
 

Bozeman

Father’s Day weekend free fishing for all. June 15th and 16th every one fishes for free.  You do have to follow all other MT FWP regulations so make sure you pick up the regulations at Bob Ward’s.

Salmon Flies are on the verge of hatching…they usually start in the western waters first and move east.  There have been sightings at the Big Hole… next stop Madison river.  Be ready.

The Upper Madison waters are relatively clear and slower than some other water ways.  Still use caution but the fishing should be some of the best around.  We advise using stoneflies (specifically the “Pat’s Stone” pattern), baetis, BWOs and caddis flies.

The lower Madison is having similar results on hot fly patterns as the UMR.  Try those out but also crayfish have been landing some nice ones.

The Yellowstone is still in recovery mode.  Only recently have there been some floaters and good fishing action.  If you’re in the area give some caddis fly patterns a go.

The Gallatin River still has pretty low visibility but bright colored streamers- yellow or white- are doing the trick.

 

Butte

On the Big Hole, salmon flies and nymphs are coming on strong. Dark helgramites WMD Stones double bead olive stone fly Nymphs are good choices.

On the Jefferson River go with Black and gold Panther Martins along the banks. Float fisherman have been bragging about 15-20 fish in 3hrs. Waterloo to Cardwell is a popular float.

For the Beaverhead, pale morning duns, grey wulff or blue duns have been excellent choices. Yellow sallies and stonefly should pick up toward the end of June.

Mountain Lakes such as Brown’s lake and lake Agnes have been excellent fishing this week. Agnes Lake hosts grayling which are biting beadheads and pink scuds.

Fly fisherman have been doing well on Lacy Creek, Grasshopper Creek, Ruby Creek catching Rainbow and Brook trout.

Georgetown reservoir rainbows have been biting well. Eagle lake trout are biting Berkley Powerbait. Hammered copper spoons are also a good choice. Fly fisherman should try mohair Leech patterns, wooly buggers, with plenty of drakes on hand after Father’s day.

Bob Ward’s has a fly special on now, buy 2 dozen get a free fly box! It makes a great Father’s Day gift. Happy Dad’s Day and remember to take Dad fishing!

(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward and Sons)
 
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