Bozeman and Butte Recreation Report by Bob Ward and Sons-11.8.13
By angelamontana

Posted: November 8, 2013

Hunting

Now that we find ourselves into the hunting season a little it’s time to take stock of what we know and what we don’t. Bears are out and they are hungry getting ready for winter. Be aware around your deer or elk harvest and other natural food sources. Grab some bear spray from Bob Ward’s; it’s the most effective way to deter bear attacks. You can pick up a wolf and black bear license but you must wait 24 hours before use.

Elk and deer numbers are down by 15% on average from the past two years, but there are still some nice animals being taken. Remember we post your trophy picture on our board at Bob Ward’s, youth hunters have the best chance.

Most areas have little snow except in higher elevations. We’ve heard talk of Hells Canyon and Silver Star areas seeing movement of elk and whitetail. Near Cardwell and the Dougherty mountain area the sightings are sparse. The southern Bitterroot Valley has a chance to be good hunting this weekend.

Some sage advice from veteran hunters: Game carts and game sleds make it easy to get your game out of the woods.

Bozeman Fishing

UMR is fishing okay, stick to the slower waters which will require some hopping around from spot to spot

LMR is fishing just like the UMR. Stick to the slower waters using nymphs like sculpins and worms or slow strip some streamers.

The Yellowstone is okay, the fish seem to be sticking to the deeper waters but they may come up on milder days for midges so keep that in mind if the weather is right.

The Gallatin River is where the action is with the most consistent production. Still stick to the slower, deeper water with nymphs with droppers, eggs and worm patterns

Hyalite- fish at about 20 feet with mealworms and pink and chartreuse colored tear drop jigs or try pearl colored Swedish pimples for a change up.

Butte Fishing

Ice fishing is just around the corner in SW Montana. The upper north fork of the Big Hole was flowing with ice this week and backing up the water below the north fork road. With cooler temperatures on the way, it is time to stock up on jigs and glo hooks for fishing on Georgetown, Clark Canyon, and the Ruby. Soft baits as well as egg sacs and night crawlers or imitation baits are good to have on hand. Swd Bugs, Rat finkee, and Swedish pimples are good choices for Georgetown Reservoir as well as glo hooks tipped with maggots.

 (Report by Ryan Corwin-Bob Ward & Sons)

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing