Bozeman/Butte Recreation Report by Bob Ward & Sons (4.18.14)
By angelamontana

Posted: April 18, 2014

Hunting:   

Moose/Sheep/Goat special permits are due Thursday May 1st, post marked on or before! This can be done on online or with a paper application. If you need the paper copy we’ve got it.

Bozeman Fishing:

Upper Madison is hit and miss. Definitely use nymphs but on warmer days don’t be afraid to throw some dries, smaller sized stone flies, and midges.  Certainly with nicer weather try some streamer fishing.

Lower Madison water visibility is up and down. Try shiny and bright patterns for your nymphs and worms. There have been some baetis hatches so keep an eye out for those too.

The Gallatin has also been fishing well using baetis flies. Nymphing is still providing the best results using egg patterns and san juan worms. Stick to the slower, deeper waters.

The Yellowstone has been improving on the nicer weather days. For the fly anglers use small streamers and play the slower, deeper waters or try dead drifting some woolly buggers. If you spin cast, the smaller sized brown trout original rapala lure has been doing wonders for bringing in some nice sized browns. Don’t forget that May 17th is when all the winter closure waterways open up.

Butte Fishing:

Georgetown Lake is closed until the May 15th opener.

For anglers desiring to keep a few fish, the Jefferson River, Ruby River, or Beaverhead River is the place to fish. The Beaverhead and Ruby, regulated through the spillway, maintain consistent water levels and clarity. Bait fisherman have been experiencing good fishing on both rivers. Black and Yellow or Black and Green Panther Martin spinners have been good producers.

The Big Hole River has been blown out this past week and churning up mud. When the water is clear, fly fishermen have been successful with San Juan worms and beadhead nymphs.

The Clark Fork has been fished regularly with nymphs and spinners and reportedly fair fishing.

(Report by Ryan Corwin-Bob Ward & Sons)

 

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