Bozeman/Butte Recreation Report by Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors (8.8.14)
By angelamontana

Posted: August 8, 2014

Hunting:
For the upcoming season we want to make sure you are careful when recreating in Bear Country. Practice the following tips to help prevent conflicts with bears in the area.
1. Use the buddy system on any outings and inform others where you plan to go.
2. Make sure to keep an eye out for signs of bear.
3. Carry bear spray.
4. Keep a clean camp.

Bozeman Fishing:
On the Gallatin use blue duns, pmds, spruce moths, and caddis. If they are being picky try some stimis and other attractant flies.
The Lower and Upper Madison requires a temperature check. If the water is above 70 degrees move on to other waters. If out in the early morning when temps are cooler fish tight to the bank with caddis flies. On cooler days during the daylight hours aim for the deep holes with bead headed nymphs.

Any kind of stone nymph is still working well on the Yellowstone right off the bottom. Caddis flies in any color are working great. PMDs and Yellow Sallys are working great early and late close to the bank stick to the smaller sizes. Streamer fishing is a good in the morning.
If you are heading to the park don’t forget to grab Yellowstone fishing permits in 3 day, 7 day, and season at Bob Ward’s.
At the mouth of Hyalite Creek the small fish are eating mosquitos and gnats. The larger fish are eating the smaller fish. Try to mimic the smaller fish by using spoons and rooster tails that are patterned like small fish.

Butte Fishing:
The rivers and streams have drastically dropped in water levels with irrigation demands. However, many of these streams are at ideal levels for dry fly fishing.
The caddis hatches have been good on the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers, and the grasshoppers are just beginning to come out.
Higher elevation streams and lakes are fishing well to terrestrials such as Deer Hair Bees, Black or Red Ants, and cricket or grasshopper imitations.
The Big Hole is too low for many of the boat fishermen, but has provided some good opportunities for wade fishermen. Many of the deeper runs are fishing well to Purple Psycho Nymphs or Ribbed River Worms. Early Morning and late afternoon Caddis Hatches have been good.
The Beaverhead is fishing well for spin fishermen as well as fly fishermen.
Most Panther Martin, Mepps, or Rapala lures will be sufficient. Grasshoppers, Stone Fly Nymphs, and Caddis Flies are excellent choices for flies.
Clark Canyon has been fishing fair this past week for bait and trolling rigs alike. Brown and Gold Rapala Countdown lures or nightcrawler rigs have been mostly successful.

(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors)

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