Fly fisherman have had a tough go during the month of May because of high muddy water on rivers in Western Montana, but there might be a glimmer of hope in the near future. My friend, John Perry, e-mailed me a fishing report Tuesday morning, and then we spoke on the phone. Perry, otherwise known as the “Mountain Man”, has been in the outfitting business for as long as I can remember. He is always cautious when he gives me a fishing report, and that caution prompted the phone call after he sent me the e-mail. The rivers that are showing some promise are on a short list. This is what Perry has to say about the most promising river in Western Montana-Rock Creek-as of Tuesday morning, “Rock Creek seems to be the only major creek or river in Western Montana that has any sort of fishing. The salmon flies are out on the lower section-but no fish are tuned into them yet. The water level has been fluctuating a bit and with these very high temps. We could see it become unfishable for awhile. If the creek does not blow out soon-you could have some good fishing with an indicator system with two flies. Wire worms, san juan worms, and glints seem to be doing the best. Some action on the girdle bugs and jumping jack flash. Dry dropper may be a good choice.
Try using a large salmon fly pattern dropped off with a pink san juan worm or a nymph that represents the salmon fly nymph. Look for drop offs, slower water and meandering foam lines-adjust depth accordingly. You could have a little bit of fun”.
Here is Perry’s report from the Missouri River, “The Missouri River has been fair to good fishing also. No consistent dry fly action. Once again a double nymph rig is by far your best chance! Try using a large wire worm dropped off with a glint, carpet or sow bug, small crawdad pattern, or a smaller san juan worm. Adjust your leader depth from 6 to 10 feet-depending on water depth and current. Also, you may want to add B or BB’s to get down to where the fish are-once again depending on water depth and current”. Perry also had this to say about Georgetown Lake, “If fly fishing, try using a subtle little indicator with a small nymph-not too far down from indicator. The colors that seem to be working are gray, bright red, and black. I’ve also heard that back swimmers have been working with a very slow stop and go retrieve. Sizes vary from 12 to 16”.
If you want to take the kids and have some fun catching perch then try fishing by the bridge at Polson bay. My buddy Kamp Cook took his boy 4 year old Bradley fishing there last Sunday and caught over 100 perch. They however fished Saturday on Lake Mary Ronan and didn’t have much luck on the kokanee salmon.
Finally here is a reminder for hunters; today is the deadline, June 1st, to get your big game application in for deer, antelope, and elk. If mailing it in you have to have it post marked by today or you can do it on line at fwp.mt.gov.
(Written by Mark Ward – aka the Captain)
