Hunting:
This is it! This weekend is the opener for Pheasant and Antelope! Saturday, October 12th marks the start to a great season! Depending on your destination (go North young man) you will find a plethora of birds in the water holes.
The dogs are ready, right? Your shotgun is dialed, right? Your hunting buddy didn’t eat chili last night, right? Ok good. Have a great bird season!
Antelope season might be another down year but this also could be the last time I say that. Expect slightly better numbers but still few and far between. I know I don’t have to tell you that we have the best scopes for those far shots. Not to mention binoculars, range finders, etc… etc. Also, calls, ammo, and new camo. Firearms abound as well, have you tried the new Ruger American? It won an award ya know?
Hunters, know your Wildlife Management Area rules. This year has a few new rules:
1) Food Storage – Bear resistant food storage is required on the following WMAs: Mount Haggin, Bear Creek, Canyon Creek, Wall Creek, Blacktail, Robb-Ledford, Gallatin, Fleecer Mountain, and Dome Mountain.
2) Camping – Stays are limited to 16 days in any 30 day period.
Get the full list at: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/hunting/nr_2021.html
Youth Deer is coming October 17th & 18th. That’s a week earlier than last year.
Read more here: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/hunting/nr_2020.html
General Deer and Elk Saturday October 26th
Fishing:
Some rivers and streams are closed from 2pm-midnight due to drought conditions such as the Bitterroot River, Copper creek, Dearborn River, Smith River, Sun River, and the Madison River. The Big Hole River, North Fork of the Blackfoot River, and Landers fork, are closed to fishing completely. The Jefferson River and Clark Fork River have been reopened to fishing Some good flies to use right now are Para Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, and hoppers in smaller sizes 14-20.
Missouri river: The ticket on the Missouri river is nymphs all sorts Hoppers an anything streamers!!!! The bite has been steady from dusk till dawn!! So get out while the fishing is good!!!
Canyon Ferry: Rainbow trout are biting on just worms and marshmallows. Walleye bite is picking up in a big way. Floating green and yellow jigs seem to be the key. Some say a lavender blade is working fairly well.
Hauser Lake: Below the dam and along steep banks of Hauser Lake, walleye have picked up big as well. Same floating green and yellow jigs with a worm are working really well. Fishing from shore is also picking using the same jig heads. Walleye fishing at the Causeway is good.
(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward and Sons; Cover photo: solsticelight.wordpress.com)
