Fishing Roundup For July 15, 2005
Fishing Report for July 15th - 20th, 2005
Fishing on the Big Hole River
Two anglers fishing the Big Hole River.
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state.
The latest drought reports for Montana offer some of the best news the state has seen in quite a few years. Many reservoirs are full, or nearly full, and conditions are a direct result of the past June being one of the wettest in almost 100 years. Although June saw some bumper rainfall totals, many of Montana’s rivers entered summer with very low mountain snowpack levels; the spring rains have carried them this far, but now with hot, dry weather, flows are dropping and water is warming. Fishing remains excellent for the present time, so take advantage of it!
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Big Hole River – A great option for fishing right now. Good flow levels for wading or floating.
Bighorn River – flows are fluctuating, but the extra water has been a real boon to fishing, which remains excellent, especially with nymphs fished deep.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir – The walleye bite on Canyon Ferry has become inconsistent, with both north and south end producing excellent fishing on some days, and slower fishing on others. Big fish are still showing up, so it’s worth the effort.
Clark Fork River – The river below Missoula has been fishing well both early mornings and later in the evening.
Fort Peck Reservoir – This has been a great year thus far for big walleyes from Fort Peck. Fishing remains good, although the heat seems to be slowing fishing on some days.
Georgetown Lake – This is a great spot to take a float tube, and fish for some of the lakes big brook and rainbow trout. Typical lake flies such as damsel and dragonfly patterns are a good bet, and a late evening hatch of big caddis is worth waiting for.
Madison River – A few salmonflies can still be found in the upper reaches of the Madison—while water temperatures in the lower river have risen to the point where fishing is no longer recommended.
Upper Missouri River – Good fishing with both dry flies and nymphs, and the long awaited evening caddis hatch has been going strong. Flows are up over past years at this time, so wade with care!
Yellowstone River – Fishing in Paradise valley remains good. Salmonfly hatch is past, but a variety of insects have some sort of activity going almost all day long.
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