Fishing Roundup for July 21
Fishing Report for July 21st - 27th, 2005
Fly Fisherman
Fly fisherman using a rock to get the "perfect" angle on Rock Creek.
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state. For more detailed information, contact a fly shop, bait store, or boat marina for the particular water.
Summer conditions have definitely arrived in Montana, and anglers must adapt their techniques and fishing times in order to be successful. Very hot and dry weather has caused streamflows to become lower and warmer, and the spring and early summer insect hatches have pretty much run their course. Anglers now should be thinking of mid and late-summer patterns for rivers, while lake and reservoir anglers should be searching for cooler waters—either down deep, near rivers or creeks which may be providing cool inflows, or by fishing later in the evening or early mornings when water temperatures are at their lowest.
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Bighorn River – Flows have been lowered, but fishing remains good. Be on the lookout for grasshoppers and other terrestrial insect activity.
Blackfoot River – A great time to float this beautiful river and try for a few of it’s rainbows, browns, or cutthroats. The upper river is probably the best bet with cooler water and fewer recreational floaters.
Clark Fork River – The river below Missoula has been fishing well both early mornings and later in the evening. Early morning dry fly action can be excellent this time of year, but pay attention to water temperatures and give the fish a break as temps climb.
Fort Peck Reservoir – Fort Peck is still producing decent fishing for walleyes and northern pike, but the fish are beginning to move deeper.
Georgetown Lake – The late evening hatch of large caddis is underway, providing an excellent opportunity to spend a few hours fishing from a float tube.
Upper Missouri River – Water temperatures are climbing, but flows from Holter dam have been lowered a bit. The Missouri is a good option right now, especially earlier in the morning, and the tiny trico mayflies are beginning to appear.
Mountain Lakes – Late July and August are the times when fishing the high mountain lakes can be a wonderful change of pace from the larger rivers. You can drive to some lakes and fish them from shore, wading, or a canoe or float tube. Many of the best lakes will require a bit of hiking, but the fishing can be well worth the effort.
Rock Creek – The upper reaches of Rock Creek have been providing good fishing for much of the summer, and it remains a good bet for this week.
Yellowstone River – A variety of hatches and fly patterns are producing fish on the Yellowstone down much of its length. Floating the river is the most productive way to fish, although as flows continue to drop, wading is becoming an alternative.
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