Fishing Roundup June 16, 2006
Fishing Report for June 16th - June 22nd, 2006
Diversion Lake on Sun River
Photo taken from ridge near Hannon Gulch looking downstream at Diversion Lake and Diversion Dam on the Sun River, approximately 2 miles below Gibson Dam.
What does an angler do in June when the rain comes? Last weekend was a good test. Some places in Montana received record amounts of moisture, and fishing became a real challenge. While the rain may have shut off the fishing in rivers and streams, it generally has less of an effect on lake and reservoir fishing. Keep that in mind when it rains again, but don’t curse the weather. After years of severe drought, it may seem as if the wet weather will never give us a break, but the water is vital for groundwater and reservoir recharge, as well as flushing sediment out of the spawning gravel in streams. If it rains now, all it does is push the better fishing a bit farther back into the summer. And don’t forget Fathers Day is this weekend- make sure you get Dad out of his hammock and head out for a little fishing.
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Bighorn River – Flows are low, but lots of dry fly fishing makes the Bighorn worth a shot.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir – No one ever knows how long the walleye bite will last at Canyon Ferry, but for the moment the fishing is pretty good.
Fort Peck Reservoir – There is just too much good fishing on the reservoir right now, and too little time to get it all done. Bass, pike, and especially walleyes.
Lake Francis – Walleye fishing reports have been good. The bite can shut off quickly here, so get there while the action is good.
Upper Missouri River – After the tremendous rains of last weekend, many of the smaller streams and creeks in the area are very high and muddy, making the Missouri a good option.
Madison River – The salmonfly hatch is beginning to make its way upstream. Check for the latest conditions with a local shop or friend, and try to get on the river just upstream of the hatch.
Nelson Reservoir – If your looking for some walleyes, or maybe even a catfish or northern pike but huge Fort Peck Reservoir isn’t your style, head towards Malta and give Nelson a try.
Rock Creek – With great insect hatches going on- including salmonflies, this is a fishing paradise right now.
Rocky Mountain Front Lakes – Good time to head up to one of the prettiest parts of Montana and try for some trout. Fishing from shore is still productive, so bring a comfortable chair and some sunscreen, and kick back and relax.
Big Spring Creek – Not as well known as other larger Montana rivers, Spring Creek is fishing well right now both on the surface as well as underneath.
More Information
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state.
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