Fishing Roundup July 14, 2006
Fishing Report for July 14th - July 20th, 2006
Bitterroot River
Bitterroot river in late summer.
Heat. For much of Montana, that’s been the word over the past week, and it looks like it will remain for a while longer. Fishing is a great way to beat the heat, but it helps to know how to use the high temperatures to your advantage. Remember that fish are cold blooded, and that each species responds differently to different temperatures. All fish will have a preferred water temperature at which they are most active, and also feed most heavily, so finding the right water temperature can go a long ways to improving your fishing success. With trout as an example, try and find water temperatures in the mid-50’s. For walleyes, look for water slightly warmer. One of the best things about fishing during the heat of summer is that the best fishing often takes place during the nicest times to be outside- which right now is morning and evening. So curse the heat if you will, but study up on your fish, get a thermometer, and get out there anyways.
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Beaverhead River: Keep your eyes open for craneflies- the hatch should be starting soon.
Bighorn River: Cold water temperatures make wading a great way to beat the heat. Nymphing continues to produce, and the evening hatch of black caddis is getting heavier.
Bitterroot River: After a long wait, the river is fishing very well.
Blackfoot River: Great time to be on this storied river. Nymphing during the heat of the day, with dry flies early and late.
Canyon Ferry Lake: Both walleye and trout action is good right now, but stay alert for the late day storms which have been plaguing the area.
Deadman’s Basin: The recently caught state record tiger musky is evidence of the fishery that has developed here for these trophy fish, although trout action has also been good lately.
Fort Peck Reservoir: Walleyes, northerns, lake trout and even smallmouth bass. Get out on the lake while both the fishing and the weather are hot.
Fresno Reservoir: Pike action is still fairly good, and the fish make up in numbers what they lack in size. Keep Fresno in mind in a few years after the pike have had a little more time to grow.
Lake Francis: The lake has been hit-or-miss for walleyes, but if you catch it on a good day, both the numbers and size of fish has been very good.
Madison River: Fishing well by either wading or floating right now, with a variety of hatches coming off all day long. Hopper time will be here soon.
Yellowstone River: Whether you fish high up in Paradise Valley for trout, or hundreds of miles downstream for sauger, these are good times to be on the Yellowstone. If you enjoy a meal of catfish, now may be your best time break out the deep-fryer and head down to the river.
More Information
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state.
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