Fishing Roundup July 21, 2006
Fishing Report for July 21st - July 27th, 2006
Sun River below Gibson Dam
Photo of the Sun River below Gibson Dam looking downstream.
The heat is still on, and the fish and the fishing in some waters are beginning to suffer as a result. Biologists closely monitor both streamflow and water temperatures, since low flows and warm water can be lethal for trout. When the flows drop below a certain level, or the temperatures climb above a certain level, voluntary or mandatory fishing restrictions begin, often limiting anglers to fishing during the cooler morning hours. Even though the air temperatures may be comfortable in the evening, its during that time that water temperatures reach their highest levels of the day, so avoid fishing during that time. You can find out more about fishing closures and the criteria used to establish them by visiting FWP’s Fishing Closure Policy web page.
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Bighorn River: Water temperatures are still only in the high 40’s, but fishing has been quite good. Hoppers are beginning to show up.
Blackfoot River: A float down the Blackfoot may be a great way to spend an afternoon, but you’ll want to limit your fishing to the early morning hours and knock off by around noon. You can still keep floating after noon, and just enjoy the scenery.
Fort Peck Reservoir: Reports have been mixed, but Fort Peck is still producing good catches of walleyes and northern pike. Check the latest fire restrictions before venturing out.
Georgetown Lake: Georgetown is a great option to try to catch a big brook trout from a float tube. Watch for a late evening hatch of big caddis.
Lake Francis: Fishing has been very good for smaller walleyes.
Madison River: Fishing has been good on the upper river with a variety of hatches. Avoid the lower river as high water temperatures are stressing fish.
Missouri River: Nymph fishing has been excellent, but soon the heavy weed beds will fill the river making subsurface fishing difficult.
Spring Creek: This is a great time to visit this out-of-the-way but beautiful little stream outside Lewistown. Lots of hatches and lots of hungry fish.
Sun River: If you are willing to put out some energy and climb into the mountains, you’ll find good fishing right now on the north and south fork of the Sun River west of Augusta.
Yellowstone River: Fishing has been good, but the river has been busy. If you don’t mind a little company while you fish, this is a good option.
More Information
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state.
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