June 15, 2007 Montana Fishing Roundup
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. For detailed information on river flows, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow
The bugs are out . For fly fishers in Montana, hearing that statement in June usually means one thing: the annual hatch of giant salmonflies has begun. Salmonfly is the common term for a large specie of stonefly, an aquatic insect common in Montana streams. Most stoneflies spend from one to three years of their life underwater in a nymphal stage, grazing on algae and underwater plants & detritus. When a combination of daylight and water temperatures is correct, the salmonfly nymphs move towards the shore, where they emerge from the water on grass or rocks. After climbing from the water, their exoskeleton splits, and a winged adult salmonfly emerges. After resting and drying their wings, the adults take to the air to mate, and then deposit their eggs back into the water. For fish, the entire process of the salmonfly hatch is like a giant buffet table, and they gorge themselves on the insects. For anglers—following the salmonfly hatch as it moves upstream in Montana rivers is a sport in itself, and when they are lucky enough to find themselves in the midst of hatching flies with a rod in hand, the fishing can be spectacular.
Some of the best fishing bets right now:
Blackfoot River – The river is dropping and clearing, and the salmonflies are out.
Big Hole River – Salmonflies are out on the bighole, and the hatch is working its way upstream.
Cooney Reservoir – Despite the high water, Cooney has been producing both trout and walleye lately.
Gallatin River – Just starting to produce some good fishing, and it should only improve as river flow drops.
Flathead Valley Lakes – If you like kokanee salmon, check out Ashley & Bitterroot Lakes in the Flathead.
Fort Peck Reservoir – Fort peck is known for a variety of fish species and fishing opportunities, but right now the best bet on this sprawling lake would be for walleyes and northern pike.
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir – Good place to go troll for some kokanee salmon- get out early in the morning though.
Madison River – Fishing well over most of its length. Salmonfly hatch is moving fast.
Noxon Reservoir – If you like fishing for largemouth bass, this is the place to be.
Rock Creek – Salmonflies and other dry fly action make this a good choice right now.
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