June 22 Fishing Roundup

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June 22, 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

 

Boat safe.   Two words that mean a great deal at this time of year.   With temperatures rising to summertime highs in the 80’s and 90’s, life jackets can get stiflingly warm.   But nothing is more important to safe boating than properly wearing the correct PFD (personal floatation device).   While PFDs are mandatory for anyone under 12 years old, they are not required to be worn by those older than 12- although each passenger must have a Coast Guard approved PFD in the boat with them.   For adults, it’s important to keep the PFD easily accessible at all times, since it is of little use if it cannot be quickly put on.   New, low-profile self inflating PFDs offer a good compromise between comfort and safety, and are a worthwhile investment.   Please don’t take chances—wear a PFD.   They float- you don’t.

 

Some of the best fishing bets right now:

 

Ackley Lake – This smaller body of water near Lewistown has been producing good catches of rainbow trout.

  Bighorn River – If you can tolerate some crowding, the cold waters of the Bighorn are a great option right now.

  Bitterroot River – The upper forks of the bitterroot should still be the place to find some salmonfly action.

  Blackfoot River – Perfect river and fishing conditions combined with a great weather forecast should put the blackfoot river on your to-do list for this weekend.

  Flathead Lake – Record lake trout catches during the Fishing Without Barriers Day last week offer proof of the great fishing on the lake right now.

  Fort Peck – At the risk of being repetitive, Fort Peck continues to offer some great fishing for walleye and northern pike.

  Fresno Reservoir – Fishing very well for both northern pike and walleyes.

  Gallatin River – The gallatin has cleared, and nymph fishing has been excellent.

  Holter Reservoir – Located between Helena and Great Falls, Holter is worth the trip right now, with good fishing for walleye, perch, and rainbows.

  Nilan Reservoir – Located on the rocky mountain front west of Great Falls, this lake is a very good option to find some trout.

  Yellowstone River – The lower stretches of the Yellowstone have been the spot to find catfish lately, but don’t overlook the sauger and smallmouth fishing either.

 

  Previous Fishing Roundup articles:

• June 15, 2007
• June 8, 2007
• June 1, 2007
• May 25, 2007