Montana Fishing Report-Aug. 19-25
August 19, 2005
Info courtesy Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Terrestrial time has neared its peak in Montana. Patterns such as grasshoppers, ant, crickets and beetles are tough to beat during the hot summer months, and this year is no exception.
Savvy anglers will often fish a dropper fly off the back of the terrerestrial, and doing so is quite simple. To attach the dropper, simply tie a 12 to 18 inch piece of tippet material directly to the bend of the upper fly hook, and tie the dropper to it. Good dropper patterns this time of year would include small beadhead nymphs, san juan worms, or brassy midge patterns.
Below are fishing reports for specific areas:
Mountain Lakes There is probably no better time to fish the high mountain lakes than August. Access and weather are at their best and the fish are hungry. Reports of good fishing for rainbows and warm-water species this week in numerous small ponds and stock reservoirs. Weeds can make things tough, but a hopper pattern, cricket, or live bait is a great choice.
Kootenai River Flows remain high, so wading is not a good option, although fishing reports have generally been good.
Flathead Lake The whitefish bite is going strong, and this is a great chance to catch lots of delicious fish.
Bighorn River The bighorn fishing continues to be productive. Watch for the evening caddis hatch.
Bighole River Stable flows this summer have made for some good fishing. Look for big attractor patterns on top, and small to medium sized beadheads underneath.
Bitterroot River Look to the upper river for the coolest water temperatures and best fishing. Hoppers and droppers are a good bet.
Fort Peck Reservoir Sporadic lake trout action along with walleyes has been keeping anglers busy. Warm surface water temps will push fish deep, so fish accordingly.
Hebgen Lake The morning hatches of mayflies have brought the gulpers out, and those with a tube or boat have a tremendous opportunity to fish for large, but finicky fish.
Madison River Avoid the lower river due to warm water temps, but the upper Madison is a good option right now.
Missouri River The evening caddis hatch has been sporadic, but when the bugs are there, the fish have been feeding well.
Yellowstone River It’s hopper time on the Yellowstone; fish big patterns during the day, and switch to smaller mayfly and caddis patterns in the evening.
Related Links:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
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