2010 Montana Snow Pack
The recent cool weather and precipitation has increased our Montana snow pack in the upper and lower Yellowstone river valleys. About this time of the year we stop looking at the snow pack levels and start looking at SWE or Snow Water Equivalent. SWE is a measure of the the amount of water left in the snow.
Currently the Upper Yellowstone is at 86% of normal levels. The Lower Yellowstone is at 128% of normal. What does this mean to anglers, tourists and Montana travelers? Good water conditions for trout and conditions that lower our chances for major forest fires in the late summer and fall. All-in-all it’s looking like a positive start to our summer fishing season. We’ll keep you posted.
Most of the time we will be the first one’s to say, “Fishing and politics don’t mix”! At least when you’re floating the river looking for Mr. Trout to eat your dry fly. Sometimes anglers/hunters/avid outdoorsmen have to take a serious look around and become involved. We here at Montana Fly Fishing Guides aren’t political by nature, but when topics are debated that directly effect our resources we try to stand up and be counted. Please visit the resource below to learn more about how you can ensure your children will enjoy the same recreational activities you do today. We aren’t saying that the proposed legislation is THE solution, but all of us should be informed and willing to get involved in this discussion!
The following is an excerpt from Climate Central, we encourage you to watch the video and learn more. We’ve already contacted our Montana Congressmen and given them our opinions. We urge you to learn more about this topic, contact your local congressmen, and get involved:
“The flow of water in Montana’s rivers is lifeblood for its economy, both through tourism and agriculture. Montana’s trout and the $300 million recreational fishing industry depend on cool waters flowing from melting snow high in the mountains throughout the summer. Irrigated crops play a prominent role in Montana’s $2.4 billion agricultural industry, and these crops rely on the same strong river flows during the summer when soils are driest and plants thirstiest. But a broad trend is changing the way streams and rivers flow in Montana. Read more & view video…
You can also email Derek Goldman directly at dgoldman@mrss.com to become involved.
Fly Fishing Montana Spring Creek
Travelers the world over visit Montana for countless reasons, among the most prominent is undoubtedly the renowned fly-fishing. It’s a sport so intoxicating many piscatorial explorers soon call the Treasure State home. To this breed of angler, Montana’s great bounty can be found along the Yellowstone, Madison, Bighorn, Missouri, Beaverhead, and Big Hole rivers. While these tributaries are dazzling, most of our local rivers experience a natural period of high water. Each river is subject to the event, and the heavy spring run-off with infusions of melted snow often leaves anglers aimlessly plodding for their next fishing fix. Fortunately for us, the generosity of Montana’s fisheries prevails with numerous spring creeks that remain largely unaffected by the seasonal conditions.
Spring creeks are formed from ground water aquifers that permeate the surface, together forming streams, which produce the ideal conditions for trout to thrive – cold, clear, oxygenated water. Just a few miles south of Livingston, Paradise Valley has an unusually high concentration of these creeks. While volumes have been written on fishing the spring creeks and the applicable tactics, few anglers have an understanding of their early history.
Read the rest…
Another spring storm warning in Montana
Winter Storm Warning in SW Montana | Really?!? 18-24 inches are predicted through today in the Beartooth/Absaroka mountains. The cool weather has been great for fishing and good for our snowpack which in now up to 85% snow water equivalent, but even the most hardy Montanans are ready for some warmer weather.
Fortunately, it looks like it’s going to get warmer this weekend – middle to upper 60s. Take advantage as the Yellowstone River is likely to start it’s spring run-off! Caddis are still popping and the March brown’s have also been abundant.
Bill with an 18.5 inch Yellowstone River Brown Trout
Summary:
Alright this has gone to just plain sweet spring fishing! If you can get here in the next 4 to 6 days do it. Yesterday and today were great fishing. When neither the guide nor the anglers can remember how many trout were caught we consider that a great day of fishing.
The weather is predicted to stay cool so spring run off should be delay until at least after the weekend. Today was the warmest it’s been in three weeks at about 55 degress, the wind was still blowing a bit but at a reasonable level. As expected at about 2pm the
March Browns and Baetis showed up. At 3pm or 4 pm the
Mother’s Day Caddis kicked off and it was the largest emergence we’ve seen yet this spring. Dry fly fish was very consistant – those fish are starting to look up. The rest of the week should be great so we’ll see you out there!
Best Technique:
The Dry/Dropper technique was most effective, however in the larger foam holes a shallow nymph rig (15-30 inches) with an nymph and emerger was best.
Weather & Water Conditions:
Mid-fifties at the warmest part of the day with variable ENE wind to about 15mph. The water was flowing at 2,010 cfs and had been relatively stable for a few days. The water color is a great caddis-y green with 2 to 3 feet of visibility.
Hatches:
Light Baetis, great March Browns and best Mother’s Day Caddis hatch to date. All starting around 1pm or 2 pm, caddis are starting later around 3pm.
Best Bugs:
Our best dry was a parachute March Brown sz 12, best emergers Cat Puke and P.T. Soft Hackle sz 14, best nymph Glass House Caddis sz 12.
Mom & Dad with King Salmon in Alaska
I’m not quite sure if my mother actually likes to fish. I think she does, but I’m just not positive. In reality she had no choice in a family of all boys – even the dog was male. Every memorable vacation we ever had was driven by the desire for my Grandpa, Dad, brother, and I to go fishing. Mom of course wanted to spend time with all, “her guys” and so she and Grandma would join us.
Back when I was young she refused to bait a hook (yep we bait fished back in the day), but she would spend countless hours in the boat fishing with the family. If the weather was nasty she might stay at the cabin, I’m sure enjoying the solitude but likely contemplating how dirty guys can get while fishing. Most of the time, however, she would come fishing.
Naturally, as she wasn’t passionate about it, she caught more and bigger fish. Case in point – on our “greatest of all” fishing adventures we traveled to Alaska for a month in a 23 foot pull behind trailer. If a month in a tin can on a several thousand mile drive with your family doesn’t test your sanity… I digress. It had always been my Dad’s dream to fish Alaska so he splurged for a guided trip on the Kenai River. Several hours into the float Mom hooked and landed a 35lb King Salmon, all by her lonesome. Naturally she was excited but anxious as it was Dad’s dream to fish Alaska, not hers. The fishing day was rapidly drawing to a close and Mom’s concern was evident. Fortune smiled as Dad landed a King nearly at the boat ramp. Was she excited or relieved? I’m not certain but to date it is the only fish I’ve ever seen her hold.
Today she still doesn’t release her own fish yet she continues to go fishing. As I’m a fishing outfitter she still endures the annual Montana fly fishing trip with Dad and the continued trips to the cabin for more fishing. I suppose if you do anything long enough you can at least appreciate it, if not learn to like it. While I’m still not convinced she likes to fish, I do know that she appreciates all the things fishing provides; beautiful surroundings, peace, quiet, reading a good book and the chance to be with her guys.
Thanks Mom, see you this summer for more fishing.
Happy Mother’s Day.
