Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
61
CrossCurrents Fly Shop's Tip of the Week
Fall is here. Water temperature on the MO is dropping slowly but surely, along with cooler temps in the morning and evening. Number of bugs on the water is also dropping. Nymphing deep and shallow is the name of the game, with the streamers starting to make there way into the daily tactic of choice. Pseudo's are still around and fish are up and looking for them. With this bug generally being in the size 18-22 range, it is a technical game. Weeds are still present on the MO but slowly getting better.
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Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
Blue Damsel LodgeFins & Feathers
PRO Outfitters
Montana Hunting and Fishing Adventures
5-Day Outlook as of 9/28/23
The next few days look like they're bringing rain, which is also could mean some good fishing weather if you're properly geared up for the conditions. It is not crucial to be out on the water at daylight, but rather anytime from 8:30-9am. Looking forward to a streak of cooler days which should help the streamer bite, BWO's, and for the weeds to dissipate.
Techniques & Tips as of 9/28/23
Indicator fishing is the best and most productive technique as it most always is out here on the MO. Starting with fishing deep in the morning with bugs like a sowbug, frenchie, zebra midge, pill popper, purple weight fly, and a zirdle. The flies listed above are generally going to be the top fly. With the bottom fly you could go with a green machine, two bit hooker, and a perdigon of some sort. In the afternoon switching up to a shallow nymph rig could be a great move. When nymphing shallow like this, using a stick on indicator and two smaller flies (one weighted, one un-weighted) and searching for that 12''-36'' water depth is going to be key. This is a great method out here on the MO to find some very quality fish. Streamer fishing is slowly starting to make its way in the mix. Fish a black or olive streamer with or without a sink tip and really look for those drop-offs and riffle sections.
Local Species Available Spring
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Rainbow Trout
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Brown Trout
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and Whitefish
CrossCurrents Fly Shop's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear | Tan | #16 |
Splitsville Flying Ant | Yellow | #14-18 |
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear | Grey | #16 |
Vernille San Juan Worm | Red | |
Chubby Chernobyl | Black, Brown, Olive | #8-#12 |
HoBo Spey | Black | #6 |
RS2 | N/A | #18-#22 |
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig | N/A | #16-#18 |
Lil' Kim | N/A | #4-#6 |
Mini Dungeon | Black | #6 |
CrossCurrents Fly Shop's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
PowerTaper WF Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Clear Sink Tip Fly Line