By BigCutty on May 16, 2013
All of the freestones are high and muddy; the tailwaters have more than a few boats on them. What’s a solitude-seeking angler who doesn’t want to take a 6-week hiatus from fishing to do? This is a great time to check out one of the stocked private lakes in the area. Pay a moderate rod fee to the ranch owner, used to defray the costs of stocking and management, and you can have a fish-filled lake all to yourself. And the lakes tend to fish very well this time of year. They’re great for beginners and offer a decent chance at catching large, occasionally giant, fish.
My wife and I hit Jones Lake yesterday for a bit of birthday fun. Jones Lake is on a ranch about 1/2 an hour north of Big Timber. The setting is classic Big Sky Montana prairie, with a view of the Crazy Mountains to the west. It’s a small lake, small enough to be fished effectively either from shore or a boat, but it’s chock full of fat, feisty rainbow trout. We had steady action all day long. Most of the fish we caught were from last year’s plant, moderately sized but full of fight. And we each landed one in the 20″ range (and saw plenty more of that size cruising by). We forgot the camera yesterday (and the boat net), so the picture is from last year.
Most of the action was on CDC Pheasant Tails, dangled under an indicator and animated with a strip-pause retrieve. We did get one or two on a small Bugger. We saw a few Callibaetis in the air and fish were rising sporadically, so it would be worth trying a dry fly. The lake also contains lots of scuds and midges, so imitations of those would likely be effective. The usual lake fare.
All in all, a very fun day of fishing. If you’d like to give Jones Lake a try, give us a call at Sweetwater Fly Shop (406-222-9393). You can fish it on your own, or if you are new to the lake fishing game, you might want to consider hiring one of our experienced guides to teach you the ropes. If Jones Lake happens to be booked, we can also set you up at one of several other private lakes in the area.
Posted in Uncategorized
By BigCutty on May 13, 2013
We weren’t the only ones who decided to float from Warm Springs to Black’s Ford yesterday. In addition to all of the drift boats and rafts, there were even a few hardy tubers. Given the number of boats that we were following, we were happy to get into a few fish. There were plenty of bugs in the air – caddis, baetis, yellow sally stoneflies…. But no fish rising, at least not in the bright sun of mid-day. So we nymphed. We caught fish on a size 14 olive Mangy Caddis. But the winner was Kyle’s Bead Head Yellow Sally nymph. The water clarity was good, though Cherry Creek is spilling in some mud. It shouldn’t be nearly as crowded on a weekday, or even on a weekend day that’s not 90 degrees and Mother’s Day. If you are trying to get into some dry fly action, try to time things so you’re taking out right at dark. And bring a flashlight.
Posted in Madison River
By BigCutty on May 9, 2013
Runoff is here for real on the Yellowstone River. It looks like there’s no stopping her now. The good news? We could be fishing the Yellowstone early this year, say by sometime in the second half of June. Any kind of prognosis is tentative, and a lot could happen between now and then…. Did someone say Salmonflies?
The Mother’s Day Caddis hatch was a blast this year, at least for those who could get out on the 5 days or so that were really good. The rest of us, myself included, can kick ourselves again for having jobs that require our attendance.
One correction to my previous post. Apparently, the construction on the Norris Road has moved past Warm Springs, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any delays on your way to the Lower Madison. See you there over the next few weeks.
Posted in Madison River, Yellowstone River | Tagged Madison, Mud, Yellowstone River
By BigCutty on May 7, 2013
Coffee with cream. Or however you like to describe water with next-to-no clarity. And the Lamar, with all its mud, just keeps rising. Today’s weather won’t help. Runoff might be here. Unless we get an extended cool spell to stabilize the flows for a bit. At this point, that’s not in the forecast. We hate to say it; we’re just being honest.
The good news, we hear rumors of caddis out on the Lower Madison. The bad news, construction between Black’s Ford and Warm Springs is causing delays. And flows are quite low. Even with all of the bugs about, the window for good dry fly fishing can be narrow on the Lower Madison – look for risers early and late in the day. In between, try fishing a caddis pupa pattern, such as a Hotwire Caddis or a Mangy Caddis. Swinging soft hackles can also be effective. We may not be right on your way to the Lower, unless you’re lucky enough to live in the Paradise Valley, but we know the river well. Make a short detour to Sweetwater Fly Shop to get some flies and friendly advice.
Posted in Madison River, Yellowstone River | Tagged Caddis, Madison, Mud, Yellowstone River
By BigCutty on May 6, 2013
Surprisingly good! At least 2 feet, out behind the shop. If you were considering fishing today, do. It’s not likely to last. Everything’s headed up, up, up. The warm weather of the next few days won’t help keep things under control. Today might not be your last chance (we’ll update again tomorrow), but it’s getting close. The caddis were swarming last night at Pine Creek, but not until 6:00 or so. I’d expect them to pop earlier today, given the already warm (50 degree) water temperature. Fish after work, if you’re one of those poor suckers (like me) who have a day time job.
Posted in Yellowstone River
My wife and I hit Jones Lake yesterday for a bit of birthday fun. Jones Lake is on a ranch about 1/2 an hour north of Big Timber. The setting is classic Big Sky Montana prairie, with a view of the Crazy Mountains to the west. It’s a small lake, small enough to be fished effectively either from shore or a boat, but it’s chock full of fat, feisty rainbow trout. We had steady action all day long. Most of the fish we caught were from last year’s plant, moderately sized but full of fight. And we each landed one in the 20″ range (and saw plenty more of that size cruising by). We forgot the camera yesterday (and the boat net), so the picture is from last year.
