How to Remove Wind Knots and Snarls from Leaders and Tippet, Hobie 360 Drive Kayak Propulsion Technology: Power and Control in Any Direction, 7 Tips for Rigging Your Nymphs like a Pro, Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, Autumn in Yellowstone: Fewer People, Bigger Trout, Insect Factory: Why the South Holston has the best Sulphur hatch in America, Hobie MirageDrive 360 Kayak Propulsion: Amazing Control and Power. Greg Thomas is the Fly Fisherman western editor and the author of five books. On the South Fork of the Flathead, I am pleased to report, enterprising anglers can find remote campsites, solitude, and scads of native westslope cutthroat. In the spring we have our first dry fly fishing of the year and big fish are starting to look up. The fishing is frosting on an already tasty cake. To help boost the average size of fish, the portion of the South Fork inside the wilderness boundary is strictly regulated and anglers may keep up to three trout a day smaller than 12 inches. The South Fork is one of the few places in Montana where anglers can legally target bull trout (char). He lives in Ennis, Montana. We put the rafts in at Cabin Creek and floated Youngs Creek to the South Fork of the Flathead and continued on to Mid Creek Takeout above Meadow Creek Gorge. Designed in Saskatchewan's pike paradise - works anywhere. Tips, tactics, gear reviews for everything from bass and bluegills to stripers and bluefish - if it's fishing related, we cover it. South Fork bull trout weigh up to 15 pounds or more and smack streamers, as well as the occasional cutthroat dancing on the end of an angler's line. Seldom does a particular hatch demand a specific imitation. Fish a sinking-tip or full-sinking line and weighted streamers to get your presentation in front of these large char. Sometimes feeder streams are even more fertile—and thus produce more and bigger trout—than the main river. landed a 3 ft pike from shore...." Elbow Lake, "This is a nice place to take a hike and do some fishing. By law, all bull trout must be immediately released. Give a Gift   Fly fishing in Montana tops many a fly fisher’s bucket list. In 1997, John co-authored New Zealand's Top Trout Fishing Waters with his partner, Patti Magnano Madsen, and followed this with a collection of short stories, Up the Creek with John Kent. Examples would be, lines, actions, classic and modern makers actions and the like. In 2004, John combined with photographer David Hallett to publish Classic Fly Fishing in New Zealand Rivers , and this book won a Montana Award in the Lifestyle and Contemporary Culture section. A Georgia native, Doug grew up chasing Brook Trout in the Appalachian Mountains. May 31, 2018 - Cottonwood Creek Mussellshell River, Montana fly fishing report. You will also catch fewer small fish because the large flies are difficult for small fish to inhale. Fortunately, bull trout are present throughout the system in the summer. Sep 23, 2017 - Young Creek, Montana fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. But don’t think fly fishing at Young Womans Creek is a walk in the park. Doug is a true fly fishing fanatic. For hikers, Hiking Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness by Erik Molvar is a good resource. Others are disappointed by the size of the fish they're catching and blame increased pressure and catch-and-release mortality on the decline. As for Young's creek, most guys have kept it quiet due to it's small size and tendancy to be over fished. Meandering through meadows, the stream is a series of riffles and pools. 3 friends hike into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area along the South Fork of the Flathead River in Montana. The South Fork of the Flathead is a freestone stream, vulnerable to the nuances of runoff, and typically unfishable until mid to late June. The South Fork is marginal habitat—a stream that flows through mostly sterile, granite corridors. Paflyfish | A fly fishing community for trout and bass with stream reports, forum, maps, hatch charts and blog covering Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Ohio Paflyfish - Best Fly This Time of year [Forums - Paflyfish General Forum] Big Spring Creek is a popular fly fishing destination in central Montana. Matches and lighters—or any other fire-building tools—are potentially lifesaving. Fly Fishing Forecast for Youngs Creek, Montana What is Whacking Fatties? 3 Star Fatty Day! Everyday stuff for a kid and, for ten days, a dozen or so companions, and I are kids again. 18 Places to Fly Fish in Montana. Rock Creek in Western Montana, is a freestone river that flows from south to north joining the Clark Fork near Clinton, Montana. This board is for discussing concerns of fishing bamboo fly rods. Here you’ll find a mix of public lands with unlimited fishing access, as well as private land. Each summer Montana Trout Unlimited introduces a new generation of anglers to the joy of fly fishing and the importance of conserving our coldwater fisheries. Whether you’re fly fishing, baitcasting or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. This river begins in the Bob Marshall Wilderness south of Glacier National Park, at the confluence of two streams, Danaher Creek and Young’s Creek, between the Flathead Mountain Range and the Swan Mountain Range. The South Fork of the Flathead is no different from other Western rivers, and you should expect to encounter other anglers and campers and be passed by pack trains—but it's not the end of the world. Fly fishing is a Montana pastime that has inspired both writers and aspiring fishermen to don their waders, grab a rod and grab a piece of Montana’s huge bounty of trout. The South Fork is a place I'll take my daughter, Tate, to learn the ropes. From this point it's approximately three miles to the Meadow Creek Trailhead. You won't see masses of insects like on other Western rivers, but there are enough to trigger fish's appetites. Rock Creek Fly Fishing; Fishing Blog; Our Fly Shop. Young Womans Creek is an 11.3-mile-long (18.2 km) tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania in the United States. You place worth on the experience in its entirety—from blistered feet on the hikes in and out of the wilderness, to passing a flask around the campfire, to the daily duties of filtering water and cleaning the camp dishes. Unfortunately, if you listen to those anglers, you could overlook opportunities that provide lifetime memories. Moleskin, for patching up blistered feet, is definitely recommended. Fish sit tight to the banks, fly presentation is very important to catch these wary trout. This beautiful, clear flowing tributary to the Madison River in Ennis, Montana, is a challenging and technical fishery. The hour-and-a-half-long drive should be taken at moderate speed. Scope Adjustment: 2-Shot Method to Scope Sighting. Current fly fishing conditions are not so good today. Fly fishing Rock Creek in Montana is an angler’s dream! Now get out there and fish! You may need to work a little harder. You will need a light weight pole and some..." Lace Lake. Find the perfect Fly Fishing Montana stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Even at six years of age, my father insisted my brother and I learn to cast properly. Tom Sadler guides fly fishers—primarily for brook, brown, and rainbow trout—out of Mossy Creek Fly Fishing (mossycreekflyfishing.com), a well-known shop in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Paradise Valley is the heart of Montana’s fly-fishing and North American big game world. Check out our Fishing Times chart to determine when the fish will be most active. Any fly-fishing trip to this part of the state, due to both the quality fishing and the areas scenic beauty, is a memorable and rewarding experience. When fishing for bull trout use short 0X to 2X leaders and sinking-tip lines. There is a take out just before the Meadow Creek Gorge with good access and plenty of room to load gear onto horses or mules. Another access is near Holland Lake. Join us as we discuss the Montana Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. It seems like a lot of work and planning to make a float trip in the wilderness a reality, but it's a wonderful experience. Nowhere in the world are there so many public rivers, lakes and streams found in such a small area. Sep 23, 2017 - Youngs Creek, Montana fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. Lower Youngs Creek also has some good fishing. The distance to the South Fork is about 18 miles and requires a hard all-day horse ride or at least a two-day hike. Enjoy spectacular fly fishing and scenery with Ladin and Steve as they are fly fishing Montana at the Madison Arm of Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone. Growing up in western Montana learning to fly fish is a natural passage for many young boys and girls. Yellowstone is a fly-fishing paradise. However, if you want to match the South Fork's hatches, expect to see a smattering of Pale Morning Duns, caddis, and stoneflies. Weather conditions are not optimal, but there is still opportunity to land some trout. This hatch will leave you tossing and turning in your bed. Turn left onto FR 4353 and follow it for a few miles, then turn right on FR 136 and follow the signs to the trailhead. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Bull trout hang near the bottom of deep pools, especially if there's a tributary nearby depositing fresh, cold, clean water. If you're using a floating line, tie on a 12- to 14-foot leader and apply plenty of weight. All rights reserved. To reach the trailhead, take FR 477 just north of Seeley Lake. So grab your favorite fly … Westslope cutthroats are blue-collar fish that work hard for their living. They use Chironomids and nymphs to catch and release hard fighting and acrobatic Rainbows and Browns. However you get there, the South Fork of the Flathead River is a place where good fishing and a wonderful experience go hand in hand. Youngs Creek is a stream located just 23.2 miles from Seeley Lake, in Powell County, in the state of Montana, United States, near Packers, MT. Whether you’re spinning, baitcasting or fly fishing your chances of getting a bite here are good. Dwayne 'Chip' Cromarty - January 15, 2016. Recently, he joined forces with the Fly Shop of the Bighorns and through that transaction also acquired Angling Destinations . Top guest reviews . Doug moved west in 2004 to take a job in Yellowstone National Park and spent 3 seasons living, working, and fishing in the park. Designated a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, Rock Creek boasts 2000 fish per mile. Pinterest. Fish are cold-blooded, so their body temperature reflects that of the water in which they swim. His clients book their trips through Mossy Creek Fly Fishing. After fishing with numerous guides, we finally found Montana Angler, and what a difference experience and education make! I had not noticed Monture Creek on a map but as soon as I spotted the creek, I stopped the truck. Join us as we discuss the Montana Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. If you choose to enter by horseback, lists of licensed South Fork outfitters are available on the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks website (fwp.mt.gov/fishing/fishingmontana/guides.html) or by searching the Internet. Making another pit stop on one of Youngs Creek's many runs. Michael's well rounded guiding background is a result of his time throwing dry flies on one of the world's premier native cutthroat trout fisheries, sight fishing the gin clear water of New Zealand, and years of bird and big game hunting when not guiding fly fishing trips. The stewardship this ranch has received is nothing short of magnificent. But crafty trout are no match for the crafty fly fisherman! Executive Lodge -1 mile Stillwater River-Two Rivers Lodge-Montana fly fishing. Though cutthroat are found throughout its length, the best fishing is between the Meadow Creek Trailhead and Black Bear Creek. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Boulders and rocks are scattered throughout the water, creating many pockets and hiding places for the wily trout. Right Branch. Unlike trout in fertile tailwater and meadow streams, they endure the nuances of high and low flows. For some 40 miles (64 km), the river flows freely north-northwest, meandering through a forested and undeveloped valley. To reach the trailhead, turn onto Holland Lake Road from Highway 83 and follow the signs. When fishing for cutthroats try all the famous attractor dry flies like Black Humpies, Royal Wulffs, Renegades, and Trudes, as well as Elk-hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Goddard Caddis, Caddis Variants, flying ants, and foam beetles. Here are seven important strategies from some of the world's best nymph fishermen. Fishing should be fair to good for cutthroat trout. If you fish after mid-October, carry appropriate winter clothing and survival gear. While there are three distinct sections of Rock Creek, of particular interest to the angler will be the fourteen mile stretch from Dalles to the Clark Fork. Carry mottled sculpins, Muddler Minnows, woolhead sculpins, Double Bunnies, rubber-leg Woolly Buggers, Zonkers, and Clouser Minnows. Applications are free from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell or online at www.fwp.state.mt.us/. WhatsApp. Burn all leftover food, fish carcasses, and garbage. The Fly Fishers International (formerly the Federation of Fly Fishers) annual fly fishing expo (once known as the conclave) comes back to Montana this year - Bozeman, July 23 - 27. Check the Detailed Youngs Creek Fly Fishing Report and Forecast! I fished the Missouri River extensively from 1985-95, but never fished the Southwest corner of Montana. In years of heavy precipitation it may not fall into shape until after the July 4 holiday. Photo: Ben Romans. They hit a cold snap in late June, starting the day with snow, fog and wind. Bob Marshall Wilderness Fly Fishing Trip Itinerary Day 1. Flowing through the Sapphire Mountains for fifty miles to the confluence with the Clark Fork, Rock Creek is wade-able the entire river. Young's Creek is one of two creeks which come together in the central part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex to … Since our first season nearly two decades ago, Youth Camp has evolved from an introductory fishing seminar to a robust conservation-based program that teaches love of the resource through the lens of fly fishing. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Elk Creek, a tributary of the Conejos River, offers diverse water types in a pristine setting. That's not an issue any more because the entire area was just recently bought up buy a private land owner who has posted the entire creek from … Check out Whacking Fatties for the latest fly fishing report and forecast. That's what I've learned during my forays to northwest Montana's South Fork of the Flathead River—a wild cutthroat fishery that flows through the largest chunk of designated wilderness in the Lower 48. The South Fork is open under Montana's general fishing season, which begins the third Saturday in May and closes November 30. Overall, Southern Montana should be at or near the top of any Montana fly fishing trip. Flat Creek is located in the National Elk Refuge only a few minutes outside of Jackson, WY, and it offers some of the finest and most difficult spring creek fishing in the west. Those willing to venture away from the beaten path will find refuge from people, especially in late June and early July when high water recedes and again during fall as visiting anglers head home. Although large rivers like the Madison, Gallatin and Yellowstone deservedly draw a lot of attention, some of Montana's most unique fishing can be found on streams and ponds on large ranches in the region. Trail 110 begins approximately two miles from Holland Lake (take TR 415 to TR 42 from the trailhead). Posted on March 15, 2019 by Rick Marcum. 3:06 . If you visit the South Fork of the Flathead, go prepared for the worst. Anglers should be stealthy when casting to native cutthroats, but finesse is rarely required. On the other hand, braving this season has its advantages. PA WOODS N WATER 2,562 views. Your guide won’t be rowing so his full attention will be on teaching you how to fly-fish for trout. Fill your gas tank before leaving the town of Hungry Horse. The fish pound attractor dry flies, not because they are stupid, but because they have to eat when food is available. Located 15 miles north of Cedaredge, Young’s Creek #3 is managed as a category 402 sportfish optimum coldwater lake. The rivers, tributaries, and lakes of Big Sky Country combine to create a legendary fly fishing destination that is better than you can even imagine. Facebook. Montana Fly Fishing Guides - Day Tours: Spring Creek Excellence - See 34 traveler reviews, 39 candid photos, and great deals for Livingston, MT, at Tripadvisor. Hikers and horse riders can follow a trail (TR 110) to Big Salmon Lake and its outlet into the South Fork. Fly Fishing; Backcountry; Montana Arctic Grayling. The Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system is the pinnacle of kayak control with more efficient fin designs, glide technology and allows the boat to be moved in any direction. The river in this area is dangerous to fish and most anglers begin fishing outside the gorge. With the hood down, the vehicle is a prime target for packrats. Twitter. Flat Creek for Fly Fishing – Truly Amazing. The trail (TR 80) parallels the east bank of the river to Black Bear Creek. Most people credit the river's decline to increased pressure, and they are probably correct. The cork grip of my fly rod is in my teeth, offering a free hand, and a reminder, via the pull of the trailing fly line, of just how swift my trip down river will be should I slip. Tim Torgerson 11,126 views. Fly Fishing Rock Creek, Montana - beautiful scenery and lots of fish - Duration: ... Montana Fly Fishing Cabin For Sale Trout Run.wmv - Duration: 3:06. Patrick Perry - August 24, 2018. Anglers can access the lower South Fork by foot or horseback via the Meadow Creek Trailhead. Measures to restore anadromous fish passage has caused big problems. But the rest of the bay is great for perch, pike, rock bass, sunfish and crappie. A safe time frame to fish the river is between July 15 and October 15. Click here: Fly Fishers International Fly Fishing Expo The expo is a great time and includes more workshop and seminars than almost anywhere else in the country. All Rights Reserved. CatchMagazine 200,809 views. If I listened to the pessimists about how angling pressure on that stream is unbearable and that the fish aren't what they used to be, I would have missed one of the most quintessential camping and fly-fishing experiences an angler can find in Montana. Sadler is also deputy director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network (conservefish.org). It's a river offering a return to our fly-fishing infancies when camping and camaraderie, incredible scenery and seclusion, and catching naïve trout on bushy dry flies was more paramount than the opportunity for a 20-incher. Subscriber Services. Everyone In Alaska Must Check Out These 11 Fly Fishing Spots. Author Phil Monahan Posted on April 8, 2016 January 10, 2020 Categories Fly Fishing Tags 5050 on the water, fly-fishing for brown trout, fly-fishing videos, kids fly fishing, montana fly fishing, women in fly fishing Post navigation Wolf Creek Angler provides our customers with the best fly fishing services on the Missouri River with a fly shop, lodging, and fishing guides. Under the surface try Pheasant-Tails, Hare's-ears, Prince Nymphs, golden stonefly nymphs, caddis pupae, and Brassies. At a young age, she purchased Lopstick Lodge in northern NH and became a licensed fishing and hunting guide. These tips can save you heartache when fishing is hot. Westslope cutts prefer a big meal so use large hooks when you can (size 8-14). However, a raft and gear must be packed in on horseback and only experienced oarsmen should float the South Fork—there is a lot of whitewater and yearly natural changes can make several rapids not navigable. ... Big Creek, Klaskanine River and Youngs Bay.