April and May
The most important hatches are Midges and Baetis.
Favorite patterns are:
Griffeth's Gnat #18 - #22
Midge Clusters #16 - #14
Adams Parachutes and Olive Comparaduns in #16 - #20
Calm overcast days provide the best activity. Large streamers and crayfish patterns are good for large browns. Springtime is excellent for browns over 20".
June through August
Caddis and PMD activity begins in June and peaks in July. The famous Trico hatch normally starts by mid-July. Hopper fishing varies each year, but can be great from early July through September. Nymphing is productive most anytime. Attractor dries are also effective, using a small Bead Head Nymph as a popper. Please watch the stream flow during high water, usually in June.
Popular patterns for the summer season are:
Elk Hair Caddis #14 - #18;
Caddis Emerger #14 - #16;
PMD Nymphs, Emergers and Duns #14 - #18;
Trico Parachutes and Comparaduns;
H & L Variant;
Adams Parachute and Trico Spinners all in #18 - #20;
Parachute and Elk Hair Hoppers #8 - #12;
Hare's Ear;
Olive Flashback;
Pheasant Tail and Zugbug #12 - #18;
Bead Head Prince Nymph
Royal Wulffs and Trudes #12 - #16.
September and October
Tricos are still good for much of September, as are Hoppers. Baetis and Midge hatches start up as the weather cools. Fall streamer fishing produces a lot of rainbows along with some trophy browns. Mid-October to mid-November is your best bet for a large fish.
Favorite streamers include:
Electric Buggers and Brown Krystal Buggers #2 - #6 (with or without lead-eyes)
Girdle bugs #4 - #6;
Marabou Muddlers and Crayfish patterns #2 - #6.
November through March
The hardy fly fisher should know that midge hatches can be prolific throughout the winter and early spring. Dry fly fishing can be great in February and March on calm, overcast days. Look for good winter time nymph and streamer action, as well.
Good patterns include:
Griffeths Gnat #18 - #22
Midge Clusters #14 - #16
Renegades #16 - #20
H & L Varient #16 - #20
Wooly Buggers #2 - #6
Egg Sucking Leaches #2 - #6
San Juan Worms #6 - #12
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End of the Line Sportsman's Retreat 734 No. Last Chance Gulch Helena, MT 59601 Telephone: (406) 468-9111 FAX: (406) 449-6184 or E-Mail us |
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