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Welcome To The Hoot Owl Cafe You will find How to Fly Fish here. In fly fishing, fish are caught by using artificial flies that are cast with a fly rod and a fly line. The fly line (today, almost always coated with plastic) is heavy enough in order to send the fly to the target. This is one of the main differences between spinner and bait rods, which use heavy weight on the line to cast lures, bait, etc. Artificial flies can vary dramatically in all morphological characteristics (size, weight, colour, etc.). Artificial flies are created by tying hair, fur, feathers, or other materials, both natural and synthetic, onto a hook with thread. The first flies were tied with natural materials, but synthetic materials are now extremely popular and prevalent. The flies are tied in sizes, colours and patterns to match local terrestrial and aquatic insects, baitfish, or other prey attractive to the target fish species. Unlike other casting methods, fly fishing can be thought of as a method of casting line rather than lure. Non-flyfishing methods rely on a lure's weight to pull line from the reel during the forward motion of a cast. By design, a fly is too light to be cast, and thus simply follows the unfurling of a properly casted fly line, which is heavier and more castable than lines used in other types of fishing. The angler normally holds the flyrod in the dominant hand and manipulates the line with the other close to the reel, pulling line out in small increments as the energy in the line, generated from backward and forward motions, increases. The mechanics of proper rod movement are commonly described as "10 to 2", meaning that the rod's movement on the forward cast is at the 10 o'clock position (12 o'clock is rod straight up, 9 o'clock flat forward, 3 o'clock flat backwards) and the backcast at 2 o'clock. In proper casting, loops of line unfurl completely before the angler throws his rod in opposite direction. The effect resembles sending a wave along a garden hose to remove a kink. Newer casting techniques promote minimal wrist movement, a very open stance and movement of the arm parallel to the ground, discouraging the rigid boundaries of the 10 to 2 technique. Proper casting, regardless of technique, requires pauses in both directions (forward and backward) to allow the entirety of the line to unfurl parallel to the water's surface. As additional line length is desired for farther casts, the angler allows momentum generated by the forward and backcasting to carry slack line previously pulled free from the reel to glide forward through the non-dominant hand without bending the wrist. Flyline speed and orientation in three-dimensional space, in both the forward and back cast, yield a tighter or looser unfurling of the "loop” of line. As rhythm and line control improve, longer and more accurate casts can be achieved. Poor casts typically lead to tangled lines that pile up on the water's surface in front of the angler as he attempts to allow the fly to come to rest. In broadest terms, flies are categorized as either imitative or attractive. Imitative flies resemble natural food items. Attractive flies trigger instinctive strikes by employing a range of characteristics that do not necessarily mimic prey items. Flies can be fished floating on the surface (dry flies), partially submerged (emergers), or below the surface (nymphs, streamers, and wet flies.) A dry fly is typically thought to represent an insect landing on, falling on (terrestrials), or emerging from, the water's surface as might a grasshopper, dragonfly, mayfly, ant, beetle, stonefly or caddisfly. Other surface flies include poppers and hair bugs that might resemble mice, frogs, etc. Sub-surface flies are designed to resemble a wide variety of prey including aquatic insect larvae, nymphs and pupae, baitfish, crayfish, leeches, worms, etc. Wet flies, known as streamers, are generally thought to imitate minnows, leeches or scuds. Some think people who call themselves "fly fisherman" can be elitist. There is a stereotype that fly fisherman look down on bait fisherman and others that don't haven't put in the time to become a skilled fly fisherman. When i moved to Montana and started fishing here,I discovered that the sport of fly fishing has many rewards,as it is'nt the easiest way to catch fish.
I have found streams that you can fish on all day and never see another person.It is a great place to raise a family,as there are many lakes,and rivers full of trout. You can visit me for more HUB Stories by clicking the link below. .The lake in the photo is one of my favorites.It is full of brook trout,which grow to around 10 inches in this lake.
The stream below this lake holds Brook trout and Cutthroat trout,which I catch and release to get the population up.
I also fish the Clark Fork river for Bass and Pike. Fly fishing is fun in many ways as you can tie your own flies,which is fun especially when you catch fish on them.
Not a lot of competion in the back country,very relaxing,take your float tube out on the water kick back and drift with the wind.Take the family picknicing,and teach some one how to fish as I did with my children.
When it comes to fishing in Montana , what do you think of? Beautiful mountains, amazing scenery, wide open spaces, and great trout fishing, right? Well, that's about right, and in some parts of Montana, a bear attack is never out of the question as well,just carry bear spray.
Montana is well known for all outdoor activities, including hunting, hiking, and skiing, but the great state of Montana is probably best known for fishing.
Good Luck: Learning to fly fish is no harder than any other kind of fishing if you start with the proper equipment and lessons..
Fly lines range from 1 to 12 weight. The larger the line number, the larger the line size and the larger the fly you can cast with it.
Level lines are the same diameter throughout their length and are fine for casting short distances but not delicate presentations. Double-taper lines taper at both ends, allowing for a more delicate presentation and are best for short to medium cast. Weight forward lines have larger diameters the first 30'. These cast well at all distances and cast larger, more wind-resistant flies better.
For most situations, an 8' or 9' rod with a single action reel is best. If you fish small streams, go to a 7' or 8' rod. Line weights your rod will handle will be marked on the shaft. Buy the best rod you can afford and it will result in less frustration and more fun in learning the great sport of fly-fishing.
Last year 390,000 anglers purchased fishing licenses. Residents comprise about 59 percent of the state's fishing-license buyers. About 33 percent of all adult Montana residents purchase fishing licenses annually. Nearly 82 percent of angler days are spent seeking trout and salmon. Some of the rivers that generally receive the most fishing pressure include the Madison, Missouri, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Bighorn, Yellowstone and Gallatin rivers
Montana Rivers to Flow Free - but at What Cost?
story in the Missoulian, which I read from time to time to see how the trout fishing is up in Big Sky Country. Missoula is home to a handful of blue-ribbon trout fisheries, including nearby Rock Creek and the Bitterroot, Blackfoot (the inspiration for "A River Runs Through It") and Clark Fork rivers.
The confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork, however, is anything but a fly fisher's dream getaway as the area has been converted into a construction zone of late. The good news is the construction is part of the Milltown Dam removal project, which will return the two rivers to their natural state for the for time in 100 years.
Problem is, researchers are uncertain how the dam removal will affect the Clark Fork's ecosystem. Clark Fork, for those who aren't familiar with Western Montana, is the river that runs through the heart of Missoula and is where a number of fly guides make their living. Fish kills are expected and the river could be three to five years away from returning to its natural state, so you can understand the concern in Big Sky Country as this project goes forward.
Tying the Caddis fly
Caddis emerge quite quickly once they reach the surface, often too quickly for trout to have a chance to eat them. Trout know this and often will not waste their time or energy trying to feed on adults that are not crippled or in the process of emerging. It represents those emerging and/or crippled caddis that the trout key in on. The Z-lon shuck represents the pupal shuck of the natural and the lack of hackle allows it to sit low in the water like an emerger or cripple. What is even better than how well this fly works is how easy it is to tie. It is a perfect pattern to crank out late the night before a trip. So tie some up, get a good dead drift, and hang on. Tie this pattern in sizes 12-18. Step 1 Start your thread and coat the shank of the hook back to the bend of the hook. Take a small clump of Z-lon and tie it in extending off the bend of the hook. Tie the butts of the Z-lon down about half way up the shank of the hook and tie them down to the bend of the hook. Clip the butts off. Step 2 Now clip the shuck to length, roughly 1 ½ times the gap of the hook, and thin the end of it with the tip of your scissors. You do not want to the shuck to have abrupt edges; they look unnatural on the water. Dub a tapered body up the shank of the hook, stopping just shy of the eye of the hook so there is enough room to tie in the wing. Step 3 Cut, comb and stack clump of elk or deer hair and tie it in, tips facing the bend of the hook. The wing should be tied in directly behind the eye of the hook and extend the length of the body. Cut the butts of the wing off even with the front edge of the eye of the hook and whip finish.
Fishing the South Fork of the Flathead River
Western rivers are becoming so crowded that some anglers
consider casing the long rods for good. Others are
disappointed by the size of the fish they're catching and
blame increased pressure and catch-and-release mortality
on the decline. Unfortunately, if you listen to those anglers,
you could overlook opportunities that provide lifetime
memories.
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. 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.
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. 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. 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.
The fishing is frosting on an already tasty cake.
The River
The South Fork of the Flathead begins deep in the
Bob Marshall Wilderness at the confluence of
Danaher Creek and Youngs Creek. It gains volume with
the contributions of the White River, Big and Little Salmon
creeks, Black Bear Creek, and other small tributaries.
Overall, the South Fork flows more than 60 miles through
designated wilderness and National Forest lands before
emptying into Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Some anglers who have fished the South Fork for 30 years
complain it isn't as good today as it once was.
They say anglers used to catch nearly 30 cutthroats a day
between 15 and 20 inches. I believe those reports, but today
fish average between 8 and 14 inches with an occasional
17- to 20-inch fish.
Most people credit the river's decline to increased pressure,
and they are probably correct. 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. 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.
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 stretch between the Meadow
Creek footbridge and the Spotted Bear footbridge is
catch-and-release only.
Fly Fishing The Madison River
Madison River After crossing into Montana from Idaho's Highwat 20 you hit Montana 287 and follow it along the Madison River for some 30miles until you hit Ennis,Mt.You can camp and fish from the bankalong most of this stretch of River.It runs wide and shallowand about 5 miles an hour.Nice big Rainbows can be caught along thisstretch of River. Overview: The Madison is, in many people's opinion, Montana's river of superlatives, with a list including highest trout density, most consistent action, best dry fly fishing, and the most spectacular scenery. Not surprisingly, this southwestern Montana jewel is also the second most heavily used river fishery in the state, growing more popular annually. Key species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, whitefish, and Arctic grayling. Use: The section from Hebgen Dam to Ennis Lake ranks 4th statewide and only the Missouri River below Holter Dam receives more river fishing pressure. From Ennis Lake down to the mouth it ranks 18th statewide for angling pressure. The Upper section gets the least pressure but is still heavily used by Montana standards, ranking 35th statewide. Key flies and lures: Flies-Bitch Creek Nymphs, Girdle Bugs, Yuk Bugs, Parachute Adams, bead-head Pheasant Tail, Sofa Pillow, Bird's Stonefly, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulffs, hoppers, Woolly Buggers, and Marabou Streamers. Lures-Rooster Tail Spinners; gold, silver and black lures; and black Daredevles. Bait-hoppers and worms. Be sure to check current regulations on bait restrictions.
The Clark Fork River
I fish the Clark Fork more than any other river in Montana,because it is close to where I live,.It has an enormous amount of different species of fish to catch,My favorite fish to catch is the Northern Pike. It also has Trout,Burbot,Bass,Whitefish to name a few species. The Clark Fork River has its headwaters in the Silver Bow (or Highland) Mountains, originating at the confluence of Silver Bow and Warm Springs creeks near Anaconda, Montana. The river flows north and west 350 miles through broad, semi-arid valleys, high mountain ranges, and steep-sided valleys and terminates in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. The Upper Clark Fork, bordered on the north by the Garnet Range and on the south by the Flint Creek Range, meanders most of its first 38 miles through the flat plains of the Deer Lodge Valley. Vegetation is sparse, due partly to the effects of the mining boom, the greatest historical influence in the Upper Basin. Downstream from the mouth of the Little Blackfoot River, the river flows through a steep, narrow canyon. Between Garrison and Jens the river channel has been shortened by highway and railroad construction activities, but past Jens the Clark Fork meanders away from the transportation corridor and native trees and shrubs appear along its banks. From below Flint Creek the river runs 26 miles through Bearmouth Canyon to emerge and widen to 150 feet for its final miles to Milltown Reservoir. The Middle Clark Fork River extends about 115 river miles from Milltown Dam to its confluence with the Flathead River and is entirely free flowing. Its drainage is mountainous and covered with large forested tracts, broken by grazing and cropland areas in the lower valleys. From Thompson Falls Dam, its upper boundary, the Lower Clark Fork River flows through sedimentary formations and a landscape sculptured by the massive outflows of glacial Lake Missoula. It runs into Cabinet Gorge Dam, just outside the Montana border. Between the backwaters of Cabinet Gorge and the tailwaters of Thompson Falls Dam the river is inundated by Noxon Rapids Dam. When the Clark Fork crosses the Idaho border, it is Montana's largest river, carrying an average 22,060 cubic feet of water per second.  Stillwater River The Stillwater River begins high in the mountains of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness area. The river flows for more than twenty miles through the wilderness area before leaving the mountains behind and spilling out into the rolling prairie and canyons that lie outside the wilderness area. Once it leaves the wilderness area, the Stillwater River flows for another 45 miles through a mix of canyons, prairie and forest until meeting up with the Yellowstone River near the town of Columbus, Montana - which is about 45 miles from Billings,Montana The Stillwater River is an absolutely beautiful and wild river. The Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to any fishing or float trip. Fishing pressure on the Stillwater River is moderate - most out of state anglers venture to the much more popular and well known nearby rivers such as the Yellowstone River. That said, lots of locals ply the waters of the Stillwater in search of the plentiful rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout that are found in the river. Since the first twenty miles of the Stillwater River are in the wilderness area, access is excellent, although it requires a hike or horseback ride in to reach it. Once the Stillwater River leaves the wilderness, access for most of its length is good due to numerous road, bridge and designated fishing access sites.  
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