The Ruby River is a small, delicate stream that whispers to the streams we fished in our youth. A four weight rod, long leaders and a host of Purple Hazes can rejuvenate the hearts and minds. Pictured: Luke and his Brown in training.
Continue reading "Ruby River Fly Fishing Report" »Category: Fly Fishing Gear
Fly fishing is a world-wide industry with an endless list of gear that comes with it. For our purposes, we we’ll concentrate on fly fishing gear for use in Montana, whether on the Smith River or staying at the lodge and fly fishing the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Jefferson, Madison, Ruby and any of the private water we have access to (spring creeks, streams, ponds and lakes):
Fishing License: Montana has a number of different fishing license options from very short term to medium term to season. You can go on-line at www.fwp.mt.gov and buy your license or you can stop at a retail outlet when you arrive in the area or we can help you at the lodge.
Gear Suggestions: Please let us know in advance if there is anything that you are going to need to borrow. If you have a lightweight rod such as a 4 or 5, and a medium weight outfit such as a 6 and a heavier outfit such as a 7 or 8 weight, bring all three. You will probably only need the 7 or 8 if you are traveling to Montana in the fall when streamer fishing is a more regular part of our fishing experience.
Flies/Leaders: Flies are provided by Healing Waters Lodge as part of your package. However if you have some favorite patterns that you like to fish please feel free to bring them. We will fish a variety of leader lengths and weights. The guides will provide all the leaders and tippets you need as part of your Healing Waters Lodge fishing package.
Clothing: Weather in Montana is changeable in the early, middle and late seasons. You can start the day in long underwear and end it in short sleeves. Come prepared for any type of weather. We suggest that you layer your clothing. A good set of top and bottom long underwear is advisable in the early and latter part of the season. You may want fleece pants under your waders. A turtleneck with a heavier shirt and then topped off with a fleece pullover works well. A good water/wind proof jacket is recommended both for rain and wind protection. Wet wading is usually possible from about mid June to Mid September but have your waders along just in case. Of course you should have good waders with rubber or felt soled wading shoes or boot foot waders with rubber or felt soles. Again, if you need to borrow waders and boots please notify us of the shoe size and your height, we will set aside a pair that will closely fit you. Some folks like fingerless gloves and some like to have a good set of full-fingered gloves just to put their hands in to warm on colder days. A warm hat plus your normal fishing cap or hat is recommended. Polarized sunglasses are highly recommended.
Jefferson River Fly Fishing Report
Snow in the mountains, clouds in the sky, brown trout are moving to streamers. Woolly Buggers and the hundreds of variations from this noble pattern dominate streamer fishing this time of year. Here are some other patterns that work that all play off the Woolly Bugger: JJ Specials, Yuk Bugs, my beloved Big Hole Crawler, […]
Continue reading "Jefferson River Fly Fishing Report" »Big Hole River Fly Fishing Report
When in doubt, put on a Size 8 Double Beaded Big Hole Crawler. Spot one last Mayfly that died of loneliness. Everything is underneath the surface. Our good friend, Vince, is holding a great looking Brown he caught on the Big Hole River today.
Continue reading "Big Hole River Fly Fishing Report" »Big Hole River Fly Fishing Report
Fishing restrictions on the Big Hole River are lifted and the whole river is open to floating, fishing and frivolity. Clouds, heavy rain and snow in the high country translate into Blue Winged Olive (size 14). Streamers: White Zonkers (sizes 6 and 8), Big Hole Crawlers (sizes 6, 8 and 10). Chubbies, Hoppers and disco […]
Continue reading "Big Hole River Fly Fishing Report" »Beaverhead River Fly Fishing Report
Oh the agony of no fish. Oh the pain and ignominy of no bites, no interest and no trout. Today, no tricos hovering over the surface, no hoppers in the field and no caddis at night. The world becomes unjust and without hope. Emptied our entire fly box in the water and nothing. Cool weather […]
Continue reading "Beaverhead River Fly Fishing Report" »Presentation and the Fly
It all comes down to the presentation and the fly. Photo courtesy of Floating Leaf Studios
Continue reading "Presentation and the Fly" »Choosing a Fly Fishing Hook
Your fly fishing trip will be most successful if you invest in the proper fly fishing equipment. As any professional fly fishing guide from Montana will tell you, the type of hook you use will affect how difficult it is to catch fish. A perfectly tied fly can entice the fish to bite, but the […]
Continue reading "Choosing a Fly Fishing Hook" »Attaching a Fly Fishing Rod to a Reel
Before you pack up all your brand new fly fishing equipment and head out to a fishing lodge in Montana, you should learn how the equipment works. By working with your rod and reel, and practicing walking around in your waders, you’ll be able to enjoy any guided fishing trips you go on even more. […]
Continue reading "Attaching a Fly Fishing Rod to a Reel" »What to Bring to Your Montana Fishing Trip
As is the case with any other task, journey, or project that life presents to you, you will always have more fun on a Montana fly fishing trip if you come prepared. This means that you will need to come bearing the proper fly fishing equipment, wearing the right clothing, and wielding an open mind. […]
Continue reading "What to Bring to Your Montana Fishing Trip" »How to Hold a Fly Fishing Rod
The purpose of fly fishing is to convince an unsuspecting fish that the artificial fly you have cast onto the pond is food and not bait. Doing this successfully requires skill, patience, and the ability to efficiently wield a fly fishing rod in Montana. Here is a brief look at a few different ways that […]
Continue reading "How to Hold a Fly Fishing Rod" »