Montana Fly Fishing: Poindexter Slough

Walking the tracks to Poindexter Slough, a favorite early season fishin hole I hoped to find wall-to-wall hatching midges and rising trout...

Alas, no midges, no risers, not interested in dredging bottom, in deference to the low, clear water I added 4-feet or so 3X fluorocarbon to a 9-feet tapered leader, tied on this bright, lead-eye bugger (you know, bright day, bright fly) pitched it across to the far bank, let it swing down and across into an inviting looking green bucket, guarded by old beaver cuttings one side and a current cleaving rock the other and bingo...trout on. 

Bright sun and low flow, the hard part was finding pockets deep enough to both hold a trout and hide self. The easy part it seemed every time I managed to pull off both a willing trout was waiting to grab the bugger. Though I landed only a half-dozen or so, lost track of the many misses and the inevitable poor hook-sets fishing down results. Toss in a rather unweildy rig to cast and control and...well, what can I say. Anyway was fun. Note the nasty wound no doubt the result of a recent run-in Mr. Heron.   

Big Hole River Foundation...

...mission is to conserve, enhance and protect the free-flowing character of the Big Hole River, it unique culture, fish and wildlife. The Big Hole River Basin is home to the last self-sustaining wild population in the lower 48 of fluvial (river dwelling) Arctic grayling as well as 47 animal and 79 plant Species of Special Concern including gray wolf, wolverine, grizzly bear, golden and bald eagle, trumpeter swan, whooping crane, peregrine falcon, greater sage grouse and westslope cutthroat trout.

The social and economic mainstay of the valley is ranching, most of the ranches are large, family owned, established for several generations.

The Foundation has been and continues to be a major moving force and important partner in establishing and carrying on the many on-going projects involving research, conservation, education and outreach designed to improve, enhance and maintain river flows and riparian habitat which of course benefits not only grayling and trout but wildlife and the land itself. Non-profit, the Foundation operates on a budget of about $4000 per month or $50,000 annually. Donations, grants and fund raisers of course fuels the operation.

To find out more, or how you can help click on http://www.bhrf.org/

Montana Fly Fishing...

...as advertised temps yesterday soared into the mid 50s. Even up on the Big Hole at Maiden Rock the temperature reached 50, if only for a brief time. But even after the clouds rolled in still remained tolerable or would have weren't for the wind. No anemometer in the hip pocket I'd judge the gusts at around 25, sustained wind most afternoon around 15 or so. Anyways strong enough to kill off any chance at chucking midge emergers to rising trout--actually did not see a single rise though Gale did mention, "think I saw one." Thinking she meant "rise" I said, "where?" To which she shot me one those looks...how do I know, flying by...So no bugs, no risers, hellish wind, only thing left was to go to the dark side or...take a hike. Yet again showing our age I suppose you  might say we chose the latter...Oh well, maybe today...PS There is a surprising amount open water all the way from Glen to Maiden Rock...some spots lots ice piled on the edges, though some spots the ice is all but gone...hooray.