Montana Fly Fishing: Clark Canyon Reservoir...

It's no secret Clark Canyon Reservoir has given up more than a fair share of trophy trout over the years. But for the past decade or so the lake's production of true trophy-sized trout (read trout 7-10 pounds or more) has been erratic. According to biologists the CCR's two main quality of fish drivers are reservoir level and the success of stocked fish. With the exception of 2006 year class success during the period 2000-2009 was poor overall.

Data suggested survival rates and growth were directly related to drought (low water) and poor timing of plants. Timing stocking to coincide with peak zooplankton, the primary food source for young trout, would seem to give the plants a better chance than dumping in early June (as had been the policy for decades) regardless the conditions.

So beginning in 2011 and continuing in 2012 stocking was indeed timed to coincide with peak zooplankton levels which occurred both years in July. The results were perhaps better than expected both years; but the 2011 year class is one of the stronger cohorts since 1990 and will likely be the dominant age group in the reservoir for the next several years.

How fast do CCR trout grow? Pretty damn fast: 1 1/2 year olds typically range between 17-19 inches; 2 1/2 year olds range from 18-22 inches, though it make take as many as 6 years to attain weights of 7-10 pounds.

For the rest of the story, stay tuned.

Montana Fly Fishing: Big Hole update and....

Big Hole has started to stabilize (about 1600 this morning) and clear somewhat after spiking to 4000 cfs a few days ago. All the gaging stations are reporting flow levels so there is open water all the way to Jackson. Still ice on the banks up high but with the drop fishing with streamers, nymphs and even topwater, midge, baetis and skwala should start picking up over the next week or so, especially below Wise River.

Terry and son, Todd, fished the Bighorn this week reporting 'great dry fly stuff the first day' and 'wind came up second day but we pretty much hammered 'em on nymphs'...take into consideration both are pretty good hands when it comes to chucking flies--top or bottom--still even us duffers should have fun.

Justin reports the Beav is fishing okay but 'river is so low, you gotta watch out not running over the fish' thanks rain/snow gods and, a special thanks goes out to the dam operators for not letting at least enough water out the gates over winter to cover trout dorsals...really appreciate it.

On another track buddy Shawn's outstanding Brittany bitch, Zoey, recently birthed 9 fat healthy pups--6 male and 3 female. Trust me, the breeding is about as high falutin' (pedigree and performance wise) as bird dog breeding gets. If you are in the market give him a call at (406) 683-5426 or (406) 925-9937.

Montana Fly Fishing: Clark Canyon Update...

Unless you've been hiding under a rock you've no doubt heard the rave reviews given CCR's fab rainbow fishery; browns such as this one, my ol' buddy Al Lefor, lucked into awhile back though less well reviewed are nonetheless alive and well. But that's not what I wanted to tell you...

With the temps soaring of late well into the 50s and even 60s--68 this afternoon, imagine--as you would expect the big lake is thawing out fast--about 50% ice free would be my guess--the bite should be really crankin' but...As I learned long ago in the world of fly fishing "shoulda" is not a word you can hang high hopes on...In other words, this afternoon mighta shoulda been a hot time though it pains me to confess I managed to fool not a single trout--nada, nothing--but it was a nice day and after dealing with the TAXES last week or so, well like I've said before "who needs a silly ol' slimy trout...Right.