River Otter Blog

A somewhat fishy blog

2011 Final Fishing Regulation Changes

Welcome to Fly Fishing MT with the River Otter

Your Dry Fly Fishing Specialists!

All but two of the proposed fishing regulations for 2011 were voted on by the FWP Commission on October 7. The two exceptions included the proposal for a reduced bag limit and/or reduced number of lines on Lake Koocanusa and a proposal to raise the lake trout limits from 50 to 100 on Flathead Lake. At the October Commission meeting, FWP proposed to delay final action on the Koocanusa regulations until after bull trout redd surveys were conducted in October to better understand the population trajectory. Below are the proposed fishing regulations to be voted on by the FWP Commission on November 18.

Click link below to view changes:

2011 Final Fishing Regulation Changes

Thanks for you time!

Trout Guys,

http://www.riverotterflyfishing.com

troutguys@riverotterflyfishing.com

November 27, 2010 Posted by troutguys | Fly Fishing Reports, Fly Fishing Montana, Fly Fishing Equipement, Dry Fly Fishing | Comment (0)

Missouri River Brown Trout- Fungus Report

Warm Fall Spawns Trout Fungus

November 22, 2010 Posted by troutguys | Montana Fly Fishing, Fly Shop, Fly Fishing Trips, Fly Fishing Reports, Fly Fishing Montana, Fly Fishing Equipement, Fly Fishing | Comment (0)

Blue Ribbon Trout Streams

While researching Montana fishing streams, Blue Ribbon streams and fisheries have often come up in the searches and resource documents. Recently, a Red Ribbon stream came up in a search. This article’s focus is trout fisheries and the author unofficially surveyed people in the fishing and outfitting industry and Montana fishery biologists. The single question was, “What is a Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon trout stream or fishery?” Some people in the survey had heard of Blue Ribbon stream and gave some loose criteria, but no-one surveyed had heard of the term Red Ribbon stream.

November 15, 2010 Posted by troutguys | Montana Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Trips, Fly Fishing Reports, Fly Fishing Montana, Fly Fishing Equipement, Dry Fly Fishing | Comment (0)

Cold Water/Weather Fishing Tips

Techniques

1) Find the fish. Most of the fish tend to congregate in the deeper holes and runs with a medium current speed. Until you find these likely areas don't waste your time unless you are just 'shadow casting'.

2) Position yourself for long drifts. Find the best location to make the longest and best drift to these likely holding areas. An up-and-across cast with the water loading your rod at the end of your drift is ideal in freezing temperatures. Shorter line retrievals will reduce ice build up.

3) Hold rod tip high. Having the tip of your rod high will help reduce excess water on the flyline and rod guides. A light line shake will also increase effectiveness.

4) Use a stripping basket. Keeping all the excess flyline off the water will reduce ice build up.

5) Swirl rod tip underwater. Carefully swirling the rod tip will melt the ice much like your favorite cocktail. Also helps keep the reel out of the water by not having to set it down.

6) Pinch down barbs. Barbless hooks are always a good idea, and especially in frigid temps where a sticky barb can numb the hands quickly. Sometimes the SDR (Short-Distance-Release) is a blessing.

7) Use a net. Again, always a good idea, but several reasons make it imperative in the winter. Many times the air temperature is much lower than the water and can shock or freeze the gills of trout. Netting the fish allows you to keep it in the water while you situate your gear, take off gloves, etc. as you prepare for the release or a quick photo.

8) Observe feeders. Crystal clear water allows you to see into the deepest holes. By watching feeding behaviors and reactions to your presentation you will dramatically improve your chances. Switch patterns and don't waste time with ignored presentations at the proper depth.

This is just a short list of things that may help encourage some of you to go 'nuts' and venture out to the water. As you may have heard, winter can provide some good fishing at times. So as you put on that extra layer from the holiday dinners consider putting it to use while the 'Now Serving' signs are turned off.

Tight Lines!

November 7, 2010 Posted by troutguys | Montana Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Reports, Fly Fishing Montana, Fly Fishing Equipement, Dry Fly Fishing | Comment (0)