River Otter Blog
A somewhat fishy blog
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.
Western Montana Hatches
Our hatches in Western Montana have been viewed as some of the best. So far, this year our weather has stunted them a bit. Trico hatches of course have fished real well with the right fly placed right in front of their beaks. Hecubas came out in well in August and provided us again with great dry fly fishing action, there are still out and about. That brings us to our Mahonanies, they are generally a real strong player in our Fall fishing game. Well, there have been isolated and fairly sparse hatches of these guys in the likely spots; looks like they will be late just like the rest of our hatches this year.
--------------------------------------------------------------- The last few days of dry fly fishing in Western Montana has been real good. the cloudy weather and cooler temps have given both the fish and bugs a real shot in the arm. Those fishing the waters often should branch out to new sections as the rivers are fishing well throughout. The fall fishing is not underway, but its still damn good.
Remember folks the rivers are for everyone. If your floating, pull up your lines for the waders. Wade fishers have to work much harder for their fishing water. It is important for everyone to have good days out there. Share the love!