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.
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!
It is fall in Montana and great fishing, but watch out for redds. Brown trout are spawning.
Fall brings cooler temperatures that cue brilliant foliage, migrating geese and spawning brown trout.
If you consider October as the end of the fishing season in western Montana, you might want to read about these options.
Do not rule out fishing in October if the weather is cooperative. The Clarkfork and Bitterroot are excellent fall rivers. Big, ugly streamers work well in all of these rivers for large brown and rainbow trout. If one has not had enough trout fishing, the blackfoot has beautiful foliage and plenty of trout in moving water.