What to do conundrum

I just got back from Montana. Salmon fly hatch remained very strong even through Tuesday (17th). Just depends on where you go. Blackfoot didn’t have many hatching but upper Rock was popping.

Swung a trout spey on the Blackfoot and did streamers and nymphs on Rock. Nymphs on Gallatin and micro streamers on Flint. And streamers/leeches on the Missouri. Lots of fish caught. Largest was a 2lb bow on the Missouri that my buddy and I forgot to photograph.

If you want tips/spots PM me. Plenty of other bugs hatching too, see last photo 😁

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Salmo_g said:
My plan was to go to the Madison River in MT next week to fish the annual salmon fly hatch. Checking in with Swimmy the other day, he said that the river is lower than he's ever seen it for this time of year, and presumably warmed earlier, and that the salmon fly hatch is pretty much over already. Fishing was slow, and he went home Monday the 16th. I'm not really excited to make the drive for "low water and slow fishing." This has me thinking of alternatives for between now and the 4th of July.

I could:

1. Go anyway and see what I can make of it;

2. Cancel and wait for the September trip I sometimes make to the Yellowstone;

3. I have a friend in Helena I could visit and twist his arm to fish the Missouri - he lives right there but hardly ever fishes.

4. Pick an alternate destination and go fish it. Not sure what that alternative might be however.

What are your suggestions?
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#3
 
There is a lot of good water in MT to fish.
My son lives in Helena, MT and I love fishing the Missouri River, and other little blue lines.
 
Salmo_g said:
My plan was to go to the Madison River in MT next week to fish the annual salmon fly hatch. Checking in with Swimmy the other day, he said that the river is lower than he's ever seen it for this time of year, and presumably warmed earlier, and that the salmon fly hatch is pretty much over already. Fishing was slow, and he went home Monday the 16th. I'm not really excited to make the drive for "low water and slow fishing." This has me thinking of alternatives for between now and the 4th of July.

I could:

1. Go anyway and see what I can make of it;

2. Cancel and wait for the September trip I sometimes make to the Yellowstone;

3. I have a friend in Helena I could visit and twist his arm to fish the Missouri - he lives right there but hardly ever fishes.

4. Pick an alternate destination and go fish it. Not sure what that alternative might be however.

What are your suggestions?
Click to expand...


I'm leaving Wednesday the 2nd and will be fishing the upper wade section of the Madison at least through the 6th. I expect fishing to be excellent even if the big bugs are long gone. There will be tons of caddis and PMDs. Maybe slightly less crowded if the big bugs are gone. We may stay even longer if that's the case.

I'm not a big fan of the MO there is too much good unnamed stuff to be driving that far north.

You cannot beat SW Montana in July even without the Salmonfly hatch.

I'd fish the ranch before heading to the MO but that's just me.
 
Rob Allen said:
that far north.
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". . . that far north" is actually closer coming from WA. I have a friend who lives on Lake Helena where I can headquarter, so it'll work out. And there are other rivers in the area to explore. One of these days I'm going to join you at Raynold's Pass. I've floated (and got out to wade fish) that section a number of times. Always amazes just how fast of water those browns will hold in.
 
Salmo_g said:
". . . that far north" is actually closer coming from WA. I have a friend who lives on Lake Helena where I can headquarter, so it'll work out. And there are other rivers in the area to explore. One of these days I'm going to join you at Raynold's Pass. I've floated (and got out to wade fish) that section a number of times. Always amazes just how fast of water those browns will hold in.
Click to expand...
My center of activity in Montana in Ennis.. you're right the MO is not that far I just never get up that way. If Helena is a destination for you then the MO makes perfect sense.
Whatever you do though do not explore the little Black Foot. :)
 
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