Colder Than Hell.....

Yesterday-April 20-Joel met up with our Simms rep, Jon Yousko, to see if they could find a fish on the Upper Clark Fork. They did.

Here's a shot of Jon with a Clark Fork Brown.  

When I asked Joel what the report should say he replied with "It was colder than hell for the first several hours. As the day warmed up the bugs started popping and we eventually boated 10 fish.Some of them ate streamers and nymphs early then a few dries on top. Saw a few Skwala Stones out too."

Here's the deal peeps, the only predictable thing about the weather this time of year is the unpredictability of the weather this time of year. The temp was 17F yesterday morning at sunrise and warmed to 50F with clear skies. Today, it is cold and wet with snow flurries.  We probably wont' hit 40F for a high today.

Between now and runoff is a great time to catch fish.
They will eat sometime during the day. You may have to throw everything in the boat at them, but you will find fish. 
 Be prepared to work for them, be prepared for the weather, be prepared to have a good time.


Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron
 

Simms Ice Out 2011

 
Joel and I just returned from the 2011 Simms Ice Out Guide Event in Bozeman, Montana. I didn't snap many photos, mostly because we were constantly engaged in really great seminars and discussions concerning everything from entomology to marketing and learning how to be a more effective casting instructor.

For the few of you that may not know, Simms produces top quality fly fishing waders, boots, sportswear, outerwear and accessories.  I think it is some of the best available in the world of fishing and this is my official thanks to Simms for hosting and coordinating the event. Very worthwhile. I have had a link to Simms on the left side of this blog since the inception. You can also check them out by clicking this link to SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS


Also thanks to a long list of sponsors, I'll be telling you more about them as the season progresses. Check them out, some of the best in the industry.
Adiopose Boatworks,  Big Sky Brewing Company, Costa, Fishhound, Galvan Fly Reels, Idylwilde Flies, Montana Fly Company, Scott Fly Rods.  Thanks again to all of you.


Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,
Ron
 

Montana Super Tag

Just in case you are interested-I got this news release from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department.

Be Montana's Next SuperTag Winner! 

From Montana FWP Website:  

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is once again offering a SuperTag lottery for hunters to take another shot at the dream.

Eight lucky hunters will win a SuperTag license. SuperTag chances are available for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, antelope, elk, deer, bison, and mountain lion. One SuperTag will be drawn for each species. The SuperTag can be used in any hunting district in Montana-including Montana's legendary trophy districts. Revenue from the new SuperTag sales is used to enhance hunting access and boost FWP enforcement efforts.

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron 

 

Sign of the Times

A few days ago, our own Chef Adam snapped this shot at the intersection of the North Frontage Road and Rock Creek Cattle Drive. Note the abundance of SUNSHINE and lack of SNOW.

I took this photo this morning with my phone. 

By the way, the design, creation, construction and installation of the sign above was a collaborative effort between our own Maintenance Engineer, Scott Morley, one our our outside services guys, Patrick Loritz, and our own version of Highlander, Tim Heisdorf that helps run the turf grass department.  Nice sign guys.

I'm guessing we have 3 or 4 inches now and it is still snowing this afternoon.  Great news for the rivers and pasture lands.  

It's a sign of the times. Springtime that is, in Montana. 

It is going to be a great season.

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron

I was an April Fool ...

...to believe that spring had sprung. 

 (click image to enlarge)

We've had some days touching 50, and most of the snow has melted off of the front lawn, however we are getting another dose of white and cool this weekend.  Here is the Link to the Rock  Creek Forecast  in case you want to save it.

We have had a warming trend in the lower elevations of the benches and valleys which has sent a lot of water down the region's rivers.  Some are high and muddy,  but some are fishable. A drive over to the Missouri River could pay off in nymph or streamer action.  

I talked to a friend on the Bitterroot yesterday that said water was rising and visibility was diminishing.

Our stretch of the Clark Fork will change daily from murky to clear, depending on temperatures.  Our Rock Creek isn't open to fishing until May 21 this year, by state law. Protecting the spawning fish you know.

It's that river condition roller coaster time of year. Could be perfect today and not so much tomorrow.

I'll be checking our trophy ponds every couple of days to check on the melting of the ice. Hoping to wet a line in them soon.
 
Another reminder that last year's Montana Fishing License is now expired. Take it out and go to the Montana Fishing Licenses Online for a quick and easy way to renew.  They accept Visa and Mastercard.

Please pray for a gentle, gradual, warming trend.  A nice slow thaw would be perfect for fish and fishing.

Sharp  Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron