WISH YOU WERE HERE-CREEK FISHING TIME!

It is time. Water looks great. We should have a period of good, fishable creek water prior to the lake running over the spillway.  Use a little stealth, a little finesse, and you will be rewarded. 

Healthy, fat even, 14" Brown that I caught 10 minutes ago....


I have the secret fly for sale. $3.00 each in the fly shop, $10.00 each streamside if you happen to not have any. Bwahahahahahaaa.... 

Wish you were here...

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron 

Good Time for Shooting Sports

Runoff season is officially here. The creek is big, the river is bigger. Don't get me wrong, there are places fish can be caught if you are willing to drive a little or fish the irrigation pond. I'm thinking it is a good time for the shooting sports.

We reset a couple more targets on the sporting clays range and one of them is MAKING ME CRAZY. I quit while I was behind, really. I have witnesses.

Also introduced a few of our staff to the course. One of our first time shooters is our Executive Assistant, Cassie.  She had never shot a gun before and within the hour she was breaking clays out of the air.

 Nice job Cassie.

Several folks have also been tuning up their varmint rifles on targets and then helping out with gopher management. That's just another option.


We are stocked up on ammo and targets, let's go shooting.


See ya on the range,


Ron

 

Temps, Flows, a Catch and Clays

Weather is finally behaving like spring.  As you can see, temps rising nicely everyday, dropping below 40 every evening.

 The rivers run accordingly. During the warmest part of the day, mountain snows will melt and send a surge of water through the system. Here's a look at the Clark Fork graph showing flows.
The river drops and clears a little in the morning, while the late afternoon to midnight times are murkier and high. Runoff has begun.

Zac managed to trick a nice fish the other day. I'll bet he knows where another one is hanging out. You should ask him.
Zac and a nice early season fish.

Andy and I went to the clays range yesterday and reset a trap machine resulting in a VERY CHALLENGING target. We broke it once out of 6 attempts. It is a very long distance shot. I'm going to try it again today but may have to adjust it again to make it a little more attainable.

I'm also going to a National Sporting Clays Association Registered Shoot this weekend in Billings, MT. Wish me luck. PLEASE.

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron

Somebody, Please, Help This Man...........

Look at that poor, deranged, inappropriately attired shooting instructor/fly fishing guide to the right. Obviously, he has been out of his element for too long. Somebody, please call and book him for an activity. You could be his savior of sanity.

There are some good reports of fish being caught on the Clark Fork, the Missouri, the Bitterroot, and the other Rock Creek. 

We have been having winter one day, spring the next, with snow squalls yielding to sunshine. The range lands have a tint of green grass beginning to show up. We are not yet in runoff and fish can be caught. 


The sporting clays range is open. Those of you familiar with it from seasons past will find a couple of different target presentations.


Our new horse wrangler, Chris, has begun conditioning the mounts for the season.

Guide Zac is back and ready to attack.  Joel is ready to row.


The golf course crew is working extremely hard to get it in shape. They are hoping Mother Nature will help them out just a little.

 The kitchen is open and the dining is excellent. You have to come meet Chef Adam and his crew. AMAZING FOOD!


Now, won't someone, please, for the love of all that is good and natural, please help that misplaced individual in the photo above. Somebody, please come fishing, or shooting, or kayaking or something to help this poor fellow get back into his natural element.

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron

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

Zac's Magic Stick...

I'm a fan of Sweetgrass rods. We became Sweetgrass dealers last season. Normally, there is about a one year wait to get one of their rods, but I have two in the fly shop if you ever want to check them out.

Our own Zac is also fan, and what I'd call an intern of theirs too. Kinda sorta.   He is learning the craft of fine bamboo rod building from the Boo Boys whenever he has time to spend at their shop in Twin Bridges. Sweetgrass is also a sponsor of Zac's hopefully hit TV show about fly fishing for native species. He also produces a web log on their website. From time to time, I'll include some of Zac's blog postings here. 

Here is a picture teaser, which Zac drew himself, about a trip with his Magic Stick.... 

And the first paragraph... 


"Glenn finally let me have the walking stick/bamboo fly rod combo he has been showing around the country. He imagined the idea, after thinking about how I often fish remote streams and lakes, which I must hike many wilderness miles to reach. It occurred to him that I could use a good walking stick. In that stick, he figured a bamboo fly rod might as well be present, so I could fish easily once reaching my destination. He did some mental creative design -- likely after a few beers, and pulled some bamboo sticks that were to become what I have named my "Magic Stick." "

Here is the link to THE FULL POST.


Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron

Trout CPR

Joel assigned me the task of designing the new Rock Creek Fly Shop T-Shirt this winter.

I'd had this concept in my head for a while so I scratched out some stick fish on white paper with the end of a bullet and then I took my idea of recycling trout to local artist Mabelle Thompson and asked her to flesh it out and she did a great job.  

The fish in the illustration represent a German Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat trout with the idea of promoting catch and release fly fishing.  I have been working with the T-shirt vendor and they should be here by mid April.

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron 

Season Warming Up

Here comes spring. It's been a long winter, with snow pack in the Upper Clark Fork drainage standing at about 115% which is great news.




If you look at that forecast, you can see that winter has, by no means, given up, but we are consistently getting warmer days.

Tony called the other day and we are trying to get our schedules in sync so we can float the Upper Clark Fork in search of early season trout.

I'm hoping we can get out before the 15th of this month. Joel, Tony and I fished it last March and though we all caught a fish or two, it was not stellar. It was however, way better than office work.



Here's a reminder-It is time to renew your Montana Fishing License. You can do that online here: Montana Online Fishing License Renewal

Next week, I'm going to try to make my way into the Sporting Clays Range and break a few clays. Depends on how the snow is drifted and whether or not things are still frozen. I'll let you know.


OK, get your license renewed, and start thinking warmer days.

Stinson Sets Bar High For Big Fish of Creek

If you are going to catch the biggest fish of the season on Rock Creek this summer, you are way behind, thanks to Al Stinson. Check this one out.

Measured out at 14 7/8". Nice fish Al.

Al caught this fish on July 7th. In the evening. In the water. The remaining details are top secret.

I can tell you this--I took 8 year old Josh Hollingsworth out late yesterday afternoon, pictures to follow, and we found fish in every pool and run, right where they should be. We had several takes on dry flies. It was fun.

Think evenings right now. The good hatches are after 5PM for the most part. Think golden stone imitations, some mayflies in the softer water pools, little brown stones are here and there too. Think mosquito repellent too. I'm just sayin'.

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron

Creek Down, FISH UP!!

FYI--The creek level has come down and the fish are looking up.

Mornings are OK, but evenings are great. I spent an hour on the creek last night, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Caught 6 browns on dry flies. One tiny, the rest average.

Here is an above average fish, caught by Don DuBois.


Nice fish Don. Thanks for the picture.

So, the fish are looking up, come get you some!

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron

Top Performers: At Home On The Range

Fidelity National recently honored a group of Top Performers with a trip to Rock Creek Cattle Company. They had business meetings, fine dinners, award ceremonies and sampled most of the activities available here.

Zac wrote about some of the fishing they enjoyed in the previous post. This one is a quick photo blog about some that chose to check out the Sporting Clays course.

There were shooters of every level on the course that weekend and as you can see, lots of smiles with them all feeling right at home on the range.

Erika and Al

Top Performers walking to the first shooting station.

MJ, demonstrating proper double barreled shotgun carry technique.



And MJ breaking clays on the high incomer station, 3.

Rob is getting into the swing.

Chris, mastering the 12 gauge, Winchester, semi-automatic shotgun.

Ron helping Erika understand refined visual focus on the target.

(Note to self: Wear a hat. Glare from my ex-forehead, now a fivehead, is distracting shooters)

Al taking a fast, left to right, dropping-crosser while Ron looks on.

Special thanks to Erika for sending these photos. There were lots more taken by those participating and if you'll send them to me, I'll get them posted.

ONE MORE THING-Another reminder and please help spread the word to other members-The grand opening tournament of the Stinson-Hagerty Sporting Clays Range on Linehan Lane, has been moved from Memorial Day weekend to Sunday, July 18th. That is the same weekend as our "Wrangler", Member-Guest" golf event.

At home on the range,

Ron

The Magical Clark Fork

Thunderstorms have been threatening from over the Flint Creek mountains. But, upon reaching the Clark Fork valley, they seem to magically meander elsewhere, leaving anglers alone to enjoy Montana's feisty fish. With historic low water levels in most our rivers, we have been looking at new places and ways to find and catch fish. Fortunately for the Fidelity Financial top performers, recently visiting Rock Creek Cattle Company, we've been finding some action.

It started with Dan Williams, from Orange county, Calif. I fished with Dan last year, and introduced him to fly fishing on Rock Creek, fishing near the Cattlemen's Club. Though no fish came to hand, Dan did well, and missed a few sneaky Brown trout. This year, I was determined to get him on fish, and took him to my secret hole on the Clark Fork river.

It's a secret, because the day before, I fished it and had a monster trout break my rod near the grip...it was a small 1 weight rod, and maybe a little-over matched for the larger fish, but still IT BROKE MY ROD! I kept fishing the hole with what was left of the rod, and managed to land a couple nice trout and a few Whitefish, while missing several others. I knew I had found a magic spot.



Dan and I arrived to the unnamed hole, went over a few basics on how to fish this particular water, and got to work. Right away the fish were willing to play. But they stubbornly threw the hook while twisting circles in the river's currents. Dan adjusted his technique for landing fish - and got his first Montana trout, a beautifully wild Brown. The day continued with action. Lots of action. Hit after hit, fish after fish. He couldn't help it. At the end of one particular drift, he lifted the rod to cast upstream, but found it wouldn't move out of the water. He turned around to see what was going on, and found he ha hooked a trout. They just wouldn't stay away!



We figured he landed 15 fish, and he even let me catch another three, in a few hours' fishing. His biggest were two 18 1/2 inch Browns, one a little skinnier than the other.



Dan's trip set the tone for Rob Wineman, another Fidelity guest. Rob had never been fly-fishing, but had heard so much about it - mostly from Dan, that he just had to do a quick trip before leaving. We started with casting in the grass on the river, then right on in to fishing. After Warming up, and getting in the casting groove (which I think he likes better than fishing...) Rob landed his first fish on a fly. It was a beautiful 17 -inch Brown--another jewel from the depths of the Clark Fork.



Satisfied with the morning, and invigorated from the fishing, Rob and I headed back to the Ranch, so he could head back home-to work. Everyone who has returned from the wild waters of Montana heads back home with smiles on their faces. Until they get to their offices....

In Wild Waters,

Zac Sexton

Sporting Clays Grand Opening Date Change

Just a quick note-We had scheduled the Grand Opening of the Stinson-Hagerty Sporting Clays Range on Linehan Lane for Memorial Day weekend. That wasn't working well for several members so it has been re-scheduled for Sunday, July 18th. That is the same weekend of our Member/Guest Golf Tournament, The Wrangler.

This change should help many more be able to participate.

Mark your calendar and we'll post details to follow soon.

See you on the range,

Ron

The Other Rock Creek

I don't know if you caught this tidbit in the member update letter or some other post, but Joel's operations plan has been expanded to include additional rivers in the region. One of those is Rock Creek, over around Phillipsburg, MT. This is the world famous Rock Creek and is designated as a Blue Ribbon Stream.

Eddie Bases and Charlie Bingham on Rock Creek near Phillipsburg, MT

Joel and I had the opportunity to take member Eddie Bases and his guest Charlie Bingham over and fish it last weekend.

Eddie Bases and a beautiful Rock Creek resident. Wild place, wild trout.

It was Eddie's best day ever of fly fishing for trout and Charlie, though brand new to fly fishing, also had a good time.

Charlie Bingham scores too. Joel had him casting and catching in no time.

Beautiful scenery, beautiful river. Wildlife sightings included elk, deer, bighorn sheep, several hawks and a bald eagle flying overhead, circling over us just above the treetops. It was great. Oh, and lots of moose tracks and beaver activity though we didn't spot either in the flesh.

While the fishing was great on day one, it was a little tougher on day two. There was no hatch of any sort on day two with cold temps and no sunshine. That river should experience the famous Salmon Fly hatch in the next couple of weeks or so, depending on the weather. We hope to hit it when they turn on.

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron

Shotgun News-NSCA LEVEL I CERTIFICATION UPDATE

Student and first time Sporting Clays shooter Suzanne doing the shooting while newly graduated NSCA Level I Instructor and COO of Moonlight Basin, Russ McElyea, coaches over her shoulder. They are literally snatching victory from the air. That is a broken clay in the upper left of the photo. Notice the yellow, ejected shotgun shell hull, mid-air, in the right hand side just above and to the right of Russ's head? (click the pics to enlarge)

What do an engineer and Vice President of the Hi-Viz Shooting Systems Company, a Realtor with Scott Western Realty of Billings, MT, the Chief Operating Officer of Moonlight Basin - a 5,500 acre ski resort near Big Sky, Montana, the owner of a bird hunting hydration vest and dog training collar company in Billings, MT, a world famous outdoor photographer and writer based in Bozeman, MT, the principal of a land planning and design company from Billings, MT, the fish and wildlife manager / outfitter of an operation in Encampment, WY and the Director of Shooting Sports at Rock Creek Cattle Company of Deer Lodge, MT all have in common?

Instructor Candidates, students and NSCA Level III Instructor Rick Moore (far right) prepping for direction at the high incomer station of Blue Creek Sport Shooting Complex and Game Preserve, Billings, MT.

They are all members of the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) and they all met up at the Blue Creek Sport Shooting Complex and Game Preserve outside of Billings, MT recently to participate in the NSCA Level I Instructor Course. One, as the instructor of instructors to be, and the other seven as instructor candidates. It was a grand experience.

I want to start by saying that the Blue Creek facility is a great one in no small part due to the efforts of Range Master Mel Armstrong and his crew. They went completely out of their way to make sure our experience there was top notch. Thanks Mel.

I am going to take this opportunity to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the class. Rick Moore, NSCA Level III - Beginning to Master Wing and Clay Instructor did a terrific job of communicating to all of us the skills needed to become Certified, NSCA Level I, Shooting Instructors. It was an excellent class.

Rick stuck to the lesson plan and schedule while at the same time, giving us valuable side notes and tips along the way from his many years of experience. I believe all of us came away from the class not only better shooters, but well qualified Level I Instructors as well. Thank you, Rick and the NSCA for making this program available.

Before I post the photos and captions: I do want to mention to all of our members that our Grand Opening Event of the Stinson - Hagerty Sporting Clays Range on Linehan Lane happens this coming Memorial Day weekend. Please see the Members Only section of the Rock Creek Cattle Company website for details. Sign up now online through that web page or give us a call at (406) 846-3474 to register. We have some great prizes to be won along with fantastic food and fun to be had. If you have any problem logging into the Members Only page, please send an email to me at rsnow@rockcreekcattlecompany.com , or call the lodge for assistance.

In The Stand At Blue Creek--
Student and NSCA Level III Instructor - Beginning to Master - Wing & Clay Shotgun Shooting Instructor, Rick Moore. Rick was our instructor / coach for this class.
He is also the VP of Engineering and Manufacturing at
HI - VIZ SHOOTING SYSTEMS

NSCA Level I Instructor Butch Smart, Scott Western Realty, Billings, MT and student.

NSCA Level I Instructor and Principal of Foley Group Land Planning & Design, Jim Foley and student demonstrating incoming target breaking point.

NSCA Level I Instructor and owner of the Quilomene Company, Steve Owen and student discussing safe firearms handling at Blue Creek.

In the stand here is a student and NSCA Level I Instructor, Dave Sturm. Dave is the Fish and Wildlife Manager of Spur Outfitters, LLC, Encampment, WY.

Student and NSCA Instructor Level I, Russ McElyea. Russ is also the Chief Operating Officer of
Moonlight Basin, a 5,500 acre ski resort near Big Sky, MT.

NSCA Level I Instructor and professional outdoor photographer / writer, Dale Spartas and student reviewing sporting clays safety procedures prior to loading the shotgun and breaking clays. See Dale's work at his website, WWW.SPARTASPHOTO.COM

Last One - - A photo of my diploma. It was an intense course. I'm thankful that I got to attend. Our instructor, Rick Moore, did his best to condense and communicate his lifetime of experience into a long 3 days so that we might all help to introduce others into the shotgunning sports as well as helping them to become safe, competent shooters. Thanks, Rick.

If you are interested in learning more about Sporting Clays, please check out the National Sporting Clays Association website, and of course, you can always call me at the lodge if you have any questions.

One more thing. Thanks to all of my classmates for making this an exceptional experience. If you ever get over around Deer Lodge, MT, please be sure and look me up. We can spend a day on the river or range together. It was a true pleasure.

My old signature line was "Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines". I may have to add something about loving the smell of gun smoke in the morning.

See Ya on the Range,

Ron

Merchandise and Fish

WOW! We just got a bunch of new clothing and gear in from Simms and Patagonia that Joel ordered. I've been digging through the boxes like it is Christmas. Yer gonna like this year's offerings in the fly shop.

Some brand new stuff and some old favorites. Very cool. More on that after we get it all dug out and on display.

FISH:

Zac and a nice Blackfoot River Cut-Bow

Zac sent a couple of fish pictures. He didn't expound on the where and how part. I think he just wanted me to remember what a fish looks like.

Zac sent this photo of a West Slope Cutthroat he caught recently on the other Rock Creek

Nice ones, Zac.


Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron