Bigfork Montana Fly Fishing - River Report

General Outlook: Most of the graphs on the west side are looking like the one above. Flows have been dropping for almost a week and we have had some options. The above graph and most of the others are showing a similar scenario. NOAA predictions are for rising flows again this week and it will probably be enough to slow the fishing and put some color back into the rivers.

Blackfoot River Report: Green and fishing decent with big stones, worms, and streamers. The bigger fish in this drainage are near the bank and active this time of year so your chances are good for a BIG one. Swimming tandem bugger rigs down the bank under an indicator on a short leash is a good way to get a beginner into a large trout. Go heavy on tippet / leaders. They are’nt leader shy when the water is greenish so put on some 15lb maxima and yard’m in. You can get away with 12-15lb on your nymph rigs too so why wouldn’t you?
Bugs / Fly Patterns: 20 incher stones, double bead stones, rubber legs, princes, San Juans, beadhead whatevers, urchin buggers, flash fry, skiddish smolt, sparkle minnows, but monkeys, sex dungeons…

Lower Clark Fork River Report: It’s been on the drop for a week and worth fishing. You should be able to get some fish on buggers and tandem nymph rigs. Try a huge foamie with a deep stone or worm dropper down the bank in the afternoon too. The river is still pretty high so look out for hydraulics if you are going to float…
Bugs / Fly Patterns: 20 incher stones, double bead stones, rubber legs, princes, San Juans, beadhead whatevers, urchin buggers, flash fry, skiddish smolt, sparkle minnows.

Flathead River Report: Green and on the drop. It looks pretty inviting but there will be limited water to fish at 20K. There is plenty of vis to catch fish if you can find them. Look for any kind of slower side channels or back water eddies with mellow seams. Tandem nymph rigs will be your best bet.
Bugs / Fly Patterns: 20 incher stones, double bead stones, rubber legs, princes, San Juans, beadhead whatevers, urchin buggers, flash fry, skiddish smolt, sparkle minnows…

Swan River Report: The prediction graph is showing it on the upswing by tomorrow. Today and tomorrow will likely be the last chance if at all. We might take a drive up tonight to look at it. The bay is still producing some nice bows and cutts and there are more lake trout showing up to keep you entertained.
Bugs / Fly Patterns: 20 incher stones, double bead stones, rubber legs, princes, San Juans, beadhead whatevers, urchin buggers, flash fry, skiddish smolt, sparkle minnows, but monkeys, sex dungeons…