Fishing Reports

 Just a quick note to get folks up to speed on the fishing.  I'very been getting out once a week for the past three weeks, and had some pretty steady streamer fishing.   My black and purple was easily my best bug on Monday.

On one occasion, we were even able to do a little midge dry fly fishing!  Nymphing (with  a worm and a midge pupae) is steady, as always, but could improve on the warmer, calmer (buggier) days.

Flows are in the normal 2,500 cfs range for this time of year, and probably won't be changing much any time soon.   Water temp is around 40, so the fish can still hold in multiple water types (not just the slow water).

The weather's great so get out there!

Tight Lines, 
Jeremy 

 Hello fishermen, and fisherwomen!

First of all, I regret that it's been so long since my last report,  it's been a great Spring that came early and resulted in more bookings than I've ever had by this time of year. Thanks to all of those that have helped support us!  (Like I've always said, if you're blogging,  you're not on the river!)

We've now turned the corner into transitioning toward summer fishing on the Bighorn.  The water should warm up a little as the flows increase (we've gone from 2,200 cfs to 6,000 since Tuesday)  I expect that the Spring baetis hatch is over, and the worm "hatch" is coming next.  This flush should give us a much needed cleansing of the silt, and will help wash out some of the spring algae that lingers, making for an easier late summer and fall!

In the mean time, high water puts fish on the banks, and ready to eat my streamer, so I'm excited about that!

I'll be up on the Missouri abiut the middle of the month, and will keep you posted about that, as well.

Tight Lines! 
Jeremy

 Last Friday was my second guide trip of the year, as it's been unseasonably nice for February in Montana.  Thanks, Brian! 

Nymphing is very good.  We stuck with something pink, and something gray because the bugs pumped out of fish were predominantly big (#12-14) sowbugs.  I was surprised at the number of fish we caught, but the average size was not as big as it can be.

We were also lucky enough to find one pod of fish rising on midges in the afternoon.   They were eager, and had obviously not been pressured.  Nice!

The water clarity has really improved, but that meant the streamer bite was slow.   We still caught some fish to fill in the "trifecta".

The flow is still 2,800 cfs, and will stay there until we get a better feel for what the snow pack will be.

Tight Lines!
Jeremy

 Just a quick update on a couple of things...

1) WAY too early to predict final snowpack numbers for the season, but the Bighorn Range is currently at 140% of normal for this time of year (in terms of snow water equivalent), and Bighorn lake is currently 94% of full pool.

What does this mean?  It could easily be a high water year.

2) Just wanted to announce that I'll be tying at the Great Rockies Sport Show at 4:30 on Friday.  

Hope to see you there!

Tights Lines,
Jeremy

Fly Fishing Event-

Streamerfest 2013

This Saturday (November 16, 2013) I'll be tying at East Rosebud Fly and Tackle, from 12-4 P.M.  I'll be one of several local tiers demonstating a streamer pattern that we'll enter into a contest for the public to vote on as their favorite.  Hope to see anyone there that's able to! 

Tight Lines,
Jeremy

Catching up on current conditions on the Bighorn.  Spent 3 days streamer fishing recently.  We weren't lucky enough to get any cloud cover, but we were committed.  The fishing confirmed everything I already do to account for the sun angle, and how I alter my approach as a result. 

Here are my biggest takeaways from the trip:

1)  In the mornings, the big flashy flies worked well.  Many of our biggest fish were Rainbows on a heavy rainbow colored streamer that we fished on the first day, and a smaller/flashier version on the next two days.

2)  Once the sun reaches it's mid-morning point, the flashier flies get plenty of follows, but far fewer commitments.  I do use the "bright day, bright lure" logic, and tend to fish gray or white a little more often in the sun.  That's not to say the streamers are full of glitter and flash, because they're not.  They are simply a closer representation to what bait fish will look like from underneath (the angle where most of your strikes will come from).

3)  Fish Leaches.  In the sunshine, undoubtedly your morning streamer bite will taper off, but time and time again, trailing a leach behind your best fly will get you back in the action.  I carry small, skinny leaches from maroon to brown to black.  It can really be an eye opener of how many fish were following your streamer that could not be seen.

Thanks goes out to Jamie and Jean for another great trip!

Tight Lines,
Jeremy