August fishing in SW Montana

Cooler weather than normal has kept SW Montana streams in great condition:

The Big Hole is normally very low and quite warm by early August but this season continues to fish very well. On the lower floats from Melrose down stream you can find fish on the surface using attractor dry flies and hoppers. In the faster canyon sections above Melrose you may need to do some nymphing with small bead heads. We like the lightening bugs, copper johns and pheasant tail nymphs. Use bead heads with no extra weight and indicators.

The Beaverhead continues to be outstanding using small pmd nymphs such as the trigger nymph, split back in olive or brown and small lightening bugs. Fish lots of weight deep as the river is very high still. Expect to break off a few fish due to heavy currents.

The Madison is the usual Madison this time of season. Fish a mixed bag of top water flies and bead head nymphs deep. Hoppers have not yet really started strongly on the Madison.

Clark Canyon reservoir is cranking up. Fish streamers and midge nymphs. This is a chance to hook a very large brown or rainbow.

The Jefferson is still fishing well but floating becomes more difficult. Walk wade fishing with hoppers on top or fishing nymphs and streamers deep should produce good action.

The Ruby is clean and running good flows. Again you want to be ready to fish nymphs in the mornings and hoppers should produce action in the afternoons.

Good Luck