07-24-2008, 11:10 AM
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state. For more detailed information, contact a fly shop, bait store, or boat marina for the particular water. For detailed information on river flows, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow
<br>July often signals the transition from the cooler days of early summer to the steady heat of midsummer in Montana. This year appears to be no exception, and hot, dry weather lies ahead in the forecast. While the lakes and streams of the state are in better shape at this time than previous mid-July periods in Montana, how anglers deal with the effects of sun and heat are still important factors to a safe, successful, and comfortable fishing trip. Keep yourself fishing longer by wearing lightweight, loose fitting clothing that gives protection from the sun. Lots of sunscreen on exposed skin, a large-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your eyes, and you'll be wearing everything you need to enjoy the fishing. Don't forget lots of water, a few snacks, and you'll be ready to go- the rest is up to the fish. <br>
<br>Some of the best fishing bets right now:<br>
<br>Bighorn River - Flows are coming down, and the fishing is getting steadily better.<br>
<br>Blackfoot River - Fishing is quite good , and seems to be improving every day. Brush up on your bull trout ID skills before you wet a line.<br>
<br>Bitterroot River - The long wait for the run-off to end is over, and the fishing is great.<br>
<br>Bull Lake - Give this lake near Troy a try for largemouth bass.<br>
<br>Flathead Lake - Laker action is the main attraction, although the whitefish bite is close at hand.<br>
<br>Fort Peck - Some of the best fishing in recent memory is going on right now on Peck. This might be your chance to break the state record for smallmouth bass.<br>
<br>Georgetown Lake - Great place to try out a float tube, and tie into a big rainbow or brookie in the process.<br>
<br>Missouri River - Dry fly action is very good, and hatches are heavy. Flows are dropping as well.<br>
<br>Tiber Reservoir - Good bite from smaller and medium sized walleye.<br>
<br>Yellowstone River - After a long run-off, the fishing in the upper river is good.
<br>July often signals the transition from the cooler days of early summer to the steady heat of midsummer in Montana. This year appears to be no exception, and hot, dry weather lies ahead in the forecast. While the lakes and streams of the state are in better shape at this time than previous mid-July periods in Montana, how anglers deal with the effects of sun and heat are still important factors to a safe, successful, and comfortable fishing trip. Keep yourself fishing longer by wearing lightweight, loose fitting clothing that gives protection from the sun. Lots of sunscreen on exposed skin, a large-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your eyes, and you'll be wearing everything you need to enjoy the fishing. Don't forget lots of water, a few snacks, and you'll be ready to go- the rest is up to the fish. <br>
<br>Some of the best fishing bets right now:<br>
<br>Bighorn River - Flows are coming down, and the fishing is getting steadily better.<br>
<br>Blackfoot River - Fishing is quite good , and seems to be improving every day. Brush up on your bull trout ID skills before you wet a line.<br>
<br>Bitterroot River - The long wait for the run-off to end is over, and the fishing is great.<br>
<br>Bull Lake - Give this lake near Troy a try for largemouth bass.<br>
<br>Flathead Lake - Laker action is the main attraction, although the whitefish bite is close at hand.<br>
<br>Fort Peck - Some of the best fishing in recent memory is going on right now on Peck. This might be your chance to break the state record for smallmouth bass.<br>
<br>Georgetown Lake - Great place to try out a float tube, and tie into a big rainbow or brookie in the process.<br>
<br>Missouri River - Dry fly action is very good, and hatches are heavy. Flows are dropping as well.<br>
<br>Tiber Reservoir - Good bite from smaller and medium sized walleye.<br>
<br>Yellowstone River - After a long run-off, the fishing in the upper river is good.