Trout Fishing The Rocky Mountain Front

Categories: In The Wild, All Stories

Tags: stillwater, montana, balanced squirrel, balanced leech

Posted: June 08, 2021

What do you do when all your favorite streams and rivers are blown with runoff? You go lake fishing.

https://youtu.be/GMZWkx-DM8Y

Most people call lake fishing "Stillwater Fly Fishing". Some people consider it boring. The reality is that the wind is seldom still. Wind moves the water and the the fish are also constantly moving. It's not static or boring to me. At times, it can be very stimulating and fun.

We generally start with our Fly Project balanced leeches and balanced squirrel fly patterns. When the wind is blowing and you can see the level the fish are cruising, an indicator works well to keep the fly suspended in their zone. If not, you can always cast and retrieve to search for fish. If the leech is not getting enough action, Chironomids (Big Zebra Midges) and #14-#16 Jig Nymphs (Callibaetis Mayflies) are typically on the menu.

After runoff, you don't have to give up on the lakes. Premier rivers and streames often get crowded. Not so much the lakes. As summer progresses the fishing continues with more and more variety on the menu. Damsels and dragons come into play. There are also boatman and backswimmers to consider. Callibaetis Mayflies can create stellar dry fly opportunities. Eventually, ants and hoppers can lead to crashing surface eats. If you need to go deeper, you can catch them on crayfish and sculpins. Stillwater fly fishing is plenty complex and fun.

And by the way Jay. I caught more than 2.

What do you do when all your favorite streams and rivers are blown with runoff? You go lake fishing.

Most people call lake fishing "stillwater fly fishing". Some people consider it boring. The reality is that the wind is seldom still. Wind moves the water and the fish are constantly moving. It's not static or boring to me. At times, it can be very stimulating and fun.

We generally start with our Fly Project balanced leeches and balanced squirrel fly patterns. When the wind is blowing and you can see what depth the fish are cruising, an indicator works well to keep the fly suspended in their zone. If not, you can always cast and retrieve to search for fish. If the leech is not getting enough action, chironomids (big zebra midges) and #14-#16 jig nymphs (callibaetis mayflies) are typically on the menu.

After runoff, you don't have to give up on the lakes. Premier rivers and streames often get crowded. But for the Lakes, not so much. As summer progresses the fishing continues with more and more bugs on the menu. Damsels and dragons come into play. There are also boatman and backswimmers to consider. Callibaetis mayflies can create stellar dry fly opportunities. Eventually, ants and hoppers can lead to crashing surface eats. If you need to go deeper, you can catch them on crayfish and sculpins. Stillwater fly fishing is plenty complex and fun.