Fly Fishing the Flathead River, 4-16-12

What a week we have had. The river has been up and down and seems to be on the drop again. This week it looks like we are going to get some rain and warmer temps during the day.

Tonight Showers Lo 35 °F

Tuesday Chance Showers Hi 54 °F

Tuesday Night Slight Chc Rain Lo 33 °F

Wednesday Showers Likely Hi 53 °F

Wednesday Night Chance Showers Lo 33 °F

Thursday Chance Showers Hi 56 °F

Thursday Night Chance Rain Lo 33 °F

Friday Rain Likely Hi 52 °F

Friday Night Chance Rain Lo 35 °F

What is going to save us? Night time temps are nice and low, this will keep our snow pack around and not melting into the river. Water temps are hovering around 40 on the main river and probably a few degrees more  in the Middle and North Forks.

On The Drop

How is the fishing you ask? It’s decent, we have been out everyday and finding fish. This is the time of year to find those big nasty Cutthroat. The Main Stem of the Flathead is running at 17,300 CFS and temps hovering around 40. Once again, keep looking for holding water. The river is big and the fish are not going to be in the summer dry fly water. Look for slower water where they can be lazy and eat. Whats on the menue? Keep it simple, K.I.S.S., G-Bugs, princes, PT’s, fast water princes, yuk bugs, 20 inchers, SJW and eggs. Eggs you say? Well, only if you can live with yourself after tying one on. Dont worry, it’s ok….. Fish Like Eggs! Dont like to fish nymphs?  What about dries? I would keep an eye out for BWOs, March Browns, Numoras, Skwallas and my favorite fly the Purple Haze. This is also a great time of year to watch your Thingamabober get chewed on by a giant trout. So if you want to make yourself mad, go out and fish the tangerine Thingamabober over your favorite nymph rig. Sooner or later it is going to get eaten. Now you know he is there, row back up and spend the next three hours trying to get that guy to come back and eat a dry.