Skwalapalooza….

/in /by

It’s been another typical spring here in Monanta. Last weeks warm spring weather gave way to cold wind and snow. While the Skwala’s continue to emerge the cold slowed down the action a bit. Afternoons are still the best time to catch fish on dries. Temperatures are predicted to warm this week and should really get the bugs and fish going. Skwala’s and Nemoura’s are out in big numbers and I am also beginning to see some the spring may flies (March Browns and Gray Drakes). The fish haven’t seen enough to start keying on them but that should change this week. A 2 fly rig should get it done most days . Run a Skwala in front and trail a Nemoura or may fly emerger behind .. See ya on the river…… ~><(((*>

Skwala’s are out…

/in /by

After a few warm days in the 50’s and 60’s we are seeing a good number of adult Skwala’s on the water.. The trout have been looking for them as well. The hatch is just starting so I am expecting the dry fly action to get better over the coming weeks. There are also lots of the smaller dark stones, Capnia and Nemoura.. Fish a skwala and trail a small dark stone behind it for the picky fish keying on the smaller bugs. While the warm weather has been nice there is also a downside to it. The river has begun to rise which will help floaters but could slow the fishing down a bit while the water stabilizes and fish adapt. Now that the Skwala’s have begun, they will hatch regardless of weather conditions. See ya on the river……….

Spring around the corner…

/in , /by

As we head into March there is much talk and anticipation of the Skwala hatch. While we have had a few mild days the hatch won’t be in full swing for another 2 weeks. There are currently some good fishing opportunities to be had on the Bitterroot. Every March the Skwala nymphs migrate to the edge of the river and wait for the proper time to emerge. As those nymphs move to shore trout will begin to feed heavily on them. Nymph fishing has been good on the warmer afternoons fishing various Skwala nymph patterns or just attractors like a prince. If you are lucky risers can be found on the warmer afternoons sipping midges. Float a Skwala dry over them , sometimes they will be opportunists and grab it. If the trout refuse your Skwala, match the hatch with a small dark midge #18 – #22… The 1st great dry fly action of the season is just around the corner……..See ya on the river!