Snow Report

This week there was about 3 inches of snow here in the Bozeman area. In the mountains there were several more inches. With temperatures above normal last week much of the valley snow melted, however with the additional snow this week and temperatures back to normal, the snow conditions are still above average for most of the area. Lets keep our fingers crossed for this trend to continue so we have another great summer of fishing.

Prince Nymph and Hares ear

What a fun time. The third of four classes was a time of learning and laughing. This week Ty showed our new members of the tying community how to tie a prince nymph and a hare's ear. Since the first week our new friends have made great strides in tying flies, from learning the names of the tools and what they are used for to different feathers and furs used for tying different flies. After tying the first of each pattern, the laughs and giggles at their new creations(Remember your first one will catch more fish). These are some of the great times we have learning at The Bozeman Angler. A new class will be starting on Feb. 10th so sign up today and come join the fun.

Summer is coming

With summer just around the corner and snow pack above average, I am looking forward to a great year on the rivers. The weather in Bozeman, Montana has been above average the last few days, and reports have been good for winter fishing. Take advantage of the warm and sunny days. Get out and look for the midge hatches. When there is not a hatch coming off try a green and brown rubber leg with a beadhead dropped behind. Lets keep our fingers crossed for the winter snow to continue and temps to get back to normal.

Loss of a friend

Late this morning Phil Braun, a good friend to the Bozeman area fly fishing community lost his battle with cancer. Phil was a regular in every fly shop in the valley and will surly be missed by all.

MO. Report

Just heard from friend and fellow guide Ken Stock about the Missouri river. He fished over the weekend around Craig and had a fantastic day. The fish were eating red worms and midges. One fly that Ken said was the ticket, a red rubber ribbed worm pattern on about a size 6 Scud hook.
So look to the tail waters for what sounds like some great winter fishing.

FLY BOX BAIL-OUT

Come and join the angler crew on sunday afternoons from 12 to 3 for good stories and coffee. Bring your tying supplies and sit with us in the shop and tie your favorite fly. Learn from fellow tiers the short cut you have always been looking for to get that fly finished so you can get to the water a little faster. We also will have movies playing, like "Drift" or "Rising the Ghost".

Jan 10 Upper Madison Trifecta

Yesterday, my gal pal Sarah, fishing buddy Nick Lux, and I headed to the Ennis area for the Madison Vally trifecta. What is the Madison Vally trifecta, you ask? Well, it's the perfect way for a fly fisherman to spend a winter day in south west Montana. First, pile on the layers and dredge up a few trout on your favorite stretch of the Madison River. Second, head to the Bear Claw Bar and Grill in Mcallister to tell b.s. fishing stories over a beer and possibly the best burger and fries in the state of Montana. Thirdly, and for sure the best part of the trifecta is soaking your tired back side in the water of the god's at Norris Hot Springs while sipping on another cold brew and taking in some live blue grass.

Fishing report...

With a little snowy weather rolling in on us, the upper Madison was a bit slow, but we still managed to run into a few trout. The stretch of river we fished was typical upper Madison water with few deep pockets or pools to collect pods of winter fish, so being able to read water is very helpful. The obvious lies were found behind boulders or anything that may slow the current down enough to give a cold blooded salmonoid a break from the swift main stream. The not-so-obvious lies are given away only by the slick or smooth surface created by a large submerged rock or a depression on the bottom of the river. Early in the day bouncing stonefly nymphs and Lightning Bugs on the bottom brought a few tight lines, but in the afternoon, fish keyed in on midge nymphs. Finally, we saw some surface-feeders slurping down adult midges before a winter storm rolled in.

Fish Food...

Nymphs: Brown Pat's Rubber legs, Prince Nymphs, King's Prince, Zebra Midge tied in black or pink, Lightning Bug.

Dries: Griffiths Gnat, Para Gnat, BWO.

TY

Fly Tying

• Winter, the weather is cold, the rivers are frozen, time to get out that vise and get ready for the summer of 2009.
  
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• Tonight was the first tying class of the year here at the Angler. Ty (the great white north instructor) taught 7 new tiers how to tie the wooly bugger. Using a video camera the new tiers could make out the steps taken to assemble the fly. Great job Ty for his instruction and to all the new members of our tying community on your first flies.
  

Gallatin River Jan. 4

Happy New Year, Fish Heads!

We're five days into the new year, and I have yet to wet a line. But, I did get a Gallatin River report from good buddy Nick Lux, who said,"shelf ice with slush." This is going to be the conditions we will have to deal with until we get temps consistantly higher than the 20's. If you do get a chance to get out, you should look to tail waters close to the dams or near springs bringing warm water into the main river to avoid fishing in a giant slushy. Shelf ice is hard to avoid, so watch your step getting in the water. Fish the usual winter patterns like San Juans, Midge pupa, Beatis Nymphs, and your favorite egg pattern. Remember in cold conditions, concentrate on slower pools and runs, and keep your bugs tight to the gravel.

TY