Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on the proposed commercial fishing regulations for Lake Helena and Canyon Ferry Reservoir that provide for the harvest of carp and suckers using seines.

The proposed regulations, in effect through Dec. 31, specify the areas where these fish may be harvested and how to report these commercial operations to FWP before the fishing begins.

Special regulations on the Lake Helena harvest from Jan. 1—June 30 were established to protect nesting waterfowl, and special regulations on Canyon Ferry will help prevent conflict with recreational anglers.

The FWP Commission is authorized to approve one commercial fishing operation for each body of water and to establish specific regulations. Only one individual has applied for the 2010 commercial fishing permit to harvest carp from Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Lake Helena.

Comments must be received by March 12.

For details on the new commercial fishing regulations and to comment by email, visit the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov , click on Recent Public Notices and select Fisheries Management. Comment letters may be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Fisheries Bureau, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT, 59620-070. For assistance, phone the FWP Helena Fisheries office: 406-444-2449.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reaches thousands of kids each year with its angling education program, including winter courses on ice fishing.

“When we take a classroom of kids ice fishing we are as concerned about teaching them about ice safety as we are teaching ice-fishing,” said Dave Hagengruber, FWP’s angling education coordinator.

Hagengruber said ice that is four to six inches thick should be safe for a single person. For a family of anglers he is more comfortable with six to eight inches of ice, and for a full classroom he likes to have at least a foot of good, clear ice.

“There are rules of thumb on how thick ice needs to be, but people need to be aware that on every body of water the ice varies in thickness and its strength is affected by a lot of different factors,” he said. “Reservoirs can be especially challenging because the water levels vary over time as water is released and there may also be currents created as water flows into the reservoir.” Currents within a large body of water will cause the ice to be thinner where they flow.

Hagengruber said the strongest, most dependable ice forms on lakes and ponds early in the season when water and cold air come into direct contact to form a layer of clear, thick ice. Wind, snow cover and deep water are factors that may slow the formation of ice.

Underwater springs are a factor that may weaken the ice in certain areas, and pressure ridges create potentially dangerous situations.

“Pressure ridges are created when ice expands and the pressure pushes the ice together and up into a ridge,” Hagengruber said. “Where the ice buckles it may form a ridge several feet high with areas of open water nearby.”

“Under the best of circumstances ice is risky. Reading the ice is even trickier during warming spells,” he said. “We tell our angling classes that if you are in doubt stay off the ice. No fish is worth taking a chance with your life.”

Hagengruber makes a point of erring on the side of safety when working with kids. He tells them:

never go out on river ice, and
never be the first person on the ice.
Someone has to be the first person on the ice, just don’t let it be you!

State agencies, cities, counties, angler groups and others interested in sponsoring a project may apply.

Grant applicants must provide a minimum of 30 percent of the costs associated with the project and may match the grant funds with in-kind contributions such as heavy equipment time, construction materials, labor, engineering services, and more.

The Community Pond Program has provided funding since 2003 for projects that benefit young anglers and their families and that provide locations to teach angling skills to those of all ages.

For a fact sheet and grant applications form, go to the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov and look on the Habitat tab for the Fish Habitat page, or call FWP at 406-444-2449.

Applications are accepted annually and must be submitted by Feb. 1. All applicants are encouraged to work with a local FWP fishery biologist on planning the project.

Smith River float applications must be postmarked, or submitted, no later than Tuesday, Feb. 16. Applications are available at all Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices or on the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov .

Online applicants need their FWP Automated Licensing System number. The ALS number is printed on the top of hunter’s and angler’s licenses. The online system will assign an ALS number to those without one.

This coming float season the new Smith River Management Plan will apply. Among other changes the plan includes a first come, first served policy at the river’s Camp Baker launch site and a pet prohibition for floaters. The Smith River Management Plan is available for review on FWP’s Web site.

The peak float season on the Smith River runs from early May to early July. For more information, contact FWP’s Region 4 office at 406-454-5840.

The FWP Commission will make final decisions on:

acquiring bighorn sheep habitat near Anaconda and a right-of-way for a fishing access site 24 miles west of Bozeman on the Madison River;
Montana’s bighorn sheep conservation strategy; and
waterfowl hunting on Mitchell Slough near Missoula.
The commission will also consider proposals on the FWP budget and legislative priorities; the peregrine falcon take for falconry in 2010; antler-shed hunting on wildlife management areas; two conservation easements for upland game birds, and clarification of the no-wake zone rule on Echo and Swan lakes.

Commissioners will also discuss bison management in Montana.

A morning work session beginning at 8:30 a.m. will include a joint meeting with the Board of Livestock, and discussions on hunter/landowner stewardship and conservation management along the Rocky Mountain Front.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with a disability. Individuals with special needs may request arrangements by contacting FWP at: 406-444-3186.

The full agenda and additional information on the scheduled topics may be found on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov under the heading FWP Commission.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Headlines – Region 4

When the new year arrives, it will be time to start thinking about summer floating trips on the Smith River.

Applications will be available Jan. 4 at all Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices or on the FWP website: www.fwp.mt.gov. Applications must be postmarked or submitted no later than Tuesday, Feb. 16.

FWP’s online licensing system might be just the ticket for anyone who wants to apply at home, but an ALS number is required.

For those folks who previously bought a hunting or fishing license, the ALS number is printed on the license top. For those without an ALS number, the online system will assign one.

To apply online, starting Jan. 4 go to the department’s web site. Then under the state parks logo click on Smith River permit.

Applications are also available at any FWP regional office.

Starting in 2010 a new Smith River management plan will take affect. The plan includes two changes next year: A first come, first served policy at the river’s Camp Baker launch site and a pet prohibition for floaters.

The Camp Baker policy states that official registration and campsite selection for floaters will begin 7:30 a.m. the day before a scheduled launch.

The no pet policy prohibits dogs and other pets on all Smith River floats.

The management plan is also online under state parks at the FWP web site.

Typically, several thousand floaters annually apply, with about 800 getting the permit they seek. The peak float season runs from early May to early July. For more information contact the FWP Region 4 office at (406) 454-5840

MFWPs is extending the public comment period through Dec. 16, 2009 on a draft recreation management plan and environmental assessment (EA) for the Blackfoot River.
“The Blackfoot River is
important to a lot of people, and we’re finding that we continue to get a lot of good questions and input even as the end of the original 30-day public comment period draws to a close,” says Lee Bastian, FWP’s Region 2 State Parks Supervisor in Missoula. “We decided to extend the
comment period for another month so that we are able to engage everyone that is interested.”
The draft Blackfoot River management plan and EA address several key issues identified by a citizen advisory committee, FWP staff and public input. The primary proposals include continuing to manage for high volume summer use downstream from Whitaker Bridge;
management actions to address congestion on the water in the upper sections of the river; restricting camping to designated
locations in high-use reaches of the river and exploring opportunities for overnight float trips; and a permit allocation system that could be used in the future if conditions become undesirable on certain stretches of the river.
The public is invited to review and comment on the 59-page draft plan and EA any time by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Copies of the plan and EA are available online at fwp.mt.gov . Click “Blackfoot River Plan.” Copies are also available from the Missoula and Helena FWP offices, or by calling 406-542-5562. Comments may be submitted in writing at the Web site listed above, via e-mail to blackfootcomments@mt.gov , or mail written comments to: Blackfoot River Plan; Montana FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road; Missoula, MT 59804.
The draft management plan, which builds upon work established in the 9-year old Blackfoot River Recreation Management Direction, is based in part on the recommendations of the River Recreation Advisory for Tomorrow (DRAFT) citizen advisory committee. The
25-member committee was appointed to represent the interests of private floaters and anglers, the outfitting industry, private landowners, and the various agencies that play a role in managing recreation.
The final plan will be based on public comments, the results of the EA, and input from staff.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Headlines – Region 3
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is now accepting applications from one-boat outfitters for temporary client days on the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers for use in 2010.

The temporary client days are available to one-boat outfitters who are currently not permitted to outfit on these two rivers and one-boat outfitters who are currently permitted to operate on these rivers, but want additional days.

Under the rules, a one-boat outfitter is defined as an outfitter who operates no more than one boat and is the sole guide. Outfitters must also be licensed by the Board of Outfitters to apply for these days.

One-boat outfitters may apply for a maximum of 60 temporary client days on the Beaverhead River and/or a maximum of 60 temporary client days on the Big Hole River.

After a one-boat outfitter has used temporary clients days for three consecutive years, the number of temporary clients days he or she may apply for in the following year may not exceed the highest number of temporary client days used in one of the previous three years. Outfitters should check their records to determine how many temporary client days they used in each of three consecutive years.

Application packets are available from the FWP regional office in Bozeman Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2009, and submitted to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Region 3

1400 S. 19 th Avenue

Bozeman, MT 59718

FWP will notify successful applicants by March 15, 2010. The temporary client days will be available for use in 2010.

Commercial use rules are in effect on the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers. These rules require outfitters and guides on these rivers to obtain permits and pay associated fees. For more information, contact FWP River Recreation Manager Molly Wainwright at 406-994-6359 or mwainwright@mt.gov.

FWP Seeks Public Comment On Open Water Fishing Contests

Tired of looking down a hole up at Georgetown for a few small
Kokanee? You might find that a
different species and some different tactics on a new to you lake or reservoir closer to home might just be the trick to get you out of the “same old same old” icefishing blues! I know that Georgetown is a great place to get your icefishing fix, but what if I told you that there were some other places that you could get to that might just open your eyes to a whole new world of fishing opportunities? Different species of fish that are very eager to bite darn near anything you can throw at them? Well if you are a little adventurous, have I got some ideas and places for you!

SPECIES NUMBER 1: YELLOW PERCH
Places to go: Placid, Seeley, Alva, Echo, and many other lakes, Crow Creek, NinePipes, Pablo, and Kicking Horse reservoirs are just a few.
Yellow perch tend to eat
during daylight hours and maintain an active lifestyle during the winter, making them perfect for those of us that don’t like
getting on the ice before daylight.
Yellow perch are highly
adaptive and feed on so many different types of forage, it’s important to locate large perch schools with sonar, especially if the fish are suspended or schooled over deep flats. Next, it’s important to determine what forage perch in your waters are
targeting, then try to use a presentation that best emulates the preferred forage. If the perch are feeding on insect larvae or
plankton, small ice jigs tipped with grubs or maggots are the best imitators. Dot, Rocker, Tiny Tears and Rat Finkies are good picks for this type of bite. If the
forage base has a good population of
forage fish, minnow imitating baits should be used. Since perch are most likely to be feeding on or near bottom, a small-hooked, but heavy-bodied jigging spoon should be used to facilitate faster, easier drops without the need for sinkers, and help hold your bait near bottom. There are tons of baits that fall into this category, Swedish Pimples, Kastmasters, and Nils Masters are a few good choices.
PRODUCTIVE JIGGING METHODS
Kamikaze perch will sometimes rise 15 feet to hit a descending lure. Perch can see a long way, especially in the clear water of winter. Use this to your
advantage. Reel your lure up to the hole, and on a slack line, drop it back down again. Let it fall all the way to the bottom. This will usually get their attention,
causing them to swim from great distances to see what’s up. Take the lure away from them again, back to the surface, and repeat the process. Pay close attention to your flasher or underwater camera. If you notice a fish that is rising to meet the lure, hit the brakes, and start slowly pumping and swimming the lure upward. The fish will usually follow and strike. If you see the reverse happening, a fish following the lure down after the lure passes it on the drop, let it sit on the bottom until the fish gets there. You’ll be amazed how many will slurp it off the bottom.
If perch are suspended and
feeding on plankton, using a basic,
small-hooked but heavy bodied ice jig (maggot-tipped) is a good bet. Use the standard quivering technique, just gently wiggling the bait with a slight, gradual upward jiggling motion, followed by a slow, quivering fall. Most of the time perch strike as the bait rises. When perch are feeding on insect larvae or worms on deep mud flats you can use a similar tactic, drop your bait to the bottom, and tap it gently several times to kick up the bottom. This commotion attracts perch who believe other perch have found food and attempt to move in on the action.
If the perch are found to be feeding on minnows, variations of basic spoon and jig and twister tail strategies come into play. Try aggressive, pounding actions with standard jigs first. If the fish appear to be more aggressive, try a more aggressive jigging minnow-style bait like Jigging Rapala tipped with maggots. These baits are more efficient, dropping down faster and allowing a more overall aggressive jigging approach.
Should the perch not be striking the previous methods, use of small flash spoons and walleye-style snap jigging strategies can be effective for triggering strikes. Lower your spoon to the desired depth, snap your rod upward with a sharp, sudden twist of the wrist, repeat once or twice, then pause. Strikes usually occur on the pause. These tactics might also get you a few Large mouth or Small mouth Bass depending on where you choose to fish.
DON’T STAY STATIC
Sometimes Ice fishing for perch comes in bursts where you take a few fish for a while then drops off to nothing. What do you do? Do you stay in your current position
hoping for things to pick up or do you move. If you decide to move, how far or where to? Being mobile, does not mean you have to give up comfort. Comfort is important, and can keep you fishing longer, which increases your chance for getting in on the best bite of any given day.
Portable shelters set-up in
seconds, and are very comfortable,
especially when the wind is howling. Shelters that take longer to erect, keep you from moving as often as you should.
Another key to mobility, is being able to drill holes in a big hurry. Although you can get by with a hand auger, during the early part of the season, it doesn’t take long before a gas powered model is required, to keep you on the move. New light weight models, like the Strikemaster Lazer, and the Eskimo Shark, cut through layers of ice like a laser, and will let you punch a bunch of holes in short order.
Being mobile works for me when fishing becomes slow. Once you have
established a good spot, I think drilling more holes in the same area again and again is often a waste of time and effort so I go for the easy route. I either move to a completely new area or I just leave the fishing for an hour and go and have a snack and start fishing again about a 1/2 hour later. Keep it simple!!!!
When it comes to early season perch action, look to the shallows for the key. Good shallow locations include reefs, bars, and bays. One of the first places to develop safe ice, is in the shallow bays, off of the main lake. They are usually the first place you can get to, and should definitely be checked out. Look for the mouths of bays to concentrate fish, as they are high percentage spots for contacting fish. Start your search as far out as you can safely venture, and begin looking for fish. If you target Nine Pipes or Pablo Reservoirs, remember that these two don’t open for fishing until January 17th
.
SPECIES NUMBER 2: LAKE TROUT
Places to go: Swan,
McGreggor, and Whitefish Lakes
Being a completely missed
fishery, Lake Trout are probably the
biggest bang for the buck that you can get through the ice besides Northern Pike.
Aggressive feeders, Lakers are a lot easier to catch and great eating fish.
Location is fairly important, look for drop offs, rocky edges, and main lake basin areas to hold fish almost all of the time. Lake Trout can also move right up into 5 feet of water or less, so don’t over look any structure. Keep in mind the same tactics that you would employ for Yellow Perch, if you are not catching fish, keep moving!
Ice fishing equipment for lake trout is straight forward. You will need a good ice fishing rod with at least 10 pound test that can handle larger lures. Super line like TUFF line and Fire Line that has very little stretch is a good choice. Don’t forget a 10 to 20 lb. mono or fluorocarbon leader for some shock absorption and you’re set. A variety of buck tail jigs sized from 1/2 to 2 oz. in Glow white, Glow green, white, and bright yellow always seems to work best. Tubes, jigging spoons, large twister tails, and larger swim baits are also good to have along. Make sure you have some variety with you. Tipping them with cut bait will also up the odds in your favor.
Lake trout typically see their prey much better above them than below. Generally, pounding your jig off of the bottom of the lake floor may prove to be a fish less affair. An aggressive Lake Trout will rise to intercept your lure from as much as 40 feet below. This is the aggressive action you are looking for. But don’t limit yourself to just one depth in the water column. There are times when lake trout will be on the bottom feeding on deadbait. You don’t want to miss these fish. If you head up to Swan Lake, you will also attract another fish that can only be kept In two places in Montana, Bull Trout!
While fishing, start with your jig just off of the bottom. Work this depth for a few minutes. If you don’t get hit, bring it up ten or fifteen feet and work that depth for a short period. Keep bring the jig up to a shallower depth and work that area for a few jigs. Continue this pattern and bam! Just remember how many cranks of the reel off the bottom you were when the fish hit, and you will have the start of that days pattern. This way you will scan the whole water column and understand where the fish are feeding. I have caught Lake Trout at the 10 foot depth while fishing in 70 feet of water, so keep an open mind. Often Lakers will hit your jig while it descends, so be prepared. You may have one on before you know it. They can grow to be well into the 20 pound range and make for an unbelievable battle through the ice. If you are prepared and take your time, you could land the fish of a lifetime.
Be Safe!!!
As with all icefishing, be very careful fishing new water. Do as much research on the body of water as you can, call local stores and shops to get any information on ice conditions. Always tell someone where you will be going, and if the ice looks questionable, don’t even chance it. With the cold spell that is hitting us right now, there should be good ice just about everywhere. So, If you were looking for a new challenge, check out these new targets and try something new that might just net you the fish of a lifetime and not the “same old same old!”

Another year in review:

With 2008 behind us and 2009 looming on the horizon, it’s time to make the annual New Year’s Resolution. This year I suggest making it one you might keep: to get out and fish more this year. On that note, you will be pleased to hear that the ice fishing season is in full swing, and it looks like a banner year. The belated cold weather of December has given us good, safe ice on nearly all area fisheries, and as usual the early bite has been excellent. As is typical of the early ice season, fish are still feeding heavily, although we expect the bite to steadily slow down as the oxygen levels beneath the ice drop, and fish become more lethargic. One trick to extending your peak season is to fish lower elevation lakes later in the winter, as later and usually thinner ice may extend the window of aggressively feeding fish, perhaps right through the entire season! Meanwhile, our flowing waters that have extended seasons on them are seeing typical winter fishing. When the weather warms enough that the rivers aren’t frozen bank to bank, anglers will find the ever present whitefish podded up in slower runs. The hearty trout-chasing fly rodder (catch and release, of course) can find good fishing during warmer periods of the day, and sometimes an occasional midge hatch will provide some excitement, although most success will be found drifting a tandem of nymphs. Whatever you’re preferred method might be, whether sitting on frozen water or standing in freezing water, you’ll have plenty of options.

Here is a rundown of local ice-fishing options.

GEORGETOWN LAKE: The early season on Georgetown has been a mix of good and fair. We finally had fishable ice in early December this year and while the trout fishing has been good the Kokanee fishing has been up and down. Early season at Georgetown usually finds fish located around the remaining weed beds, and traditionally good spots to try are Piney point, Rainbow Bay, Denton’s point or the Pump House area. There are lots of favorite lures at Georgetown, but Swedish Pimples, Rocker Jigs, Ratsos and Rat Finkees are good choices to try. Often, size and color will matter more than the specific jig, so carry some in pink, orange, green, white or glow, and tip them with maggots or mealworms for best success.

CLEARWATER LAKES: The Clearwater lakes chain offers a little bit of everything. If trout are your quarry, Alva and Rainy are good choices for nice cutthroats. A small Swedish Pimple or rocker jig with a maggot should keep you in business. Harper’s Lake is also a popular trout hole, it is regularly stocked with 4-10lb brood stock, and these fish provide excellent sport through the ice although they are not the best for eating. They may not be the prettiest trout you’ll ever see, but five pound trout will allow you to overlook some aesthetic deficiencies. If perch or pike are your quarry, try out Salmon or Seeley. Most anglers will set up a tip-up rigged with a smelt, and fish a second rod with jigging Rapala or larger Air plane jig for pike, or a Tear-drop jig and maggot for perch. Both of these are good bets for spearing pike as well, if that is your game.

BROWNS LAKE: What on earth would make a normally sane person spend all their waking hours staring through a hole on what might very well be the coldest, windiest slab of ice on the face of the earth? How about a five fish limit heavy enough to win the Bass Master Classic. These are trout we’re talking about, but you get the idea. Brown’s lake has more than it’s fair share of enormous trout, but they can also be notoriously difficult to catch, and I was only barely kidding about the wind. Most successful anglers will concentrate their efforts around the weed beds and points by the boat launch. Successful baits include Swedish Pimples, jigging Rapalas, and rocker jigs. Fishing a partial or whole night crawler or power bait on a tip-up or dead-stick rig is sometimes very productive as well. Try different combinations until you get it right.

Reservation Lakes: Just a short drive north of town there are numerous lakes that offer excellent opportunities for the ice fishing angler. Ninepipes, Kicking Horse, Pablo and Crow Reservoirs are a few of the waters with good fishing. Ninepipes probably has the best ice fishing for bass in our area; just make sure you wait until after waterfowl season to fish on this one. Winter probably gives one of the best chances for numerous bass in the five plus pound range. Jigging Kastmasters, Swedish Pimples or Jigging Raps are sure to get you some looks from these hard fighting predators. The pike in Crow can be caught with smelt on a tip-up or spoons tipped with cut-bait. Some of these reservoirs also have good populations of perch. Small Swedish Pimples or a basic teardrop jig are good bets and small Jigging Raps can be effective. Make sure you have them tipped with a maggot.

Area Rivers: For those out there who would prefer not to have to drill a hole to go fishing, never fear. Local rivers will still offer up some good fishing for trout and whitefish if conditions permit. Any time we see a few days of
above-freezing temperatures, grab your favorite nymphing stick and your neoprene waders and head out to the Clark Fork, Bitterroot or Rock Creek. Most any tandem of nymphs will suffice, but personal favorites include San Juan worms, glo bugs, Copper Johns and Lightning Bugs. Keep your drifts slow and tight to the bottom. If you aren’t too snooty a trout fanatic, whitefish pod up in slower runs and bite readily during the winter, and are dynamite in the smoker. What whitefish may lack in aesthetic beauty, they more than make up for smoked, and served with cheese and crackers. A number of nymphs will work but they seem to have an affinity for the color chartreuse and anything that sparkles. Most days the bite will last for an hour or two during the warmest part of the day, giving you plenty of time for that much needed second cup of coffee.

Have a safe and happy new year, and as I stated at the beginning, resolve to spend more time fishing this year.

Winter is finally here, meat is in the freezer, and it is now time to start tying those patterns for next season. While many people fish the “stars” of hatches; mayflies, hoppers, and caddis… terrestrials are often overlooked. A good beetle or ant pattern will produce when the fish have seen every pattern you throw. Here is a very productive beetle pattern for you to try. Give us a call if you have questions, or to sign up for our winter classes in fly tying or rod building.

FOAM BEETLE PATTERN

Hook: Standard dry fly 12-14

Thread: Black 6/0

Body: Peacock Herl, six strands (you can also use a dubbing loop)

Back: Black closed cell foam (a strip as wide as the hook gap)

Post: Polypropylene Yarn, yellow orange mixed

Hackle: Grizzly (twice the size of the hook gap)

Legs: Pheasant, four knotted

Step 1: Secure thread at eye and run to bend and then back to above point. Cut foam to a point and attach. Run thread part way down bend.

Step 2: Tie in peacock herl. Twist with thread to form a rope. Wrap 2/3 of shank. Fold foam forward and tie down. Don’t stretch the foam too tight! Make two loose wraps with thread; pull tight, then two tight wraps. Lift foam and make a few wraps around shank just in front of wraps that secured the foam. Then go back over original tie in point with a few more wraps. This should build a gap for the post. Trim excess foam and make a nice rounded head.

Step 3: Tie in poly yarn. Double and tie in the middle. Remember you are doubling so not too thick! Lift and make several turns around the base of yarn. Then make two to three turns in front and back of post.

Step 4: Tie in knotted legs, (equal number on each side). The inner pair should be level with the hook bend and the outer with the hook point. Tie in hackle on far side of post facing backwards, shiny side up.

Step 5: Wind hackle, five to six turns counter clockwise. Make sure each wrap is beneath the preceding one. Position hackle tip between head and hook shank and tie off behind eye. Whip finish head and clip thread.

Step 6: Clip away any hackle facing downward. Put a drop of head cement at base of post and thread wraps. Clip post, about 1/4” long.

Step 7: Go catch some fish!

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission adopted rules creating a temporary client day system on the two rivers in 2005. The 

temporary client days are available to one-boat outfitters who are currently not permitted to outfit on these rivers and one-boat outfitters who are 

currently permitted to operate on these rivers, but want additional days. 

Under the rules, a one-boat outfitter is defined as an outfitter who operates no more than one boat and is the sole guide. Outfitters must also be licensed by the Board of Outfitters to apply for these days. 

The temporary client day 

system is based on the 

recommendations of the Beaverhead Big Hole Citizens’ Advisory 

Committee. The committee wanted to create an opportunity for 

one-boat outfitters without them having to purchase an authorized outfitter’s business in its entirety. The temporary client day system went into effect in 2006.

The system allows one-boat outfitters to apply for a maximum of 60 temporary client days on the 

Beaverhead River and/or a maximum of 60 temporary client days on the 

Big Hole River.

This is the third year that FWP has implemented the temporary client day system. The rules state that after a one-boat outfitter has used 

temporary clients days for three 

consecutive years, the number of temporary clients days he or she may apply for in the following year may not exceed the highest number of 

temporary client days used in one of the previous three years.

This will affect outfitters who received temporary clients days in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Outfitters should check their records to 

determine how many temporary client days they used in each of those three years.

Information packets and 

applications are available from the FWP regional office in Bozeman 

Applications must be postmarked by December 31 and submitted to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 

Region 3, 1400 S. 19th Avenue, 

Bozeman, MT 59718 

FWP will notify successful applicants by February 15. The 

temporary client days will be available for use in 2009.

Commercial use rules are in effect on the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers. These rules require outfitters and guides on these rivers to obtain permits and pay required fees. For more information, contact Molly Wainwright at 406-994-6359 or mwainwright@mt.gov or Jerry Walker at 406-994-3552 or gwalker@mt.gov.

than snow. Can it really be December?  A dry, temperate November has stalled the start of ice fishing season this year, and by the time you read this, unless there is a severe change in our long term forecast, it will still be stalled. Hopefully by Christmas just about all of our water should be hard and the shacks and augers can come out of storage.  If ice fishing isn’t your bag, most of our rivers will still offer some good opportunities for trout and whitefish, weather allowing.

 
First, let’s look at some good early season ice fishing options
GEORGETOWN LAKE: In western Montana, the first ice and often the best fishing occurs on Georgetown.  There is finally some ice on this favorite winter fishing destination.  Most anglers will fish small jigs like Rat Finkees, Ratsos and rocker jigs, tipped with maggots.  For added flash try removing the hook from a Swedish Pimple or Kastmaster and running your jig as a dropper about six inches below the spoon.  The flashing spoon will entice the fish in close, where they usually won’t be able to resist the tasty morsel suspended below.  Generally the bite is best early in the morning, and usual hotspots are Piney point, Rainbow point, Denton’s point or the Sunnyside area. 

CLEARWATER LAKES CHAIN: The Clearwater lakes will usually start to fish a couple of weeks after Georgetown, first up high on Rainy and Alva, and a bit later on the lower lakes like Salmon, Seeley and Harper’s.  There is a lot of water to fish up here, and quite a few species to hunt.  For trout, try Rainy, Placid, Harpers or Alva.  Jigging Swedish Pimples, Buckshots or small jigs tipped with maggots is the preferred technique.  Placid is also home to a good population of Kokanee, which are scrappy fighters on light tackle and readily take a glow hook tipped with a maggot or corn. If pike are your quarry, Salmon and Seeley have gained quite a reputation in recent years for kicking out some decent specimens through the ice.  These toothy denizens are usually taken either by fishing dead smelt or herring on a tip-up, or jigging airplane jigs or Jigging Raps.  Either way, dragging ten pounds of angry, slimy, toothy pike through a hole in the ice is 

world-class sport any way you slice it.  

 
BROWNS LAKE: While not the numbers fishery that Georgetown is, there isn’t a better place to catch big trout through the ice than Browns.  Brown’s lake experts jealously guard their favorite baits and hotspots, but the observant angler will find that the time it takes to get the hang of things up here is well worth the effort.  Try small spoons like Swedish pimple and Buckshots, or Jigging Raps for best success.  Baiting with maggots or a bit of night crawler is generally a good idea as well.  Carry lots of colors and sizes, and try different combinations until you hit on the right one.  Don’t forget to set up a tip up. It may take some time to get it right, but you will be rewarded by trout that are often measured in pounds instead of inches.

FLATHEAD LAKE:  Flathead will rarely freeze much in December, and fishing is often as good as it gets here.  Lake trout cruise very near the shorelines this time of year, and can be caught from the boat or even from shore by the enterprising angler.  Cast heavy spoons like Country Miles, Bomber Slabs and Kastmasters, and cover as much water around 

drop-offs, ledges and shoreline structure as possible.  Even though the white fish bite never got going this year, fishing for them in December can be excellent as well, as these fish prepare to head downriver to spawn.  Fish can be caught from the boat, or off of Polson Bridge itself.  Jigging spoons, grubs or whitefish flies tipped with maggots will be the best way to fill the smoker one last time.

AREA RIVERS:  Our local rivers will still fish very well at times throughout the month.  Ideally, pick a day when the air temperature is above freezing, and fish the warmest part of the day.  Concentrate your efforts on holding water that is slower than what you would fish in the summer, and fish more deliberately as well, as trout won’t move a long ways to eat in water this cold, so precise drifts will be key. Often times a number of drifts through the same spot are necessary to coax a fish to bite. Expect most of the action to be subsurface, but you can do surprisingly well some times nymphing San Juan Worms, glo bugs and small bead head nymphs.  The bite will not generally last very long, but a couple of hours standing in thirty four degree water is generally enough to take the edge off your fishing jones.

Wherever you go this month, remember that winter in Montana can be dangerous, so stay warm, safe and smart when you head out.  Fish with a partner, and make sure someone back home knows where you are.

For those of you who prefer your water in it’s liquid state, there are still plenty of places to wet a line.

As the last warm, bluebird days of October quickly fade into distant memory, winter seems more like a certainty than a suggestion, and it’s easy to find ones self caught in an angler’s limbo. I always have to resist the urge to stew around the house, reliving fishing memories of the
season past, while waiting impatiently for true winter and the start of ice fishing season. With the general rifle season open, and the deer and elk running for their lives, November always seems to be a sort of fishing no-man’s land, but don’t be fooled. Although the number of great fishing options might be fewer, there is still some excellent fishing to be had this month, if you know where to look.

FLATHEAD LAKE:
Flathead offers up some of the best fishing of the year for Macs and whitefish in November. Lake Trout are now routinely patrolling shallow water haunts, along shorelines with deep drop-offs. Casting heavy spoons like Country Miles and Kastmasters from the boat towards the shore is a great way to fill the cooler with some tasty trout. Whitefish will also start to school up at the river inlet and outlet to prepare for spawning, and fishing can be red hot, especially in Polson Bay. This is similar to the summer whitefish season, except most of the fish are in shallower water now. Jigging small spoons, grubs, and whitefish fly rigs with maggots will produce some hefty stringers.

MISSOURI RIVER RESERVOIRS:
Although the walleye fishing usually slows down in November, the trout fishing can be terrific on Hauser, Holter and Canyon Ferry. Brown trout are moving up to the river inlets to spawn, and will congregate in the river mouths and around
rocky shoreline structure. Big browns are notoriously aggressive this time of year, and they will usually attack just about anything that gets in their way. Trolling or casting Rapalas, Triple Teasers and Kastmasters will get the job done, and fly anglers should cast big streamers like Egg-Sucking Leeches on sinking lines. Either way, these fish are more interested in killing your lure than eating it, so expect strikes to be full of bad intentions.

GEORGETOWN LAKE:
Georgetown is another good choice before the ice starts to form. The weeds that plagued our best efforts all summer have started to recede, and fishing is excellent. Trolling Wedding Rings, Triple Teasers and Rapalas will work fine for both salmon and trout. Fly anglers should strip leech and bugger patterns around the pump house, where big trout are often found this time of year. Your chances of catching a trophy brook trout fully dressed in their brightly colored spawning regalia is also good. Georgetown is pretty high in the hills, so keep an eye on the weather, as storms can shut things down pretty quick up there.

MISSOURI RIVER:
The ‘Mo is a good choice to fish in November, because the tailwater helps to keep the flow and temperature regular. Don’t expect to see a lot of hatches this time of year, but on most any overcast afternoon you will see little BWO’s in sizes #18 to (shudder) #24. Trying to feed a size #24 BWO cripple to a 20” brown trout is a little like driving over McDonald Pass in a blizzard in a Geo Metro, but it can be done. Nymphing San Juan Worms and little bead head nymphs and scuds will produce reliably, and streamer fishing can be surprisingly good, especially now that the carpets of weeds are starting to break up.

BITTERROOT RIVER:
The Bitterroot often fishes very well in November, especially for a freeston Mahogany Duns and BWO’s will persist until the weather really turns cold, and will often provide some epic dry-fly fishing. Most of the Western Montana crowds are busy with big game hunting by now, and the ‘Root is mercifully uncrowded. Nymphing the dreaded Bacon and Eggs (San Juan Worm and Glo Bug) combo is a good way to target fish feeding on brown trout eggs, and the aforementioned brown trout are sometimes remarkably susceptible to brown and yellow or ginger colored buggers.

IDAHO STEELHEAD:
Buying an out-of-state fishing license is borderline sacrilege for most native Montanans, but with steelhead pouring up the Clearwater and Salmon rivers at a near record pace, and the price of gas dropping, it might be time to reconsider. November is generally the peak month of the fall season, and this is really shaping up as a banner year. Both rivers have plenty of fish, although the Salmon typically sees less B-Run steelhead than the Clearwater, which boasts more of these bigger fish. The Salmon also runs through a colder drainage, so it is likely to lock up with ice at the end of November or the beginning of December, while the Clearwater stays open most of the winter. A variety of techniques will work on both: pulling plugs from a boat, drifting corkies and roe, or bobber and jig fishing are the most popular techniques. Fly anglers should swing traditional wets or leeches, utilizing sink-tips as the weather gets colder.

All in all, November is a favorite month for the hard-core and aspiring hard-core angler alike, so get out there and squeeze in a few more days of fishing that don’t require a 24” rod and an auger to enjoy.

The air is crisp in the morning, the leaves are falling and every time some weather moves in there is a chance for snow in the mountains. I think fall has finally arrived in the Missoula area, knock on wood. This is always the time of year it gets harder to not play hooky from work and head to the river. I suppose if I can manage to stay employed until November I’ll consider it a victory. I know that many of you will be too preoccupied with the bow, shotgun or rifle to get much fishing in, but that will just leave more great fishing for the rest of us. Expect most of Montana’s rivers and lakes to fish very well in October, but here are a few that you should be able to count on to put a bend in your rod.

FLATHEAD LAKE: October is the month that lake trout will start to move into shallower flats looking to spawn, and they can be readily caught on Country Miles, Krocodiles or other heavy spoons from shore or boat, or vertical jig fishing with Bucktail jigs, Lead-a-gators or Crippled Herring. By the end of the month, Lake Whitefish should start to gather in Polson Bay, where they can be taken jigging Rattle D’Zastors, Buckshot Spoons, Kastmasters and Ready-to-Go whitefish rigs.

BLACKFOOT RIVER: The Blackfoot comes into its own in the fall. The autumn scenery is unmatched and the bugling of elk in the valley almost makes you wish you had a bow in your hand. When the days shorten and the weather cools it’s big streamer time on the Blackfoot. As spawning time nears the rivers population of browns get territorial and aggressive, making them susceptible to the nastiest flies your mind can come up with at the vise. Along with browns, the chances of catching a trophy rainbow, cutthroat or bull trout are high also. Remember that the bull trout is a protected species so if you are lucky enough to hook into one of these monsters play them quickly and let them go immediately.

BITTERROOT RIVER: The ‘Root is a great choice for Missoula area anglers in October. In addition to good dependable hatches of BWO’s, Mahogany Duns and Hecubas, the streamer fishing can be dynamite on overcast, nasty days. Strip double bunnies and big lead eyed leeches back in the logjams and hang on tight. If you aren’t above putting a strike indicator and a split shot on your leader this is a good month to start nymphing with glow bugs. These colorful balls of yarn can produce trout through out the winter and into spring.

ROCK CREEK: Not to be over looked Rock Creek offers up some excellent fall fishing and is a good place for a day trip cast and blast. Blue Winged Olives and Mahoganies are present and can offer some excellent dry fly fishing. The lower section also gets a run of spawning browns from the Clark Fork. Nymphing or fishing streamers are both effective tactics. A San Juan worm and an egg pattern is a good combination under your strike indicator in the fall.

BEAVERHEAD: If you’re into cast-and-blasts, a weekend in the Dillon area is a trip worth taking for both the casting and the blasting. The Beaverhead will see excellent BWO hatches all month, and this river is also known for its population of big brown trout, and in October big brown trout and big yellow streamers are synonymous. While you’re in the area take a side trip to the Big hole. It also has good fall hatches and feisty resident browns that love to chow on streamers. Both rivers are in low flow and will wade fish very well this time of year.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: If you love to fly fish, October is the month to be in the park. I say “love” because the weather in Yellowstone during the fall is usually enough to keep those who only “like” to fly fish sitting at home or fishing rivers closer to home where they can call it a day if the weather gets bad. Cold toes, iced guides and frozen reels are all part of the package when you fish here in October. The reward for all this suffering are browns you can measure by the pound instead of the inch and hot rainbows that peel line from your reel and leave your knuckles sore. By October, the Madison will have fish all the way to the junction pool, and they are commonly taken either swinging soft hackles or streamers, or nymphing with bead headed nymphs and egg patterns. Don’t overlook the upper Firehole either, where resident trout sip BWO duns predictably every afternoon. The fishing is often challenging, and most of the good water is crowded by other anglers making the pilgrimage, but fishing in Yellowstone can’t be judged by numbers or size of the fish caught, but by the whole of the experience. By these standards, every trip is a great one.

Wherever you fish this month, weather can be a huge factor. If you go out in the worst of it, be cautious and dress for the occasion. Hypothermia sets in quickly when you go for a swim in the fall. Good luck out there and I hope you don’t play hooky too much this month.