montana

[zerosleep]

going to montana end of july!! can you guy recommend some flies to ty?
I won't get a chance to experiment as this is my first time out there and not
sure if I will make it back anytime soon. so I am looking to get it right the
first time. thanks!

[pillcaster]

Check out this site, I can only assume the info is correct. http://www.west-fly-fishing.com/cgi-bin/home

[Steven]

going to montana end of july!! can you guy recommend some flies to ty?
I won't get a chance to experiment as this is my first time out there and not
sure if I will make it back anytime soon. so I am looking to get it right the
first time. thanks!

Where are you going?

[zerosleep]

I believe we will be floating the madison, not sure of the name of the place we are staying at.

[Jack Hise]

Is it a Guided float? If so the guide will supply the fly's and won't let you use yours.

[DonO1]

"...not sure I'll make it back anytime soon.' I hear ya' there. I wouldn't be back too soon either. Four months should about do it.

[ScottP]

Late July on the Madison, I'd be sure to have some hoppers; beetles, ants, too. PMDs should be around, so have your favorite emergers and adults ready; epeorus, especially up higher, although that's more of a late evening hatch. I'd bring rusty spinners #16-18 to cover both bugs; had some luck fishing them late afternoon before the spinner fall even got started. If you were fishing early morning and/or later into the evening, caddis (emergers, adults, spent and egg laying). Depending where you are on the river, spruce moths may be showing by then, although that may be a bit early; can't hurt to have some. Have fun, catch a bunch.

Regards,
Scott

[zerosleep]

as a new tyer, I've learned so much from here. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[Steven]

Guides do seem to get paid to use the shops flies (they'll charge you for them at the end, most likely). But if you insist on using your own, you'll get your way.

If you're fishing the 50 Mile Riffle from a boat, 90% of the time the guides will want you to go deep with this.

http://www.mustad.no/www2010/fishing...nth/girdle-bug

It matches the stoneflies in the river.

Rule #1 when fishing from a boat: Keep your flies in the water.

My experience is that the water is so strong and roily in that stretch that nothing much floats. I've have had some success in the 50 Mile Riffle with large caddis with very bright wings. I did have one unbelievable afternoon with the Fat Albert (check out Charlie's Fly Box for instructions).

Streamers can work well. Pitch them out as far as you can and strip them back as fast as you can.

[ScottP]

I only fish the wade section above where the West Fork enters the river, and have a strong preference to fish on top, so Steven's advice is probably more relavent to what you're going to encounter (although I'm pig-headed and would still opt for fishing dries - lol). The guide's job is to make your experience as enjoyable as possible; listen and learn from them but don't be afraid to voice your preferences, too, if you're looking for something in particular.

Regards,
Scott