Every year there comes a time in the north west when the big fish go off their diet of little fish and come to the surface for the big meal. The Salmonflies usually start hatching late spring or early summer.
Tracing the Flow of Salmonflies
Twenty years ago they didn't start until the first of July. Now it is the second week of June. On a normal year the hatch moves predictably up the river a few miles every day. You have to plan accordingly. The where and when of the hatch is usually quite predictable.
It usually starts on the Smith River then moves to Rock Creek, then the Big Hole River. Next is my home court, the Madison, and finally the Yellowstone.
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I like to put in above the hatch and float down into it, starting with big black nymphs until I see my first Salmonflies on the water. Then go to the big dry. After fishing size 14 and 16 dries on 4x and 5x leader it's kind of fun to go to a size 2 dry on 0x. You need strong tippet material because it is a "close to the bank thing," and 2 inches is not close enough. That thing needs to be in there close. Bounce off the grass one mend and it drops into the water. Takes are often explosive. Seems like the fish are genuinely mad at the thing. It is great fun and really exciting.
Stay Ahead of the Crowds
Unfortunately we are not the only predators that know of this phenomena. It’s guaranteed our fellow anglers will also be there for a chance at the big show. I often handle this problem by fishing early in the morning. During the "hatch" I usually pick up clients an hour before sunrise. I like to be the first on the water and stay ahead of the pack all day. There's nothing better than watching the sun come up while fishing big dries in close.
Fishing is still fishing, and sometimes they just won't eat. But a couple hours of good Salmonfly fishing in Montana will change your life. Tight lines everybody and I hope to see you out there!
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