Montana is blessed with water; gin-clear cold water. Fed from glaciers, winter snowpack and deep mountain springs, Montana’s pristine chilly waters are a perfect habitat for trout. Rainbow, Lake, Cutthroat, Brown and Brook Trout thrive to the delight of bears and anglers.

Trout depend on cold water to survive. Our waters are cold, trout flourish in Montana. Brook Trout are the easiest to catch but the most sensitive to water temperature; their population begins to diminish in waters that exceed 68 degrees F., Montana’s other species of trout are comfortable at slightly warmer temps. Many fishermen feel that the wary Brown Trout is the most difficult to catch.

Montana boasts literally thousands of miles of streams and rivers and a generous plethora of lakes. Here in Mineral County we have 53 alpine lakes, however; you can only drive to 3, the remainder are hiking trail accessible only. Nearby Glacier County has 116 lakes. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, north and east of Yellowstone Park has over 400 trout lakes. There is blue ribbon water everywhere, most of it teeming with one or more species of trout.

The top of Triple Divide Peak, where continental divides intersect, is located within Glacier National Park (named for the glacial rivers of ice that crafted its majestic landscape). TD Peak marks the point that gives Montana the distinction of being the only geographic region in the world whose mighty rivers form parts of three major water sheds; Hudson Bay, The Pacific Ocean and The Gulf of Mexico.

In Mineral County, some of Montana’s best fishing holes are to be found. The town of Saint Regis marks the confluence of the St. Regis and Clark Fork Rivers. Here anglers are regularly rewarded with prize winning catches, fish measuring up to 20 inches are commonplace. Overall the fishing on the Clark Fork is excellent, the river has over a thousand fish per mile in many areas. Some of the toughest and strongest trout anywhere are found in these waters. The Clark Fork River is considered one of the most prolific western rivers in the United States.

The Clark Fork River commences at its headwaters in the Silver Bow Mountains near Anaconda, Montana and wanders north and west for over 275 miles through arid flat lands, mountains and valleys. When the Clark Fork crosses into Idaho, it is the largest river in Montana, carrying an average of over 22,000 cubic feet of water per second.

A glorious fall day, honking geese heading south, cool crisp morning air, a dusting of snow on the Bitteroots and trout rising on the river; it doesn’t get any better than this!

Rainbow Trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Montana’s number one game fish, the Rainbow Trout is a highly prized favorite among trout anglers and fly fishermen. Commencing in 1989, hundreds of millions of rainbow trout have been introduced from hatchery stock to habitat throughout the state. Rainbow Trout have been established in streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. In recent years policy has changed and now Rainbow Trout are primarily introduced only in lakes and reservoirs.

Fish biologist believe that the only Rainbow Trout, actually native to Montana, are those that are found in the Kootenai River drainage.

In connective water systems that allow the trout to migrate, hatchlings will remain in small creeks or streams until they reach 6 to 8 inches and then will venture into the larger rivers and lakes where they gain weight and size before returning to spawn. A 33 pound beauty holds the state record; 10 pound catches are common in the majority of Montana’s alpine lakes.

Treasured for its gameness, beauty and firm pink flesh, Rainbow Trout are an important and valued part of Montana’s eco-system.

Brook Trout
(Salvelinus fontinalis)

Brook Trout are plentiful in mountain streams with gravel bottoms. A good spot to try your luck is in the overhang of trees that provide protection from preying birds and a bit of shade. Brook Trout feed on other small fish, mollusks, crustaceans and insects. Just about any bait or lure that mimics their food source will land a “Brookie”.

A half dozen “Brookies”, dusted with flour and fried in butter over an open campfire, are delightfully tasty. Add some fried potatoes, flip a couple of eggs and you have a Mountain Morning breakfast “fit for a king”.

Brown Trout
(Salmo trutta)

For many an angler, the elusive Brown Trout is hard to catch. The Brown Trout is a lot more wary than other species. Its shy habits help to ensure longevity in streams where other trout have been fished out.

Brown Trout seek areas with plenty of cover. Under log jams, cuts in the bank, overhanging tree cover or rock outcroppings are their favorite hang-outs. As they grow larger, Brown Trout become even more wary. They will often feed at night when darkness offers protection. Although a challenge to capture, the Brown Trout’s succulent flavor is a reward for patience.

Brown Trout normally feed on small minnows, crustaceans, worms and insects. Netting a Brown Trout requires skill, tenacity and a little bit of luck.

Lake Trout
(Salvelinus namaycush)

By far the largest of all trout species, the Lake Trout prefers deep, cold lakes. Also sometimes called Salmon Trout, Makinaw or Great Lakes Trout, they feed on any source of flesh available with their habitat. Eels, smelt and a variety of minnows are all part of the Lake Trout’s diet.

Due to their preference for icy cold waters, the meat of the Lake Trout is rich and flaky, tender and extremely flavorful.

In the early spring, fly fishermen working the lake shallows report success using dry flies. As the weather warms, the Lake Trout move deeper, retreating to colder waters. Summer and fall fishing requires trolling with heavier tackle.

Cutthroat Trout
(Salmo clarki)

Icy mountain streams that eventually drain into the Pacific Ocean are the preferred habitat of Cutthroat Trout. They feed on minnows, worms, crustaceans and a variety of insects. In fast moving water or rapids, fly fishing is the method of choice. Brown Trout can also be taken with grubs, worms or lures.

Most cutthroat fish populations remain in freshwater during their lifespan. These trout populations are known as non-migratory, stream-resident or riverine. Some cutthroat make their home in the Pacific Ocean, returning to freshwater to feed and spawn in the fall, returning to the ocean in the early part of spring. Those that spend most of their time in the ocean can weigh up to 20 pounds. The trout that remain in the freshwater may only get up to 2 pounds.

In 1977 the Blackspotted Cutthroat was named the State Fish of Montana.

Marlene Affeld
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/trout-fishing-in-montana-a-perfect-day-698593.html

Trout come in a variety which include, brown, rainbow,brook,steelhead and cutthroat. They mainly live in North America, Asia and Europe, but they have been taken into other parts of the world because fishermen love trout for their size, colour and for the great sport of catching them.

Mainly you will find trout in cooler rivers and lakes. If you see fast flowing water turns to a slower pace or where deeper water turns to shallow, this is a good place to start looking. Trout fishing can be fun and sometimes these fish can try your patience because of their moody temperament.

Everyone has their favourite bait for catching trout and if you find something that works for you then stick with it, but if not listed below are a few ideas on what you could use.

Salmoneggs,crayfish,minnows,earthworms,insects,spinners,you should also consider using something out of the ordinary like a corn or a piece of marshmallow. All anglers seem to use the same baits and if you could come up with something different that the trout are feeding on ,you could be onto a good days fishing.

Fly fishing is another good way to catch trout. There are a number of different flies on the market to choose from and it is always good to have a selection. Some of the flies on the market do not resemble any insect or fly at all. This is because they are not supposed to as they are mealy food recognition as appose to imitation.

The feeding habits of the trout change from species to species as well as time of day and difference in waters, fast or slow. Many factors have to be taken into consideration when fishing for trout and no one thing can determine weather you get it right or wrong.

Trout are a very cunning and unpredictable fish and the more time that you spend practising the easier it will be to make the right choices to enable you to master this species. These fish will take a lot of time and patience to overcome, but if you can put in the time and gain the knowledge you will need your rewards will be worth it in the end.

Try to remember you do not need to imitate a specific fly or insect to catch these fish so try going for something that does not resemble any of flies you usually use. Give it a go, you may be pleasantly surprised and good luck.

jeff ryall
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/trout-the-hunt-is-on-115224.html

Fly fishing differs from regular fishing because you don’t use a heavy lure and a light line. Instead, using a fake fly on the end of the line, you cast out a heavy line with a thinner leader on the end. Often a color of ribbon, thread, or fur is tied to the fly. This gives fish the impression that what they see is a bug that they eat. Fly fishing lines are much heavier than regular fishing line, but are often designed to float. There are two types of fly fishing. Dry fly fishing involves the fly remaining on the surface of the water. Wet water fly fishing involves sinking the fly down into the water. Both methods are very effective. The use of the techniques is up to the person fishing and the circumstances on “fishing trips.

Fly fishing is practiced throughout the United States and Canada. The most common states for fly fishing are Montana, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, California, and Alaska. This is because of the amount of fish flowing through the Rocky Mountain area. West Yellowstone is considered the major hub for great fly fishing. More fish are caught here than any other location. Areas of Canada including Alberta as well as other water areas throughout the world are great locations for fly fishing.

Fly fishing is a great sport enjoyed by fisherman all over the world. This method of fishing requires artificial flies, and a rod that is very flexible. The sport of fly fishing has been around since at least 200 A.D. The first knowledge of the sport is found in books written during that time period. Today the sport remains very popular. Most people fly fish for trout, salmon, and bass.

This sport of fly fishing continues to be very popular, with no sign of letting up any time soon. Fly fishing enthusiasts spend lots of time and money fly fishing. They buy the best equipment and travel to the best fishing locations, hoping to be lucky enough to catch that great fish swimming upstream.

Steven James
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/an-introduction-to-the-art-of-flyfishing-108418.html

Are you planning to go fishing for salmon? If you are and you are one of the beginners or first-timers, there are basic things you need to know to get you started and to help you enjoy this enjoyable outdoor activity.

First off, there are several species of salmon that you should know about before you go fishing for salmon trips. There are Atlantic and Pacific salmons. Atlantic species are from the Atlantic Ocean, as the name implies. Also, you can find a wide variety of salmon in the various lakes that are in the eastern North America areas. They are the kind of salmon that don’t immigrate as they prefer fresh water than salt water.

The most popular of all salmons are the Chinook or king salmon or spring salmon, black mouth, however you call them, as they are the biggest among the salmon species, weighing between 25 to 65 pounds, or even more. They are found from southern California coast to the Bering Strait. Alaska has earned its fame in fishing for salmon, since it is where the heaviest ever recorded king salmon, weighing over 96 pounds. Chinook salmon is the state fish of Alaska.

Other types of salmon include the red salmon or sockeye salmon, pink salmon, silver or Coho salmon, chum salmon, and the Atlantic salmon, which are left run wild in the on the Atlantic coast only. Each of the pacific salmon species have different life cycle and each returns to their fresh water spawning grounds at different times. When salmon returns to the rivers where they’re from, they are collectively called run that is, in turn, named after the river. So, if you hear the word run or runs, you know what it means.

Due to the fact that salmon always come back to where they hatched, you know when the ideal times are to go fishing for salmon or mostly called fishing season and you know there will always be salmon to catch. This is why many fishermen became fascinated with fishing, whether as hobby, sport or pastime.

Fishing for salmon requires bait. There are various types of baits that you cause in fishing for salmon. There are plugs, worms, lures, and flies in which you can use for fresh water salmon; for salt water, you can go for flies, streamers, crustaceans, and lures.

Fly fishing for salmon will require you to have 12-16 ft. graphite or fiberglass rod, fly reel and line. For bait fishing, you will need a 10 ft. spinning rod and bait caster reel with up to 20 lb. test line. But if you are into fishing for king or Chinook salmon, you will need a boat or a trolling rod. And because Chinook are known to be the biggest and heaviest of its kind, you will 20-40 pound or more test line. Who knows, your simple fishing for salmon trip could land you to catch king salmon?

Milos
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/fishing-for-salmon-69023.html

Fly fisherman are taking over the craft world by storm. Sure, no one wants to decorate his walls with flies, except maybe a fisherman, but with their creativity in gear, fly fishermen are genuinely creating tiny, functional works of art that literally bring dinner to the table.

Fly fisherman have been engaged in tying their own flies for years. They do so for a couple of reasons, both practical and creative. At times, tying your own fly can really save you some money. In the end you have to ask yourself if the time spent tying a fly is worth the money saved. Additionally, fly tying will give a fisherman his needed creative fix as he can use whatever colors and materials he deems necessary to lure a fish unto his hook.

Fly tying requires very few but important tools, primarily among them, a vise. The vise, also spelled vice works almost like pliers in creating the fly. You can find the necessary fly tying tools like thread, scissors, a whip finisher, and bodkin, at specialized fly stores, outdoor stores, and even, now, online suppliers.

As you consider your vise, try not to fall into the trap of searching for the cheapest one. Because like many things, you will get what you pay for. And you need a good vise if you plan on creating some beautiful and functional ties. Typically a vise can run you anywhere from $20 to $400. Avoid your $20 vices. They will not last you nearly long enough, and they will even malfunction and possibly ruin the good work youve done on a decent fly.

Make sure that your vise can accommodate all kinds of hooks. For example, saltwater and freshwater hooks are much different. Freshwater is smaller, and thus not all vises can work with this type of hook. Always asks questions as you shop, because after all, if youre planning on putting a few hundred dollars down on a small device, you want what you pay for.

One of the more interesting devices available on the market is the vice that can rotate a fly 360 degrees, so you can literally work on any part of it thanks to this big holder. These kinds of vises have the potential to empty your bank account, though, so novices should consider a less expensive device before investing in this hobby.

In the end, you only need a few tools to create a great fly and a lot of imagination. But the best imagination in the world can easily be hampered by sub par tools, so look for the best that you can afford, and start creating.

Yuki Shoji
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/fishing-vice-not-so-evil-102550.html

Bend Oregon is home to several different species of trout. Rainbow Trout, German Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Bull Trout and Brook Trout are the primary species caught within a short drive from Bend.

Almost all lakes and streams in Central Oregon contain Rainbow Trout. The Deschutes River is world famous for it trout fishing. It begins in the Cascade Mountains Southwest of Bend. It is the source of water for Crane Prairie Reservoir and Wickiup Reservoir. It runs through the middle of Bend and eventually flows into the mighty Columbia River.

Crane Prairie Reservoir is known for its large trout (“Cranebows”). It is about a one hour drive from Bend. It was flooded in 1928 with most of the timber left standing. It is a relatively shallow lake with the deepest sections about 15-20 feet deep near the channels in the spring. The water level drops steadily all summer during the irrigation season.

The Cranebows spawn in the upper Deschutes in early spring and then return to the reservoir and are scattered around the shallower water. As the water warms in early summer the fish start congregating around the channels. Twenty to thirty inch rainbows are common.

All methods of lake fishing work on this strong fighting fish. Fly fishing is very popular once the fish move into the channels. Trolling flies, spoons or spinners is a popular method early in the season. Early summer brings on weed growth which makes it difficult to troll without fowling you lure.

There are numerous campgrounds and one resort on Crane Prairie. The resort provides rental boats, licenses and anything you might need for trout fishing. The owners are always helpful in pointing new anglers to where the fish are biting the best. It is difficult to fish here without a boat.

The Deschutes flows out of Crane Prairie and a few short miles into Wickiup Reservoir. Wickiup has large Rainbow and German Brown Trout as well as a large population of Kokanee Salmon. The Kokanee and Browns are the primary targeted fish.

Early spring brings out the die hard Brown Trout fisherman. They concentrate near the dam and generally troll Rapalas or similar minnow type lures. Ten pound fish are common in the early spring. Since Brown trout are nocturnal you’ll find the serious fisherman on the water at first light. Wickiup is best fished by boat but some large browns are caught from shore along the dam in the spring.

During the summer the Kokanee start congregating along the river channel. Jigging, bait fishing or trolling are the preferred methods for catching the Wickiup Kokanee. The Kokanee spawn in the fall with the Browns following them up the Deschutes channel.
Early morning and late evening is the best time to target the large Browns.

Wickiup only has one improved boat ramp which is located at Gull Point. There is not a boat dock so it makes it somewhat difficult for launching and boarding your boat. There are a couple of improved camp grounds as well as many unimproved places to camp.

The Deschutes River continues below Wickiup dam and flows through Bend. This section contains some smaller Rainbows and some nice sized German Browns. It runs through the Deschutes National forest. There is a good drift from the dam down to the Pringle Falls area.

Pringle Falls is dangerous and cannot be drifted. Watch for signs and be prepared to take out above the falls. This is a beautiful drift. The river from Pringle Falls to Bend has several different water falls that cannot be drifted. Check the numerous books available that discuss this section of river in detail.

The section of river that runs through Bend does not produce many fish as it is not stocked with hatchery fish and receives substantial fishing pressure.

The Deschutes flows from Bend into Lake Billy Chinook which is located between Redmond and Madras. Lake Billy Chinook is actually a reservoir that is backed up by Round Butte dam. “Round Butte” reservoir is filled by the Deschutes River, Crooked River and the Metolius River.

Lake Billy Chinook is known for its native Bull Trout population. Bull Trout are close to extinction in many parts of Oregon but not in Lake Billy Chinook. The state record Bull Trout was caught here in 1989. It weighed 23 pounds and 2 ounces. Ten to fifteen pound fish are still common with several being caught every year.

The best time to catch a large Bull Trout is in March and April. The Metolius arm of the reservoir boarders the Warm Springs Indian reservation and is closed from the end of October to March 1st every year. Early in the season the larger trout come into the shallows (10-20 feet) to feed on the abundant Kokanee salmon.

If you find the Kokanee you will find the Bull Trout. A boat is necessary to catch these fish. They are caught by casting the shore line with silver minnow plugs, trolling plugs, fly fishing with a sink tip line or jigging the deeper water if the fish have not moved up into the shallows yet.

If you are interested in pursuing Bull Trout check the authors’ web site for more helpful information, links and pictures.

The trout fishing in this article is all located within a one hour drive from Bend. There are many other lakes, reservoirs and streams within an hour of Bend that are not mentioned in this article.

Bend Oregon is a great place to live if you like the outdoors. There are many good trout fishing spots close by. The lower Deschutes below Bend is world famous for its Salmon Fly hatch but that is the subject of another article.

Jim Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/bend-oregon-home-to-great-trout-fishing-73640.html