FALLIN' FOR THIS WEATHER
October 2022
UPDATED 10/14/2022
The beautiful fall weather continues to roll on here in the Madison Valley, and the afternoon temps are feeling more like late summer than late October. Soak it in while you can, this is Montana and we all know it could change any day! Our shop is currently inundated with phone calls from CenturyLink internet customers, so if you need to speak with us at the shop please reach out via email.
Although the sunny skies and lower than average flows can be challenging, fishing on the upper remains consistent. Nymphing with smaller flies like BWOs, midges and caddis has been the ticket in the chilly mornings before the sun gets on the water. As the day warms up, fish have been more willing to chase streamers. I'm a big “bright day, bright fly” advocate, and most of my streamer fish have come on white and flashy patterns this week.
The long range forecast starts to show cooler, more cloudy weather on the way, and that should open up the dry fly game on the Upper. Be on the lookout for BWOs and October caddis in the coming days.
Streamers: Mini Dungeon Black and Olive, Silk Kitty White and Tan, Mini D&D White/Pearl, Peanut Envy Olive and Black, El Sculpito Olive, Eric’s Smooth Criminal Olive, Sculpin Leech Gray.
Dry Flies: X-Stimulator Royal, X-Stimulator Yellow, Holo Humpy Orange, X-Fly Parachute Adams, Royal Ant, Parachute Flying Ant Rust.
Nymphs: Shop Vac, Tungsten Jig SF-Olive, King Prince, TB Lightning Bug Pearl, Pat’s Rubber Legs Black, Two Bit Stone Dark, Improved Wire Worm Red, Globug Egg Cream.
Looking for some fly tying material to create these patterns? Check out our fly tying collection online or stop by the shop! Continue to practice your best fish handling techniques. Avoid fish pictures for the gram whenever possible so that we can continue to have healthy fish populations for years to come.
- MRFC Guide "Heart Throb" Bob Hogue
