Clark Fork River -It fished very well last week as the water continued to fall. We had several great days of fly fishing using primarily big dries. There really aren’t any skwalas left but the fish are still looking for them. Try a slightly bigger pattern, as those big fluttering stones should make an appearance after another week of warm nights. Pigs and skwalas don’t fly. Those big willow stones do.
The march browns have been out in force and the fish have been on them. Try a prince or sjw before the dry fly bite kicks in. An olive bugger has been a kick early in the day if you feel the need to pull something.
Missouri River-Baetis! You can nymph like 90% of the dingbats on the river, or you can tie on a dry and cast to risers. Oh, and you can catch them! They have been agreeable to a small adams with any emerger behind it. The #20 purple lightening bug has been a great dropper too. The lower river has been a bit slower, but if you stay above the Dearborn you should be in business.
Hmmmm? A big orange plastic ball or a dry fly? I just don’t get it.