Spring 2009

Big Horn River:  Water Levels have exploded to 4,000cfs.  Nymphing and dry fly fishing are great if you can dodge the moss.  Nyphm patterns- Scud, Sow Bugs, Midges, Baties.  Dry Fly patterns- B.W.O and Midges.  
Missouri River: Water levels are increasing every day due to run off.  The River is fishable from the dam to Craig.  Below the Dearborn is unfishable.  Nymphing is your best bet using P.T.'s, Pink scuds/sowbugs, and aquatic worm patterns.  Warming water temps are bringing some fish to the surface.  Suggested patterns - B.W.O., Caddis, March Browns.

Yellowstone River, Stillwater, and Boulder River: The free stone streams are blown out due to run off.   

Blackfeet Reservation: The lakes are 90 to 100% open.  Fising is good if you can brave the weather.  Some fish are still swiming in the shallows so look close before you wade out.

Spring Hatches:

Dry fly Hatches: 
April - May                                                                          
*Midge (fish eat midge patterns year round) @ all bodies of water 
            Size 18 to 20: black -> Any small midge patterns may work.
            Suggested Patterns: Sipper Midge, Midge clusters, or Cripples.

Streamers:
Any heavy, dark, flashy streamer, sizes 10 to 4 will work.
Suggested Patterns: Any Leach, Autum Splendor Special, Black Death, or Crystal Bugger. Also use egg sucking leaches. Keep trying different patterns.

Nymphs:
*Midge @ all bodies of water
         Size 18 to 20: Black, Red, Brass, Crystal, or Cream-> any color works.
         Suggested Patterns: Brassy, Disco Midge, or Quil Nymph.
         
*Scuds and Sow bugs @ Mainly BigHorn River
         Size 16 to 20: Orange, Pink, or Tan-> Soft hackle will work.
         Suggested Patterns: Ray Charles, Natural Sow bugs, Soft hackle Sow bugs.
*Aquatic worms
         Size 6 to 16: Purple, Red, Tan, Brown-> Try any variation.
         Suggested Patterns: San Juan Worm, Steel Worm.          

 * Baties @ all bodies of Water