The East Gallatin Proves Again! 6/12/13

       The East Gallatin has once again proven to me that it remains a top-notch fishery within the city limits of Bozeman. Having such a place so great, and under-fished, ten minutes away, I often forget its even there. With the big rivers also within a reasonable driving distance, many people don't pay much attention to the East. The day was June 12, 2013. Thunderstorms were threatening my day in the water and time was against me. The temp was seventy-five degrees and the barometric pressure was falling. Water level was a bit high but visibility remained well enough for an excellent day of fishing.
     
         I started off at the Cherry River fishing access right off of Frontage Road. I had rigged a nymph-style, red san juan with a pheasant tail flashback on the bottom. The first hole I fished was at the end of the meandering foot trail that branches off from the main walking path. There is a nice little informative display about the fish that are found in the East Gallatin. It often poses as a good place for visitors to watch a fisherman catch a trout. Today I was on display, performing a handful of catch and releases for an audience of three people. It was enjoyable for me and them alike and I eventually had to move on. Around the next bend there are a couple of good runs but nothing produced fish. I crossed the river which was knee high and reasonably easy to pass. I made hast to find another similar hole such as the previous before the weather turned.

         By now, Im fairly secluded from yards and trails. Way back deep in the oasis that is the East Gallatin, I was hearing trout left and right. Big fish slurring in the shallows under trees. Little trout were flinging themselves out of the water about every eight to ten seconds. I was getting a feeling that these fish haven't been disturbed since last fall. The incoming weather was also for my advantage. I managed a few more twelve inch rainbows and a few more snags, resulting in using up my leader. I figured since I had a short leader, why not tie on a streamer? I chose a fairly heavy, large black streamer. I'm pretty good at pitching them right into the strike-zone, sometimes its within the same area as a basketball hoop. The risk at hand is losing a good fly and the time lost re-tying. The rain had started lightly falling and the wind had picked up. I was inside of this miniature wilderness which was coming alive as the thunderous anvil remained ominously in the background. Deer were on the move, birds and waterfowl were flying with a mission it seemed. The trout were hitting bugs off the water left and right still, and I now had a streamer in hand.

          I was quickly targeting the banks of either side, where there was slower moving or still water. Often with a backdrop of rip rap or gnarled up driftwood, bushes, and sometimes a car, I cast within an inch of the bank. The sound of the heavy streamer hitting the water will turn the head of any predatory trout. Brown trout are the beast within these slow pools of water. I noticed a small piece of water that was much slower, the current blocked by underwater debris. I knew there should be a fish lying there. The first cast hit the water with a hefty splash and I could see a bronze flash, a turn of the head and my streamer inhaled. I set the hook hard knowing what I had. The water then exploded and the fight was on. I was using a four foot leader with some 3X tippet tied on. I wasn't all that concerned about the tippet breaking until he ran into some deep, fast flowing water. It took me about three minutes to get him in calmer water. He then got tangled up in some sticks and I had twenty feet between me and him. I ended up getting him freed and to the shore. I snapped a few pictures, revived, and released him. I didn't get a length, but to me that was not important. It was a heck of a fish for such a small river and a very beautiful one at that. I managed two more nice browns on my way back and missed another nice one, perhaps the biggest of the day.

            Overall, it was an absolutely epic day in my book. I'm still avidly learning this sport and its great when you can catch a lot of fish. This greatly speeds up the learning process when you have so many opportunities to hook a trout. Its better yet having wild trout at the end of a line. That adds another layer on the cake. I managed a dozen or so rainbows and small browns with my nymphing set-up and three very nice fish on the streamer. I enjoy fishing both styles, but the process and reward of effectively using a streamer is incredible. Sure the East G. is a smaller river and has plenty of small fish, but it holds some very big trout, perhaps more so than the Gallatin River. I will always appreciate the East Gallatin River, it proves to be a quality river with little pressure right at home. Maybe I will see you out there in the water!

The East Gallatin River

               The East Gallatin starts off north of Bozeman as a small stream. As it makes its way west the river picks up a few spring creek tributaries and other run off creeks. By the time the East Gallatin meets up with its big sister, the West Gallatin, it's almost the same size. Most of the river meanders through private land so wading is needed to fish it well. The East Gallatin is considered navigable and the deeper, wider, western parts are float-able with tubes. This particular river is often overlooked by the majority of fly fisherman. Most are out enjoying the bigger well-known rivers that are nearby. The East Gallatin offers plenty of trout that, unlike the bigger rivers, are much more willing to take whatever is offered to them. The river is also very close to home. What a great place to go if you don't want to drive more than fifteen minutes to wet a line.

Upper section near Cherry River access

               With access right in Bozeman, the upper section is a quick escape to trout land. One could walk around a  few bends and suddenly be lost within thick deer and bird habitat. The sounds of the outside world are swallowed up by the rushing water and bird chatter. The rivers upper section is all around smaller, with rapids, runs, and pools. There are plenty of trout that live in this ten to fifteen  foot wide river section. I've had good luck here during fall, winter, and spring. I like to fish the upper section of the river when its windy or the weather is bad. The trees in this area of the East provide plenty of cover from the elements. With tight spaces, trees and thick brush, a smaller 7 foot rod would be practical.

Middle section

              Downriver from the Bozeman accesses (Cherry River off of Frontage Road and East Gallatin Recreation Area off of Griffith and Manley) there are a few other accesses. This is the middle of the East Gallatin and it spans from northwest of Bozeman to Belgrade. I use Google Earth to find all of the bridges and then see what kind of parking it provides. Bridges are legal access in all of Montana's navigable rivers. From then on you've got what seems like endless miles of trout water all to yourself. The trees that surrounded the East Gallatin a few miles upstream are now replaced by bits of trees here and there along with a few houses. Lots of rip rap used to secure the river from moving through peoples yards is scattered around bends. When flows are normal one could easily walk the banks without having to be in the water. 

Lower-mid section

              The further downriver you go, I believe the bigger the fish you will find. The river downstream from the middle section widens and deepens causing the flow to slow down. Big brown trout thrive in this kind of habitat where minnows, insects and other aquatic animals live. Streamer fishing targeted at the undercut banks will provide, from what I hear, some very nice brown trout. I tend to focus on this downstream section more this year. I believe it gets a lot less pressure and certainly a lot less live bait pressure. Waders are a must and a tube would be ideal for the western portion. The deep water and high banks make for constant wading. This section of the river is the most secluded section and offers one the ability to escape into Montana's great trout wilderness. Both sides of the bank from here on down are occupied by vast fields of wheat and grass. Its easy to get lost in such a slow moving, beautiful place. 

               The East Gallatin offers many opportunities to catch trout, hone in on skills, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors. The amount of nature one absorbs while standing in the East Gallatin, listening to the wind and the trees, the flowing water, birds, and among other things, catching trout, is what were really out here for. Too many people now a days are stuck in urban jungles or places without wildernesses and don't get out enough to really enjoy the outdoors. The East Gallatin provides this in an overlooked place right next to home. 

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River Fishing Trout: Winter Months

        River fishing trout in the winter months can be challenging and unpleasant. The weather can contribute to regular difficulties and make fishing much harder for a novice like myself. The wind is much colder on the exposed parts of the body such as face and hands. It's already hard enough fishing on a windy day for a beginner, let alone being warm while doing so. The water temperature of the streams are at an all time low. Putting ones hand in a cold river to release a fish can ruin the rest of the day if you cant get warm and dry. The lack of sun in the winter also factors into making it a harder time to fish. The fish are most active in the winter when the sun is at its highest. The longer the sun is shining on the river, the more the water heats up. During the winter solstice is probably one of the most difficult days of the year to fish. I'm not saying fishing is impossible on this day, its just that, with the lack of daylight, the water is going to stay very cold. Obviously, this very cold environment causes trouts metabolism to slow and they do not need to feed as often. With the bite being off during this time of year, many anglers don't want to fuss with the cold, and sometimes fierce winter weather. Remember, many trout anglers wade IN the water. A few hazards come into mind such as ice chunks and ice flows. If you lose your footing and fall below the surface, hypothermia can very quickly take your life.

       
          So the action is dull and the weather stinks, right? Well no. River fishing in the winter can be a rewarding experience. In Montana, like many other trout states, the mountainous terrain causes for unforeseen weather fronts and ever so changing weather reports. Most of us aren't going to run out to the river when there's forty mph winds or whiteout conditions, that would just be stupid; but for the love of trout, some will do it. You need to find yourself a day where temperatures are thirty degrees or more. I find that if the outside temp is below thirty degrees, trout fishing is very slow. There will be plenty of days where it is warmer than thirty degrees. So bundle up and bring what you need to stay warm. Later I will explain how to multiply your factors for success during this difficult time of year.

A warm winter day on the Gallatin River

         Lets say its late December and you've got the itch. Most public streams in Montana are closed this time of year and all that remain open are the big, vast rivers. Here in Southwest Montana, I have been fishing the lower Madison River and all stretches of the Gallatin River this last winter. I've had a lot of success! No matter where you go, as long as there are trout, you will hook up in the winter. If you have many options to choose from you should find which river would fish best in the winter. All rivers are different. Some have minerals which feed micro food which brings more trout food in the system. Some are tail waters or spring creeks which tend to be much warmer in the winter. These warmer bodies of water will have more active fish this time of year. The Madison River and all spring creeks will be significantly warmer. Regardless, wherever you find yourself putting on your waders, I'm willing to bet it is scenic and beautiful.

         I mentioned before that multiplying factors for success is important. Its simple. The more you do to make your presentation viable to winter trout, the more likely you will catch them. First we need to know that, since trouts metabolisms slow down in the winter, trout need to gain the energy they lose, plus some, while pursuing food items. Trout are constantly deciding whether or not insects or small fish are worth the energy to move and chase. It takes a small trout less energy to move further to eat than it takes a large trout, therefore the offering needs to benefit the fishes energy output. Small fish are less likely to chase a big minnow or sculpin and more likely to eat several small insects instead. Big trout, I've noticed, will go out of their way to eat a small trout. The energy output is high but they gain enough to satisfy their metabolism longer. Large trout will also be taken on the smallest flies this time of year but it needs to be presented close to the line the fish is concentrating on. Big baits, such as F-7 or F-11 Rapala, jigs, and large streamers will catch some big fish this time of year. The right small fly will also consistently catch trout.

Big trout/big crank bait

         Another thing you'll want to know is where the fish are this time of year. Out of all of the rivers I fish, this rule tends to stay the same. Trout are in deep holes, or deep slow moving runs. The brighter the sun is shining, the shallower the fish will move. Google Earth has been a big help for me this time of year during the hunt for deep holes along the Gallatin River. Every deep hole I've found has held many large trout. I found it was difficult to get my streamers and flies deep enough and resorted to crank baits and jigs. If you're fishing water where fly fishing is comfortable, the smaller the fly the better, and big streamers will produce.

Copper john #18

         The baits. You cant beat prince nymphs, zebra midge, or copper johns # 18-22. On sunny days I use dull colored flies and on overcast days I will throw shiny, flashy flies. I am still a very beginner dry fly fisherman so I cannot write about the subject in depth. There will most certainly be hatches on calmer days. If you notice many fish rising and you want to participate, try to match your pattern with what you see and go a size or two bigger. The fish tend to be less picky in the winter as food isn't as plentiful. So when a big brown trout in a deep hole under a bridge sees my big crank bait slowly chugging along near the bottom, it realizes that its a great opportunity and will quickly accept my offering. Earthly colored jigs such as grey, brown, dark purple, green, and black out fish bright colors. Personally, I didn't have much luck with spinners either this time of year. Black and brown wooly buggers, both dead drifting and with action, caught trout. Egg patterns work VERY well on top of a small dropper. Red San Juan worms continue to produce into winter as well.

            Winter fishing has its ups and downs. There are no birds chirping as the sun throws its rays over the cottonwoods down around your feet. The absence of leaves and green grass make the rivers look baron at times, as a howling cold wind pushes against the surface. If the fish aren't biting, there aren't many other reasons to be out there. Then again, there are days which are exceptional. Sometimes a calm forty degree day can yield thick, heavy snowflakes that fall silently amid the sound of the river. There are days that are unseasonably mild and you'd think that spring is only days away. Many people who spend time in the water during summer are out of town during the winter. The traffic is much lesser than that of early summer, where guides with groups of people from out of town are out and about. Fishing in solitude is one thing many fly fishers seek while catching trout, and during winter, one could certainly find that.

          There you have it. A small portion of the basics that I have learned with a lot of patience and frustration. Starting off with a spinning rod and transitioning to full time fly fishing during winter has taught me some good lessons. Trout aren't as easy as other fish. I expected to catch right on, and yes, with some luck I actually did pretty fair. I think that has to do with the sheer number of trout in the waters around here. Eventually a hungry trout is going to see your fly and give you a taste of the joy they provide. Its not so hard to fool a trout but it's a challenge to keep fooling them over and over again. I will hopefully spend a whole lifetime learning about these beautiful cold water fish.

                                                   I thank you for reading my blog.
                                                                  Stay tuned!

Starting the year off right...

         I've spent many many hours wading these beautiful streams and rivers here in big sky country. Only being here for one year, and a few hundred fish later, I consider myself a fair trout fisherman. I started off chasing trout by using the skills I learned from the warm waters of the Midwest, and have since transitioned into fly fishing.  Trout fishing was something I was very thrilled to immerse myself into. I was amazed to find out about the wonders of trout, they are nothing like the warm water species back home. There is a special allure to trout that only unveils itself the longer you are out there pursuing them.
           I started off buying my eighty dollar non-residential fishing license (must be a MT resident for 6 months). It was hard to stomach paying that much for less than a year of fishing but we are talking Blue Ribbon fisheries here. I was anxious to fish the deep, swirling pools, of crystal clear water that flowed through the canyons. Waterfalls, class IV and V rapids, to long running riffles paralleled by amber fields and high canyon walls were something to look forward to. Not only was I standing in the middle of a river in  a beautiful place, I was also catching fish.
           I have been living in the "last best place" since May of 2012, and hit the waters within the first few days of  my U-Haul return. The weather was always changing and unpredictable.You don't change your plans by what the forecast says, you just prepare for it. My exploring days began around July of '12. The weather by then had gotten very hot and dry. I often went to the river with my ultra-light, 4 lb test, a box of spinners, rapalas, and spoons, and just slay them! I would have days where I would catch fifteen or more. The fish were too easy and I would come home bragging!  The spinners and crank baits sure did kill them on some days, and I felt pretty confident with them. They didnt always work but I might as well have been fishing with live bait because my success rate was high. Who would have thought that six months later my theory on trout didn't improve at all. I just couldn't find a pattern on weather fronts, barometric pressure, changing temps, and how it effects the fish; this bothered me.
         I finally bought a fly rod and started the grueling process of relearning how to do something I've done all my life, fish. I felt I was getting away with murder, usually out fishing my fly fishing partners with spinning gear. I wanted a challenge, this was one major reason I made the switch. Let me tell you its A LOT harder than it looks! The wind, knots, and trees, are three things that can ruin your day, and until I learned how to improve my fishing with these factors, I could spend more time fishing and less time tying.
           It was probably somewhere around early September that I caught my first trout on a fly rod. I had just purchased a cheap nine foot rod and five-weight reel and a handful of flies. Very anxious, and unfortunately not knowing what I was getting myself into, headed to where dreams were made, the Gallatin River. My third or fourth cast into a beautiful hole resulted in a fourteen inch rainbow trout! Let me tell you the feeling of fighting a strong, cold water fish, on a nine foot rod and 3 lb tapered leader, incredible! The feeling after have landed my first trout on my first day with a fly rod was awesome. I myself had been hooked, ha!
          So I will share with all who are willing to accept, my trout fishing journey in Montana. My experience has taught me a few things about trout themselves, and also the trout have taught me. Spending hours and hours a day along a gently flowing stream, with hundreds of trout silently below the water, has showed me many things. Its not at all about catching the fish, its about immersing oneself in their world.