Walleye found in Swan Lake, Montana

Photo from: http://www.mnnature.org

Two 17-inch, mature Walleye were caught in Swan Lake, Montana during the fall gill netting to remove invasive lake trout.  Walleye are not native to the Flathead drainage and have the potential to become invasive in Swan Lake which is one of the last remaining strongholds for bull trout in Montana.  

These fish were recently introduced by some asshole bucket biologists.  If you have any information call 1-800-TIP-MONT.  There is a $15,000 reward. 

Read more about the story at:  http://www.dailyinterlake.com/

Mint condition Martin MG-7 fly reel!

My new, mint condition, Martin MG-7

I scored this never-been-used Martin MG-7 from an estate sale here in Butte, Montana.  I don't even know if this beauty has ever seen the light of day!  The research I have done, dates this model to the late 70's.  It came with the original leather pouch, a warranty, and instructions pamplet complete with the little metal logo.

I've been debating whether to put it on the shelf as a museum piece or to fish it.  I'd love to put it on a glass rod!  I think I'll fish it and cherish it.  You should hear the sounds it makes!  I can't wait to hear it scream!

(Updated after work)  Ha ha ha.  I wrote this post in a huge hurry before work today.  I didn't realize how bad my grammar was and that I put the same picture on there twice!  Sorry, fixed it.

Clark Fork Coalition hosting Modesty Creek restoration presentation in Missoula (updated)

Photo from clarkfork.org

Next Tuesday at 12:00 pm, the Clark Fork Coalition will be having a presentation about the recently restored/reconnected Modesty Creek as part of their "Walks and Talks" series.  The presentation will be at their office in Missoula at 140 S. 4th St. W.  The  restoration site is upstream from the town of Deer Lodge.  Modesty Creek is a tributary to the Upper Clark Fork and has been diverted and disconnected from the Clark Fork for a long time.

Visit the Clark Fork Coalition's website for more information on the project and the field trip.

Autumn is about more than just brown trout...

Giant Georgetown Lake brook trout

I absolutely love brown trout!  I live in a part of Montana which is lousy with tons of huge, angry browns and fall is like the Superbowl of brown trout fishing.  However, it's always good to remember that there are some other great fall spawners worth pursuing as well.

Georgetown Lake, Silver Bow Creek, and the Big Hole River all hold larger-than-average sized brook trout.  The monster male shown above was over 20" long!  I bet folks back east didn't know they could get that big.  Our brook trout here in SW Montana (especially in Georgetown Lake) rival those found in Labrador, Newfoundland.

Other fall species to chase in Montana are:

• Kokanee salmon (landlocked sockeye) - great fun and good food
• Lake Trout moving out of Flathead Lake (yes, in the fall you can catch them on streamers in shallow water and the Flathead River)
• Bull Trout (only in the South Fork of the Flathead!!)
• Pike seem extra feisty in the fall and are easy to spot in the Lower Clark Fork and Bitterroot
• There is even a strain of fall spawning rainbow in the Upper Missouri (above all the dams)

For all of these fish, you'll want to throw streamers.  Check out the streamer factory on my dining room table.  Priorities.

Red Boat Mark's dining room table

It's fall, get out there!!

Montana Fly Fishing Magazine - Fall 2015!

In this issue:

“Moments” photo essay by Travis Bradford

“The Bighorn River” by Steve Galletta

“Artist Profile: Kelsey Dzintars” by Greg Lewis

“Try Hot Melt Glue” by Joe Nicklo

“The Unknown Angler” a photo essay by Greg Lewis

“The Legend of Pishkun” by Chris Hickman

“Complete the Circle” Poetry by Jesse Bussard, Art by Ben Whitehead

Gear Reviews

Don’t forget to tell your friends about this magazine, and that it’s absolutely free

Click the image below to read:

Public meeting on Beaverhead and Big Hole rules this week

Beaverhead River, MT

Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks is hosting two public meetings next week to take comments and questions about the Beaverhead and Big Hole River Recreation Rules.

The meetings are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. @:

Dillon: Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the University of Montana-Western Block Hall #311
Butte: Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Butte Ranger District, 1820 Meadowlark Drive