A Fly Fishing Tradition Since '78
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1716 West Main St.
Bozeman, MT 59715

(406) 587-4707 or Toll Free (800) 646-7847

IN THIS ISSUE
What's Fishing?
What's Going On @ Troutfitters?
What to Fish?
QUICK LINKS

 Winston Rods

Look Out...
It's On the Way!
 
The Latest In Boron Technology
From Winston
 
THE Boron II-MX
 
Maximum Power!
Maximum Distance!
It's Time for the Big Boys & BWO's
 
BWO
Finally fall is here, I don't want to see another sunny day in the 90's for another year! Bring on the cloud cover, the rainy weather, the baetis and the brown trout.
 
Thankfully it seems as if fishing is starting to turn the corner now, the big rivers are more productive, streamer fishing is starting to pick up, and things are definitely cooling down. As we roll into fall here, keep in mind that the bright sunny days aren't going to be your most productive - so when you see rain in the forecast, call into work sick and go fishing! (Just don't tell the boss...)
 
Good luck fishing!
 
Early Season Fishing 
 
Kris
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What, When and Where...
The Important Stuff!
Everyone always wants to know where the good fishing is, and this summer it was pretty easy to narrow down a few places with the weather we had. Now it's fall, fishing season is really upon us (at least if you ask me) and this is the time to hit the big rivers gunning for big fish.
 
So we bring you another episode of where to go!
 
The Yellowstone
This may be a bit biased, but I love the Yellowstone and so when it comes time to be fishing in the fall, there isn't a river I like more in the state. You can start to shorten up your floats, get out early to get some good streamer fishing in, or if it's overcast grab a rainjacket and make an all day affair out of it. Streamers have started picking up, terrestrials are mostly done now, and BWO's have started popping here and there, it will only get better from here on out until sometime in November.
 
The Lower Madison 
Well, well... It's been a rough go of it this summer for the Lower river, but fall has hit, water temps have plummeted, restrictions have been lifted, and this baby is ready to rock and roll. As we get further into the month of September and into October this thing has some great BWO fishing, some even better streamer fishing, and almost always can catch fish on crayfish.
This is another one of my favorite places in the fall - specifically the stretch from Varney on down to the lake. The braids are also another fun place to go blast streamers in the fall looking for a big boy. You can't fish from a boat but you can get out and wade fish the channels really easily. And the biggest brown trout stretch of river in the state is from Varney to Ennis where FWP consistently shocks fish over 9lbs, need I say more...
Sorry to anyone who thought this was their secret spot, it's not, just count the numbers of guide boats going down this stretch these days. Gone are the days of having this stretch of water from Manhattan to Logan to yourself, but there are still plenty of bruisers to catch down here. This is strictly streamer fishing water, maybe a few dries, but honestly - if you don't like pitching junk, don't bother.
The Missouri
So you have to have a few places to go throw some BWO's in the fall as well, and what better place than a giant spring creek that's right out of our backdoor within a 2 hour drive. The Missouri was pretty slow at the end of the summer, but since the weather has rolled in, look for this to be a great baetis fishery for the next month or two... plus it isn't a bad place to pitch streamers either!
The Big Horn
I might take a shot at the Big Horn every now and again...Disneyland...But in all honesty, this is one of the preeminent fisheries in all of America, and there is no better time to start poking this thing than when a few people start to leave. The fall sees the crowds thin out some and mid week you can have sections of the river to yourself. Add in some good BWO fishing and spawning browns staging all the way through November and you have a recipe for success!
 
Troutfitters LogoWhat's Going On This Fall
at Troutfitters?

It's going to be a busy fall season here at Montana Troutfitters.  So whether you are looking for gear on sale, fly tying classes, some fishing technique tips, or just some general info, check out what we have in store for you this fall at our shop!

Annual Fall Sale
Starting Thursday October 11th and Running Through Sunday October 21st
Rental and Demo Gear, Winston and Ross Reels, Dan Bailey's Waders, Under Armour Clothing, Select Fishpond Gear and More!!!
 
Fly Tying Classes
Again this year we will be offering fly tying classes all fall/winter long. The first run of beginner classes starts on Tuesday November 13th. We are the headquarters for all of your fly tying needs.

Suds Bugs & BS
Yes, it's back for a second season. Who needs an excuse to leave their significant other for a night and do some fly tying? You of course! Now you have it. Every Thursday evening starting November 15th we will be tying flies, watching fishing movies, and lying about everything to do with fishing. (come on, after all we're all fishermen right?) All you need to do is bring your vise, some materials and whatever else you need for a night of fun. 6pm till whenever I have to kick everyone out of the shop and head home!
 
Streamer Fishing Clinic
So you really would like to learn how to fish the big nasties, but you don't know where to start? Well, let a few guys who know what it's all about show you how it's done. Myself and a few of my close friends will be putting on a full day streamer fishing clinic during the time of the year you should be fishing the big stuff. Learn techniques, gear selection, and where to employ what tactics. Cost of the class is $65 per person and will include instruction, gear if needed, and refreshments. Class is being held on Saturday November 3rd. Call for more details.
 
What You Should Be Throwing...So What Streamers
(or flies) Should You Use?
This isn't the time of year (in my opinion) to be throwing tiny flies! Unless of course you are looking at some rising fish eating BWO's, then you better have some good dry fly patterns! Otherwise, it's the time of year to grab your junk and head on out. Below you will find a few new patterns, some good oldies, and a few solid suggestions.
(and no you can't find that thing in a bin anywhere...but if you tie, we can talk behind closed doors)
 
JJ's Special
JJ Special
  • This is an oldie but goodie, the recipe is on our website, the pattern is undeniably effective. Maybe it's the color scheme, maybe it's the rubberlegs, maybe it's everything - one thing's for sure, this bad chicken catches fish period.
Rag Sculpin
The Rag
  • This is a pattern that looks kind of like a wet piece of dog in the water when you first start fishing it. But deaddrifted, this is one of the best sculpin patterns out there. This is a favorite of several of my friends, and is just as good on the Yellowstone as the Madison - a great point fly in a two fly rig.
Stinger Sculpin
Stinger Sculpin
  • Now you're talking my language - Gamakatsu stinger hook, nasty profile, and buggy as all getup with some flash... This is a good bug for those of you who have graduated from your father's size 10 wooly buggers and are looking for a pattern with serious big fish potential.
 
Flash Fry
Flash Fry
  • This is another great streamer pattern you may or may not have seen. It's got the ingredients to be good - a fair amount of flash and rabbit! I'm a big fan of rabbit on streamers, the stuff moves well in the current and almost breathes like a marabou - it brings your flies to life.
 
Hi Vis Paramerger BWO
Hi Vis Paramerger BWO
  • That's a mouthful, fortunately the trout like it and you don't have to tell them it's difficult to say! This is a great little pattern for anyone who has a tough time seeing emerger's and wants an effective pattern they can see and catch fish on.
 
Copper Bead Mayfly
Copper Bead Mayfly
  • This is a nice little pattern that I like to switch it up with in the fall when I get sick of throwing Pheasant Tails. A pattern from the mind of Mike Mercer - no wonder it works - this combines the aspects of your traditional patterns with a twist, a copper bead, and some epoxy. Deadly on the East...
Win Six Winston Rods
R.L. Winston Rod Co.
Coming down the homestretch of it's second season, the good folks at Winston & Montana Troutfitters bring you the Cast A Winston Contest. All you need to do to be eligible to Win a Grand Prize of Six Winston Rods is simply stop down and cast a rod. Seems like a small price to pay for the opportunity to be casting six of your own.
 
Of course, if you're going to cast a Winston, we highly recommend the BIIX, still the lightest, and still the best fishing rod on the market. Sorry Sage!
The Winston BIIX 
Contest Ends December 31st, But in Montana It Ends When You Can't Cast Outside... So Hurry!
Call or stop in for more details
Montana Troutfitters
1716 West Main St
Bozeman, MT 59715
800-646-7847
Montana Troutfitters | 1716 West Main Street | Bozeman | MT | 59715