With the unseasonably hot dry weather that we’ve been having, FWP has instituted hoot owl closures on the Blackfoot to protect the fish from over stressing. So starting at 2pm anglers need to stop fishing and pull up their line for the day. If the Clark Fork fishing well diverts some attention away from the Blackfoot, that wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. The Blackfoot has had a great summer, except that it’s getting pretty low, but that also means that it’s been quite popular. It’s still the mid-summer stuff up here right now, so get out and have fun while you can. For dries use big PMDs, BWOs, elk hair caddis, hoppers, Chernobyls, Stimulators, half downs, bullet heads, parachute adams, and purple hazes. For nymphs use Pat’s rubber legs, princes, double beaded stones, micro stones, beer head baetis, San Juan worms and batman nymphs. For streamers use big dark double bunnies, sculpzillas, mouthwashes, standard buggers, sparkle minnows and dark articulated patterns. Given the historically hot conditions, FWP has enacted the hoot owl fishing closures. Since the water temperatures on the rivers have been in the mid 70’s by mid afternoon, the survivability of the fish drops dramatically from the low oxygenated water and high stress. It’s mandatory but also in the best interest of the resource to stop around 2pm and give those little fishes a break. Thanks for your cooperation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: You know we’ll refill your Kingfisher-label gink bottles for a buck, don’tcha? |