Every spring we get the annual runoff that turns our local rivers to turbulent, chocolate milk colored, raging waters. Fisherman run to the closest tail water to get their fix while waiting for local water to drop into shape again.Tailwater fishing can be a whole another ball game with a completely different batch of bugs to use. Here are some of our favorite tailwater bugs.
Ray Charles Sow Bug: Big tailwater fish love these little fresh water prawns and will stuff them selves to gills. Ray Charles Sow Bugs are a solid bet year round.
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Pink Lightning Bug: The Pink Lightning Bug is a great attractor fly and puts up big numbers in late winter and spring time. If you can’t tell already, pink is a great color for Montana tailwaters.
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Little Green Machine: A extremely productive spring baetis pattern. A must-have fly for fishing The Missouri in the spring. Originally tied by Vince Wilcox.
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Scuds: Freshwater shrimp are a huge food source for trout and are very common in the tailwaters of Montana. We fish them in pink, orange, and grey.
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Rainbow Czech Nymph: The Rainbow Czech nymph is a great lead fly for your nymph rig. It is nice and heavy and can pass for a caddis pupae or a scud.
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Hot Spot Wire Worm: This is a great fish finder no matter the conditions.
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JuJu Baetis: Originally tied by Charlie Craven and is produced by Umpqua. A great dropper fly for when fish are being picky. Send the Juju baetis through a pod of picky risers and see what happens.
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