The End Approaches

The leaves are changing and every hard, cool breeze sends a whirlwind of them from their limbs. Mahoganies and BWO's are hatching daily, bull moose and big bucks are moving through the meadows, and Lolo peak has a fresh cap of snow. It is fall in Montana and close to the end of the season--but it's not over yet. With just 2 1/2 weeks left in the season, the Blue Damsel staff is looking forward to a few more weeks of new friends, new fish stories, and, as always, good food. 

Like the late September days, the lodge updates are becoming shorter. Things are cruising to a smooth and happy finish. The fishing is solid, the weather is beautiful, and we are constantly surrounded by friends. It is easier to write about bad news. We don't have any.

Dry Fly Dreams

The last week has been good to Blue Damsel anglers. Yesterday, a raucous group of Texas boys spread out on stretches of the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot. They returned with goofy grins and stories of fish between 16" and 20" (and one 24", although the fish was "dropped" before a picture was taken). 

With hecubas, blue-winged olives, and mahoganies on the water, the fishing scenario has changed from our usual summer pattern. Although prospecting for fish with a hopper-dropper is effective, most folks are finding success by fishing two dries--a big hopper in front of a smaller mayfly or mayfly attractor pattern. Catching a trout is catching a trout; always great. But seeing a big trout-nose break the surface film to seep down a dry fly is what we all dream about. Sweet dreams!

Fall is Here

With shorter days, cooler nights, and the occasional rain, Fall has arrived on Rock Creek. And with it comes dry flies, streamers, and lots of active trout. 

Mahoganies, blue-winged olives, and hecubas are out in big numbers on all our rivers. With mayflies on the water, we see lots of trout noses poking through the surface film, mouths open. The fishing can be technical, but it's some of the most satisfying angling we have all year--when the cast, the drift, and the hook set must be in perfect rhythm to stick that lunker. 

The leaves have just started to blaze yellows and oranges and reds. Nearly every night there is a fire crackling in the fire place, surrounded by happy anglers telling stories of fall fishing in Montana.