The fishing bug has bitten, again! Last summer I had the opportunity to fly fish for the first time in many years after we returned here to Montana. I got to fish in lower Willow creek near Phillipsburg only a couple times, but had fun catching some Cut Throat trout.
I have been getting my gear in order for this season, and actually went out and fished a small area of the Bitterroot River just south of Lolo on late afternoon. I did not catch anything but it felt good to get out for a couple hours.
I need some essential items for this season such as a good pair of waders, a fish net and would like to get a smaller 2nd fly rod, in the 4 or 3 weight class. Something in a medium fast pole for some small stream fishing. I have been studying a lot of websites and visiting out local sports equipment stores to check out all the equipment. Oh, yes, I have to make more money to purchase these items.
In order to get some expert help and guidance, I am considering hiring one of the many local fishing guides to take me out fishing as well, on one of the local rivers.
I had bit fished since the early ‘70s here in Montana, and of all the fishing equipment I had back then, the only single item I was able to retain was an old Perrine automatic fly fishing reel. I had all my old equipment as well as my fathers, including some lake fishing equipment for many years, but at one point threw it all away. I know wish I had not done that, but the equipment of today is much better. I will make some deals here and there and possibly pick up some bargains on eBay.
I have been getting my gear in order for this season, and actually went out and fished a small area of the Bitterroot River just south of Lolo on late afternoon. I did not catch anything but it felt good to get out for a couple hours.
I need some essential items for this season such as a good pair of waders, a fish net and would like to get a smaller 2nd fly rod, in the 4 or 3 weight class. Something in a medium fast pole for some small stream fishing. I have been studying a lot of websites and visiting out local sports equipment stores to check out all the equipment. Oh, yes, I have to make more money to purchase these items.
In order to get some expert help and guidance, I am considering hiring one of the many local fishing guides to take me out fishing as well, on one of the local rivers.
I had bit fished since the early ‘70s here in Montana, and of all the fishing equipment I had back then, the only single item I was able to retain was an old Perrine automatic fly fishing reel. I had all my old equipment as well as my fathers, including some lake fishing equipment for many years, but at one point threw it all away. I know wish I had not done that, but the equipment of today is much better. I will make some deals here and there and possibly pick up some bargains on eBay.
Update: I did get to go out fishing today after some chores on the computer for Chris’ family photo project and getting the exhaust pipe replace on the Acura (a little hole had developed in it). I drove out to Rock Creek and up Rock Creek road about 5 miles before pulling over and getting my rig set up. I used my old Perrine automatic reel on my cheep-o Chinese made Caddis Creek fly pole and off to the creek I trod. I had a fairly good time and the trout were taking my dry flys even though a May Fly hatch had begun. At one point I was casting right into a pool were they were raising to the May flies but NOT taking my lures (no, they were NOT May fly lures….go figure) so I just sat there on the bank wondering why I didn’t have the right flies with me!! I was successful in landing some small Brown trout on a parachute Adams and a Mahogany Dun however. So, after taking a few photographs of myself in my 'garb', I called it a day and headed home to my loved one, who had a long day at work!
