Fishing Report 05-22-18

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Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash

​Rivers and Streams opened on May 19th. Most of them are still high and muddy around NW Montana still. We should see that tapering off as the run off slows down.

Thompson & Fisher Rivers
Both rivers have been staying fairly clear. Try small dry flies in PMD or Adams. Spinners try your small Panther Martins or Thomas Cyclones.

Echo Lake
Fishing excellent for Bass. Try tubes by Backwater Baits, a new LOCAL company. Strike King 1.5 square bill crankbaits or jerk baits are working too. Be sure to check regulations on Bass. Most all lakes in Western Montana are catch & release only until July 1.

Middle Thompson
Excellent for Perch and Pike. The Salmon are also biting. Try near the weed edges for Pike and Perch. The West End, Trolling seems to be the key for your Salmon.

Bitterroot Lake
Salmon bite is going well! Try jigging the South End in 50’-60’ water. The Rainbow should be good with a trolling setup in the late evenings.
Lower StillwaterExcellent Pike & Perch. Shoot for the West End with live leeches for Perch in the weeds, 8’-15’ of water. For your Pike cast some spinnerbaits.

Loon Lake (Near Ferndale)
Excellent Bass & Perch action. Hearing about a few Trout in the early mornings.

Fennon & Church Sloughs
Both are high and muddy. Look in the back ends for Bass, Pike and Crappie. Despite the muddy water, they are fishing well.
Island LakeGood reports of medium sized Perch (7”-11”) and lots of small Pike.

Lake Mary Ronan
Excellent Salmon fishing right now (12”-14”). Jigging good Perch and Bass as well. Stop by Mt. Meadows and say I to the new owners while you are there.

Loon Lake (Thompson Chain)
Excellent Bass & Pike. Try Pete’s Crappie Candy in pink for Bass and Panfish. Smelt in the bays is working on the Pike.

Beaver Chain of Lakes
Good Trout fishing in the early morning and late evening. Small boats trolling Cowbells with Double Whammy Spinners seem to be the best. Flicker Shad or small Flat Fish are doing well also. Fishing from the banks use Powerbait as that seems to be the ticket.

Blanchard Lake
Excellent Bass and Crappie. Mostly on the West End of the lake in the timber. Don’t forget Crappie are spawning so they can be over harvested in the spring.​

Good Luck and have a great Memorial Day Weekend.
Remember Catch Your Limit but Limit Your Catch.