Montana Fish Report

The perch have moved off of their spawning beds. After they finish with their spawn, they start to suspend over deep water. The best way to catch them is to slow troll with 1 to 2 colors of lead core. Go as slow as you can, even less than 1 mile per hour. You don't have to be very deep; the fish are usually only 15 to 20 feet down. Slow troll a small, broken-back Rapala or small crankbait.  Remember you can’t use any bait, or scented lures, and your hooks must be barbless. Nothing much has changed from last week’s report.  The algae bloom continues to hamper fly fishing.  The creek mouth and channels in McGee Bay continue to hold fish.  The problem is that you only get an hour or two of clean water before the breeze pushes the thick algae back in.  I've been spending most of my time up in the North Arm.  If you go far enough through the weeds, you will find some clean water.  You can find fish cruising the Owens River channels all the way from 9 feet out to 16 feet of water.   The best flies up here have been a small size 12 bead-headed Birds Nest on top, with a small Shaft Emerger on the bottom.  When you are fishing a perch pattern, like the Birds Nest, make sure you give it some action.  Just strip in some line every 20 or 30 seconds.   Thanks,  Mickey Baron Crowley Lake Guide Service (760) 935-4301                                                                                                                                          Every time I go on the lake I land a Brown over 4#. This is one of the best post summers I have seen in a long time. The weather for the most part has cooperated and the water temps are falling slowly. The fish will move up to the north end soon and it will end up epic but for now the second algae bloom is thick up there and the quality fish really are not there yet for us trollers.  Guide trip Saturday had seven fish over three pounds for kids of 10 and 12 years old. Three fish were over four pounds and one was in the five pound class. If I were going to fish the lake tomorrow I’d go to McGee Bay and fish the 24-28 foot water putting lures down 16-18 feet. As the morning goes on move the lures down to the 20 foot level and move out to the 26-30 foot water.  The best lures have continued to be the Tasmanians in various frog patterns.  No. 9 floating Rapalas in black and silver or rainbow colors are hot.  Arctic Fox trolling flies in the tui chub color are also working.  Only so much time to try other stuff but I know the Needlefish will work if put in the proper depths and most of the Mirra Shad and Cultivas also will work.  Don Meier   CPR Guide Service   760 784 1524