What can I say? Now that the water levels have dropped fishing overall has been excellent. Western Montana is definitely living up to the reputation of being one of the best dry fly fishing places in the west. In our shop business traffic was slow in May, significantly improved in June, and even with gas prices and the slow economy, July has been very busy. It is a fact that once people have had the “Montana Experience” they can’t resist returning.

We have had many customers call, discuss the conditions, tell us they can’t make it this year, and a few weeks later, call back to confirm their trip. We are looking forward to a wonderful summer and fall in the Bitterroot Valley.

We have agencies predicting what our summer weather is going to be, and, unfortunately, or fortunately, they never seem to be right. I am predicting we will have a summer with no river closures due to high water temperatures; we will have sufficient water flows to support our fisheries thru-out the year; and 2008 will go down as a banner year for Montana fishing. Outfitters and guides are required to be trained in first aid and most of them have medical CPR training. What I am suggesting, is that everyone who fishes our waters think about supporting our non-medical CPR program which is …… ”CATCH, PICTURE, and RELEASE”. If you really need a fish to eat, and the regulations for the district you are fishing in allow it, then do it. Otherwise, please practice CPR.

As I have already stated, our fishing has, and, I predict, will continue to be good. What we have been experiencing is excellent hatches and fish response. Golden Stones, Bitterroot Stones, Pale Morning Duns, Blue Wing Olives, Yellow Sallies, Grass Hoppers, it goes on.

If I were setting up a fly box for the summer it would contain: for dry flies, Golden Stones, Madam X, Yellow Sally, Blue Wing Olives, Grey-Brown-Green Drakes, the same in cripples, Grass Hoppers, Purple Haze, Yellow-Red-Grey-Royal Humpies, Wulfs in Royal, Yellow, Grey, Stimulators in all colors, and I can continue.

The point is that if we purchased all flies recommended by the media we couldn’t afford to fish. Check with the local shops, get their local current updated reports on hatches and what’s working and when, buy or tie the flies that are working and go fishing. Local shops should always give accurate information because they need your business and want you to return.

I will end this month’s article with two statements said by famous people.

“When a man picks up a fly rod for the first time, he may not know, he has been born again.”

- Joseph D. Farris

“It has always been my private conviction that any man who pits his intelligence against a fish and loses has it coming.” -John Steinbeck

Best Fishes, Dick Galli

The Flyfishing Center

914 N. 1st St. Suite A

Hamilton, Montana 59840

(406) 363-3801

www.ontanaflyfishingcenter.com