Distinctly Montana Magazine

d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a • s p r i n g 2 0 1 4 20 FLIES FIrSt prESENtatIoN When spring creek trout are holding in deep or fast water traditional presentations of up and across for nymphs and dries are effective. When trout move into shallow glides during hatches it is more effective to position yourself directly across and slightly upstream from the fish. This allows your flies to move to the fish before they see the tippet and increases your hook-up percent- ages. This casting angler also accommodates specialty casts like reach casts and curve casts that help present the flies first ahead of the leader. SEarCH For WatEr tHat pErMItS a Drag- FrEE prESENtatIoN Since spring creeks are so productive in insect life, the trout populations are also much denser than on freestone rivers. Spring creeks are literally teeming with wild fish, and trout can often be found and seen in every run. One of the keys to consis- tently being successful on these challenging waters is to search for runs that allow for a very good drag-free presentation. Since the waters are often gin-clear, it can be difficult to pass up trout that you observe aggres- sively feeding. Anglers need to learn to read currents on spring creeks and select runs that won't generate drag on both dry fly and nymph presentations. Once you find a run that allows for just the right drift line it will be a solid producer from year to year. Some- times just moving your body position in a run a few feet upstream or downstream will change the geometry just enough to start producing hook-ups. 4 5 Catch a day in the life of a fly-fishing guide. www.distinctlymontana.com/fish142 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL one of the keys to consistently being successful on these challenging waters is to search for runs that allow for a very good drag-free presentation. Gallatin Valley Spring Creek 25" brown trout caught by Rich Birdsell and Brian McGeehan on Benhardt Spring Creek while filming for Trout TV. think of the possibilities for your spare bedroom! we custom design, build and install! 2301 Palmer | Suite #1 | Missoula, MT 406-240-3927 www.MontanaMurphyBeds.com pamschultze@gmail.com Murphy Wall Bed Hardware dealer Do you know your guest room is typically only used two weeks out of the year?

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