Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 23 FLY-FISHING IN MONTANA NIGHT by M A R Y S Y R E T T & F R A N K Z E N T N E R Granted, night fishing is somewhat more difficult to do than fishing when the sun is shining. However, the practice is becoming increasingly popular. In hot weather during the day, fish go deep in order to find more oxygen, making them somewhat difficult to catch. At night, fish rise in the water, making them more accessible. With a few pointers, you can make your nocturnal outings enjoyable and productive. • START WITH A BODY OF WATER THAT YOU KNOW WELL. e lake or river on which you choose to fish will affect your success at night and can also be a factor in your safety. Because you have fished it many times in the past, you will be aware of natural or man-made obstacles. • MAKE SURE THAT THIS BODY OF WATER ROUTINELY YIELDS FISH. If you can catch a large mouth bass at high noon on your fa- vorite lake, you can likely catch one around midnight at or near the same place. Heavily fished lakes during the day are excellent nighttime fishing spots. Although a huge influx of anglers may turn fish off during the day, those same fish will be more prone to actively feed once the sun goes down, giving you access to heretofore untapped angling possibilities. • CHOOSE A LAKE OR RIVER THAT HAS ACCESS POINTS TO THE AREAS YOU INTEND TO FISH. Launch ramps with only a short run are best, especially for the ease and safety they provide. Clear water is preferred over dirty or stained, as it will increase the likelihood of fish locating your fly. Weather conditions often play an im- portant role in your fishing success. e most productive nights often occur after a sunny day. • STOCK YOUR FLY TACKLE BOX WITH BIG, BOLD PATTERNS. When fishing a fast-moving section of water, you need flies that are both heavy and flashy. Should you decide to fish slow-moving water, you will need large, bushy flies in your angling arsenal. • GET THE MOON TO HELP YOU. e moon is such an important play- er when night fishing, you'll wonder why you never thought of the earth's natural satellite earlier as a fishing ally. But be advised: the night atmosphere is so different, the pattern of light and shadows so varied, you may lose your bearings in the moonlight. ank- fully, the brilliance of a full moon lights up calm waters so that you can often spot fish in the shadows in the water. On bright moonlit nights, pick fishing spots where shadows are dense. On other nights, sidle up to your favorite nighttime spot and cast a fly. What happens then may exceed your expectations.

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