The Kingfisher Fly Shop's Five River Fishing Report

Things are Warming and Looking Up

By The Kingfisher Fly Shop, Unfiltered 2-22-06

Bitterroot

2/22/2006

REPORTS: It's supposed to be warming up substantially which should have things busting loose on the 'root. We've had reliable reports of good fishing even between the icebergs this past week. The skwala nymphs are already heavily in the shallows and just waiting to pop. Any sustained and moderate warm-up in the weather should see some very good fishing on this river. Once the skwalas do get to hatching, weather will be irrelevant. Some of the best dryfly action we've had during the skwala hatch has been on blowing and snowy days.

Blackfoot

2/22/2006

REPORTS: Still in snooze mode with the exception of a very few places. Even the few runs that're fishing decently are sketchy safety wise due to the shelf ice. You're better off waiting until the ice clears out a bit.

Clark Fork

2/22/2006

REPORTS: The Clark still has a ton of shelf ice and most of the areas that are accessible are not producing all that well. That could change in a hurry with the predictions of much warmer weather through the weekend. For now, though, this river's not your best option. Could be a different story by the weekend.

Missouri

2/22/2006

REPORTS: The river's still running around 5,000 cfs these days. The fishing's been hit or miss over here recently with the wind being a huge factor when things have been tough. With the forcast calling for warming temperatures and calming winds over the next few days, the Mo could be THE option for some consistent fishing (although we think the 'root is on the verge of busting loose for real too). If you're looking for something to push you over the hump until the local rivers get going, this is probably your best option.


Rock Creek

2/22/2006

REPORTS: Still an icy affair up on the creek these days, but that'll change in a hurry with the warmer weather on tap. I wouldn't be in any big hurry to head up here, but even a day or two of mid 30s to lower 40s will go a long way to making this a very attractive option. The lower end of Rock Creek or the Clark Fork near the Rock Creek confluence are two areas where the first skwalas of the season are regularly spotted. Count on the shorelines to be loaded with the nymphs at this point.

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