Lakes Report

While the chironomids remain the most prevalent and important insect on Hebgen currently, anglers willing to explore venues either lower in elevation or shallower in depth may find some fun thanks to Callibaetis and damselfly activity.  This time of year...

On Henry’s the tomfoolery surrounding the “false spawn” is rapidly waning and chironomid activity is picking up speed.  Look for chironomid emergence activity to start in the mid-morning on warmer days, and at midday or even in the afternoon on cooler days.  Be prepared with pupa and emerger patterns in a range of sizes, and examine the shucks on the water and bugs in the air to select a size.  If you can find a live pupa, note the color!  While most of our early season chironomids have dark bodies, there can be some surprises.   

We’ve been seeing some great fishing on Hebgen Lake lately. Callibaetis hatches have been strong, with good spinner falls, and finally the trout are in “gulper” mode, patterning their rises. When the trout are putting only two and three rises...