April 1st is a Big Day

April 1st is a significant date for anglers in our part of the state because the Big Hole River in its entirety will open to fishing. All of the river below Dickie Bridge has been closed since August of last year other than a ten day window late last September.  Additionally, the Beaverhead River downstream from. Barrett’s Diversion to Twin Bridges opens on the 1st as well.  Due to an early spring and a mild winter we expect both rivers to fish well with decent water temps and good water conditions.  The Beaverhead River from Pipe Organ Bridge downstream to the diversion at Barretts and Poindexter Slough have been open all winter and have provided some solid fishing with the abnormally warm daytime temperartures.

Beaverhead River – The standard setup with an Olive Spanish Bullet on the bottom and a black zebra midge above has produced fish all winter with the possibility of some better fish eating midge dries in the afternoons on cloudy days.  Natural zonkers and small dungeons have been the go to streamers.

Poindexter Slough – Olive Spanish Bullets and olive scuds have been the flies of choice on the slough.  Mix in a small San Juan worm when the water is a bit off color.  Small dark streamers are working well on cloudy days.

Clark Canyon Reservoir – The wind has been cranking for the last ten days making conditions at the lake difficult at best.  The warmer temps this week should bring more fish into the banks this week as water temps climb.  When the fan does get turned down a bit we expect some great spring fishing.  Small marabou jigs under an indicator rule the day but leeches in olive, brown and black will catch fish as well.