holter

Bray Gulch Fire Holter

New Fire at Holter Lake

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]KRTV (Great Falls) reported that the BLM campgrounds on Holter Lake were evacuated/closed this afternoon, due to a new fire above the Lake. I went up last night to take a look as there wasn’t much information on the news. Ironically, the smoke we’ve had finally cleared this evening so I could get a good look.

I wasn’t sure where the fire was and if I would be able to see it. As you can see, I could. Eery as a photograph. Too quiet. Every fire photo causes me to imagine men in yellow shirts busting there butts to get it under control, and lots of noise.

Unfortunately it was very windy as well. I hope that I don’t have any more photos in the following days. I know that local firefighting crews are on it. Stay safe.

The fire is being called the Bray Gulch Fire. Beartooth Road (the paved road from Wolf Creek Bridge to the dam/Bullpen) is closed as of last night.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”13826″ link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Montana Perch Fishing

Dual Sport

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The other day top-guide Nick Stipech invited me to go do a little Perchin’ up on Holter Lake. He did some recon off the dock the evening before and said it was good. He though we should take my Towee Calusa skiff up there and hit some of the bays on the lake. Maybe get a Walleye or three as well.

Like many of the current crop of top fly-fishing guides, Nick is a Dual-Sport angler. On a rare day off, he’s just as likely to chase down a potential hot Walleye bite with his spinning rod, as he is to grab his 5 weight and hit some evening Drakes. In fact he’ll probably do both. Nick grew up on Michigans Upper Peninsula, an area famed for both conventional and fly fishing. Nick is enthusiastic about and excels at both disciplines.

After a quick lesson from Nick in the art of rigging a slip bobber, we were off and running. Once we patterned the Perch (realized they were right under the boat), we were into them constantly. We only quit because we ran out of bait.

Fishing is a Bloodsport, right?[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”12655″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”12656″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]After we figured out how to get overloaded stringer #1 into the boat and got the Perch on ice, we decided to do a little exploring around Holter Dam.

HOLTER PORTAGE

I didn’t know that the “portage” at Holter Dam was so well marked and easy to access. These portages were used quite a bit during the 2004-2006 Lewis & Clark Expedition Bi-Centennial. During those years we saw quite a few floaters doing the Astoria, OR – St. Louis, MO paddle (usually in canoes). We still see one or two float through Craig every year.

We’ve both seen one side of the dam many times. Pretty interesting to spend some time on the other side.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][us_image image=”12661″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12660″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][vc_column_text]We could only delay the inevitable for so long, so we headed back to the boat ramp and the dreaded fish cleaning station. Lots of fillet’s to deal with. Little ones. Thankfully the BLM has fantastic fish cleaning stations with water and “fish-grinders” that make the chore pretty easy.

What a great break from our usual routine. We love the Missouri River, the trout and the great hatches. But Craiglandia is an intense place. Customers have high expectations, and we place lots of pressure on ourselves to deliver every day. In July it’s busy, and talking “fly fishing” all day every day can wear on you.

Nice to get out in a low pressure environment and act like a couple of kids. Or a couple of kids with a cooler full of beer.[/vc_column_text][us_separator show_line=”1″ line_width=”default”][us_image image=”12666″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Holter Dam Montana

Fishing in the Dark

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I was cruising around the river last night seeing who’s out enjoying this wonderful weather, and listening to “deflate-gate” coverage on ESPN Radio. Temperatures were balmy. Lots of anglers up around the dam. Chasing the unheralded Walleye and Burbot no doubt (unheralded by fly-flickers, that is). I always forget how bright it is at night below Holter. You almost don’t need a headlamp.

Here’s a few shots of the clear skies, calm wind and shirtsleeve weather we’re experiencing right now. As today is supposed to be warmer and flamer, it might be a good night to break out some black buggers, a Mozuri Minnow or Kreelex and try a little night fishing.

And if you’re thinking a Zebco and some dead minnows might work better than the fly fishing gear, we won’t criticize. We’ve been known to build a fire, bring a cooler of beer, and soak a bait below Holter during a few winter nights.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9369″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][vc_column_text]In the picture above you can see some bright white lights in the lower right. Headlamps from a good size crew of Walleye/Burbot anglers. Below, Holter Lake all lit up. Should brought a rod along with the camera gear.[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”9368″ size=”full” link=”” onclick=”lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row]